As we all arrived for practice Monday night, there was a lot of mixed energy in the air. Everyone was nervous and excited and dying of anticipation. Would they tell us what team we are on first? Or will they kick our asses at practice and let us know at the end? My stomach was in knots and I was really close to tossing my cookies. Soon the coaches and captains came out of their meeting and they mentioned the assignments would be announced while we stretch out. I searched the faces of our coaches to see if there were any signs as to who went where, but they were stone faced. Butterflies jumped from my tummy into my throat, as we took to the rink to do some warm up laps.

Soon we were stretching and the newbie coach skated over and slowly opened her notes. She announced to everyone that 6 girls were getting placed and she explained my situation. I was still getting placed because I’ve met all the requirements for attendance etc, and I had missed the last testing because I was sick. She looked at me straight in the eye and said, “You are going to have to work hard to pass your test tonight”. I choked on a butterfly. She then proceeded… “On VSS, Jenifer, Denise and Rachel”. We squealed in delight and I think my head exploded… YES YES YES!!! “On L.D.L. Regan, Ashlee and Stephanie”. More squeals and clapping and congratulations!!! We were all happy and a little sad; happy to be placed, sad to be divided up… but feeling awesome because in all actuality we are one big team… one big family!




We then did our warm ups and commenced with testing. I did pretty well at the whips and pushes considering I had only done them once before. Bernice took her time with me and helped me with my technique, and advised me on how to apply it in a pack situation. Bernice was very helpful indeed. I was tested on blocking, pacing, and skating in a pack with obstacles. I was informed my foot work had greatly improved since the last time. YAY!

Then came time for the hitting drills; I mentally prepared for this moment. I wasn’t nervous until I was paired up with Molly Massacre. I absolutely love and look up to her, don’t get me wrong, but have you seen this women play? Massacre is right! I tried very hard not to let my nerves get the best of me, and we went for it. I got a few good shoulder hits in, I didn’t knock her down, but I moved her… which is really something. She hit back and with some of her hits, to my ribs I’d let out a squeal, or a grunt just from the sheer force. I couldn’t help but giggle because I had no control over it. I didn’t fall down either, which again, says something.

We then went on with the hip checks. HOLY HELL! That was pain I had never felt before! You’d think with all my padding in that area I’d be good to go… not so much really. I got a few good hits in and only fell once, mostly because my skates got tangled… but I felt pretty good about it. I was exhausted after that practice and slept like a baby once I got home.

Waiting to find out how I did on my test felt like an eternity… but soon I got the email. I’m saving it forever because the words rocked my world (In a good way of course). I DID IT! I passed with ease!

I look back at when I first started and I see how far I have come. I have seen a lot of girls come and go, all of them much smaller and physically fit than me, and I’m still here. I’m proving to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to, I’ve regained my strength, physically, mentally and I feel like I’m myself again.