For the last 5 years, I have been in an ice-rink watching hockey, a sport my daughter has loved since a very early age. We currently follow hockey teams from Vermont, Minnesota, Boston, Utica, and Maine – all because of the connections that were made from Kayla being on Team Impact. It has been those teammates that have gone above and beyond to show Kayla acceptance, patience, and kindness. These women are the ones that will forever have a special place in her heart.
I am not in the rink watching my daughter play hockey for hours on end. I am in the rink watching my daughter give high fives to the players, cheering on her teammates, or watching her ride the Zamboni. I am watching her excitement as the teams come out on the ice and warm up. I am watching her make connections to players whom she looks up to and admires.
I am traveling to women hockey games close and far because it’s the place my daughter is the happiest. There is no stress, no academics, and no peer social interactions she must worry about. It’s a place where the players, coaches, staff members, and officials treat her with kindness and acceptance. It’s a place she can be herself.
I have never played competitive hockey, but for the last 5 years, all my child and I have been exposed to is kindness. Maybe it’s different when you are on the ice and/or on the bench; maybe the kindness isn’t there. But off the ice, the women’s hockey venue is inclusive, accepting, and friendly. It’s a place that I hope my daughter will always be a part of. Thanks Team Impact, UVM Women’s Hockey, and UVM Athletics for an amazing 5 years!