Column: Aaron Worm, Behind the Mic

My 4-year-old son, Isaak, got his first taste of skating and hockey on Sunday. As a parent, I have learned a lesson. I should have taken him on the ice and helped him learn to skate a little before his first day of Rink Rats.

Now, there were many other kids who fell down a lot, just like my son, but I don’t think he was prepared for how often he would land on the ice.

His preparation for the day included watching an episode of “Caillou” on PBS where Caillou fell many times his first time skating and got frustrated, but learned that the more he practiced the better it would get. Before we left for the arena Isaak told me he wouldn’t have to skate much because he wants to be a goalie. I explained that goalies skate too, but he was more focused on stopping pucks.

Obviously his days of being a goaltender are way down the line but he was excited to get his helmet, pads and his stick. Bob Furland was nice enough to help Isaak get ready for his first ice experience since I had no experience putting on hockey gear.

I love hockey; watching it, broadcasting it and I enjoy being around the game, I just have never been a good skater.

Sometimes I am clumsy just walking so putting a blade or wheels under my feet has always been an adventure.

My dad took us out when we were younger to outdoor rinks but I remember a lot of times I just preferred wearing my boots over putting on skates. I enjoyed roller skating as a kid, one of my favorite field trips was to the roller rink in Faribault. I am sure I looked awkward with my arms reaching out, always trying to keep my balance. One thing I have never been able to do on wheels or ice is stop. I always would have to hit the wall to put on the brakes.

When Isaak got on the ice he was helped by one of the members of the Waldorf hockey team.  The pattern of falling and getting up went on for about 10 minutes before he looked over at me with tears in his eyes and asked me to come on the ice. I felt bad that he had a rough first time out, and that he was not prepared for his first ice experience.

When we got home I asked if he wanted to go back next week, and with a big smile he said, “yes.” I was happily surprised, that he was going to give it another try.

He said, “Dad, I just have to keep my skates straight.”

It was a definitely a proud parent moment.

This week I promised him that we would head down to the arena and practice. So if you see a parent and his son out on the ice this week not moving very fast that would be us. But at least when we fall we will be doing it together.

 

KATE Radio Sports Director Aaron Worm’s column appears each week in the Tribune. He can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekdays on The Breeze.