When I left my job in Boston, I was excited to be moving on to “bigger and better things” by moving to New York; however, I was sad to leave the Ravens.
The Ravens had been a fantastic social and physical outlet for me, particularly after the ex-boyfriend and I broke up. These gals meant a great deal to me, and I was nervous about trying to find a new team.
Fortunately, one of the Ravens has a sister who played for the Brooklyn Blades. As it turned out, one of the then-Blades also belongs to the same Greek organization I joined in college (although a different Chapter.)
So, I had two “in”s!
I contacted the Blades and was excited to be put on their beginner team. Although the Ravens had beaten the Blades during one tournament I had played in, once I started skating with the Blades I realized they were much more in shape and technically proficient than I.
Nonetheless, I pressed on. I learned quite a lot with my tenure with the Blades. We went to several tournaments and I participated in numerous media opportunities (the stories about which to come!) Some of the Blades had some famous connections, which is fun in New York City. The founding coach of the Blades, Aaron Foeste, has
a book about women’s hockey that includes photographs of my former teammates.
My engagement story even includes hockey in a way, since I was supposed to be at practice when now-Husband arrived at my apartment to set up dinner, champagne, and the ring. But, it was snowing outside and I was being a wimp, so stayed in. You can imagine how that might have complicated his plans!
Husband took many photos of me playing, so you’ll have to click on over to my Flickr set to see them all.
Many of the photos are taken at Chelsea Pier. I moved away from New York in February of 2001. I am still on the Blades “Chat” email group, so received a bunch of email in those days after September 11th. Chelsea Piers' Skyrink had been turned into a makeshift morgue.
Through the email list, I’ve learned a bit about what other former Blades have been doing. It is fun to reminisce, and my time rubbing shoulders with people like Lynn Harris of Glamour and Veronica Richter, wife of former Ranger goalie Mike Richter, will never be forgotten!
Comments (3)
I love reading your hockey series!
It makes me think I should write up my experiences racing crew in college. I was never an athlete in high school, so it was quite a change in life to walk on as a coxswain.
Posted by Lady M | January 8, 2007 10:28 PM
Posted on January 8, 2007 22:28
Oh, you should do it Lady M! I would love to read about it. :)
Posted by Karianna | January 9, 2007 8:47 AM
Posted on January 9, 2007 08:47
I agree, Lady M -- you should! I was also not an athlete at all until I took up ice hockey. I've heard from many women how my blog encouraged them to start playing, and I bet yours about crew would do the same!
Posted by Lori
|
January 10, 2007 12:00 PM
Posted on January 10, 2007 12:00