7 Faces Every Hockey Mom Makes

Hockey season is getting close. Preseason workouts are turning into regular practices, and placement games and scrimmages are just about to begin. We’ve worked hard this off season, hockey moms! We’ve almost completed our checklist of things to do to prepare.

• We made our playlist.
• We purchased our hats.
• We bought make up for the rink.
• And, we are working out those muscles necessary for hockey momming.

I don’t know about you, but I am getting excited to see some of the familiar “faces” of hockey moms across the many different rinks we will visit. These are the ones I am most looking forward to seeing.

The “Hey Ref, can you look at what’s going on?” Hockey Mom Face

You know this face. It’s the one where you get all worked up because the ref missed a player from the other team slashing your goalie’s hands.

The “Did you just say that about my kid?” Hockey Mom Face

This one can get me going sometimes. I hate it when I hear another parent from my kid’s team points out something that he did wrong. Don’t mistake what I am saying; I don’t hate that they say it.  I hate hearing it. I know he needs his oversights shown to him. But, it always catches me off guard when someone else does it.

I don’t get mad and go all helicopter parent. I get a knot in my stomach like, are you judging my kid? Then I remember, oh yeah, you are—you are watching him play, and you want his team to win. Then I sign and move on.

The “Did you just get nasty about my kid?” Hockey Mom Face

This look is an entirely different look. This is one that says, “Shut up, or I will go all hockey mom on you.” We often reserve this face for parents from the opposing team who get worked up when our skaters get physical. I always want to say, “If you are looking for something a with a little less pep, you can give another game a shot. There are plenty non-contact sports out there.”

The, “Oh no, my kid is staring at me telling me to shut up,” Hockey Mom Face

I hate getting this look from my child. It tells me he’s paying more attention to what I am doing than the game. It’s a tough reality to face. But, there are times when we can get ourselves too worked up, and it can hurt our kids.

The “Come on coach, what are you doing?” Hockey Mom Face

You know I am a coach’s wife. So, while I may occasionally wear this look, I try desperately to hide it. Of course, the coach gives me the “Come on hockey mom, quiet down,” face right back. So, it’s a reciprocating relationship all in good fun.

I honestly do hate this look, and I think we should replace it with the “Thanks for all you do,” hockey parent face. But, a lot of times the heat of the moment trumps logic, and the “What are you doing?” hockey parent face wins.

The “Why are you playing like this?” Hockey Mom Face

This is one that is painful to wear and to see. You know those games where a large group of players is just off? They are the ones where it’s like your team’s skaters just didn’t show up or like your team’s goalie is just having a terrible day? It happens to everyone.

I guess if every kid were perfect, things would be boring. After all, they are kids. But, it’s hard not wear the look of confusion and frustration on your face when you are watching it unfold.

The “I am proud of you,” Hockey Mom Face

This is one you can’t help but wear. Be it the time your skater scores a goal, your defender stops a breakaway, or your goalie makes a big save, you have the right to light up the stands with your smile. And, you should because every kid deserves a moment in the limelight! When it’s your kid, enjoy it with him/her.

The “I know what you do for me,” Hockey Player Face

If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of this one during those quiet car rides with your player. These are the looks that say, “Thanks for working so hard to pay the bill.” “Thanks for running yourself ragged to get me where I need to be.”

You may not catch a glimpse of this one until your skater has hung up his/her skates. But know that appreciation is brewing in the back of their minds.

And, when you finally do get to see this look. Smile, because you will know that it was all worth it! Happy hockey momming this season!