On February 19, I took my son to his first game at the Red Deer Centrium where we watched the Red Deer Rebels play the Kamloops Blazers. His hockey playing uncle came with us too, so it was a great family outing. The game started at the same time as his usual bedtime, so I was concerned that he would fade part way into it. He didn't though - he remained enthusiastic throughout all three periods, right into overtime. He didn't complain during the icy walk back to our car at 10:15 pm either.
The guy shooting the puck in the above photo is speculated to be among the first picks in the draft this summer: #9 Nugent-Hopkins.
Some highlights for me were explaining some of the rules of the game, watching Blaise enthusiastically do the wave, point out the Rebels mascot a few times, and when Blaise asked why someone didn't just go and score when the all the players were at the bench and the rink was clear. He was pleased as punch when the Rebels won in overtime.
