A Dream Come True

Meet and Greet after a game.

Taylor contacted the coaches of the BYU club hockey team last summer to see if there was a need for goalies. They invited him to come out in mid-August to a training camp but we were unable to make that work.  So once he was out there he went to Peaks Ice Arena to try out for the team and he made it! He was very excited. But since it's still a club team the players have to pay to play...$1500! But he wanted to do it and he was going to pay for it himself.  A big commitment in money and time.  Two practices during the week (Tues. & Wed. late at night) and usually two games on the weekend. 

Early in the season the starting goalie had to quit so that gave Taylor the opportunity to play in the games! They've had a losing season, but the games they've won or when they've kept it close, Taylor's been in the net. It's been fun to watch the games on the internet all the way out here in PA. He's had wonderful support from his roommates as you can see from the photo below.  And his cousin Janae and her new husband Jason have been in the stands in Provo to be his family cheering section. 

But I have to say being the mom of the goalie is very nerve racking. All eyes and pressure are on your son. If they're winning that's great! If they're losing, not so fun. It hasn't been good for my blood pressure. But he's had fun and he got to live his dream. They have meet and greets after home games to talk with the fans. One night a young boy asked Taylor to sign his hockey stick. How cute is that?! And they play where the Salt Lake Olympic games were played. So cool! (No pun intended.)  And I have to say his first semester grades were stellar! Adjusting to life on his own, taking rigorous college courses and playing hockey all while being thousands of miles from home and he still aced his classes. We're so proud!

The roomies supporting Taylor at a game. 

Taylor between the pipes.