To the editor:

Right from the beginning, I will confess … I am a hockey mom, and I am totally biased about the sport. I have three players, ages 17, 14 and 9, and I love hockey season. Yes, it is busy. There are about two practices a week and a game or two on the weekends. But really what have I sacrificed? Other than not keeping up with the Kadashians, not much. The benefits all three of my children have reaped have far outweighed the inconvenience of hoisting myself off the couch. So this Oct. 18 from noon to 4 p.m., when Saranac Lake Pee Wee Hockey offers Try Hockey for Free Day for children ages 4 to 9, join the fun. We will have the USA Hockey equipment trailer there with everything from skates to equipment and sticks. There will be plenty of help to get your child on the ice.

Why should your child play hockey? For starters, skating is great exercise and a lifelong sport. An 80-pound child will burn close to 200 calories per practice. A team makes exercise fun for your child. Just like you never forget how to ride a bicycle, once you know how to skate, you can skate for life. Many of our local communities such as Saranac Lake, Bloomingdale and Lake Placid have free outdoor rinks. Once your child knows how to skate, these ice sheets can be a great answer to the complaint, “I am bored.”

Being part of a team develops social skills and has lasting benefits. Because team play requires working together, players “learn to be happy for other players’ successes” because it benefits the team. Team members are less likely to feel isolated and more likely to overcome shyness. Problem-solving skills are enhanced. As your child ages, continued participation in a team lessens the likelihood of risky behavior and increases academic achievement.

Being part of Saranac Lake Pee Wee Hockey creates family time. Having your child play hockey is another way for you to be active with your kids. Whether it is skating together, practicing passing in the backyard, driving together to the rink or just talking about today’s practice, this is quality time for you to connect with your child.

SLPWHA is committed to making hockey affordable. We offer equipment to borrow for beginning players, the fees for the entire season start at $75 for Learn to Skate and $175 for mini mite players. We offer service hour opportunities and scholarships to defray the costs even more.

Quite simply, hockey is fun.

Give your child the chance to develop a lifelong love of skating and give yourself the chance to make the winter months pass quickly surrounded by your children the company of others.

Thank you,

Lynda Peer

Saranac Lake