Spring Hockey

Compared to other years, the spring hockey was light. It's mid April and I can already recap the "spring" season. Most years we are doing spring hockey a good portion of April and maybe a tourney or two in May. 

Jens did just one tourney this spring in Sioux Falls, SD, playing with a group of guys mostly from North Dakota . They did an "open" tourney. The ended up winning the tourney by a combined score of 54-1 I think. They scored more goals than their goalie saw in shots. It's hard to know what you are getting in to sometimes with the open tourneys but the kids had fun playing together and was fun watching the chemistry even though they had never played with each other before. 

Jens going for the wrap around. 

Crazy Dave. Dave has been running the Northland Hockey group for almost 8 years now. First met Dave when Jon played his first year of summer hockey. Dave has been running multiple hockey tourneys throughout the midwest and organizing dozen of "AAA" teams the same amount of time. I honestly don't know how he does it. This particular weekend witnessed a crazed hockey parent ranting about the refs. Happens ever single tournament, multiple games.

Sioux Falls wasn't immune to the cold weather early April but still got in the morning to check out the area bike paths before the morning games.

T-shirts for winning the "ship".

Jamba Juice before hitting the road. Nice move by Central Market to add this to the grocery store.

After the high school season ended, Jon finished the regular season with the Austin Bruins of the NAHL. He tendered with them back in the fall Being an affiliate player he wasn't allowed to play more than 10 games or compete in the playoffs. He'd go down on Tuesday after school and practice with them the rest of the week and either play one or two games. It was a lot of driving and a big commitment but a good taste of what juniors is like. He had a good time, grew up a bit and really liked the guys, especially the Euros.

Being 18 he could wear a half shield.  No teeth lost so that was good.

Last regular season home game vs Aberdeen. Caught a few games in Austin and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Fast hockey. All the junior leagues have expanded and improved.  The skill level, speed and states players are coming from outside of the traditional hockey states, has expanded.

Meet and greet on the ice after the game.

Nephew Garrett, Swedish import Markus, and Jens.

Proud parents.

Brothers Nick and Jake Leitner from Bemidji. Both playing for Aberdeen. Jon played a lot of spring, summer and fall hockey with them the past few years. Great kids fun watching some of the kids Jon has played with move on.

The Bruins, like most JR teams are big on reaching out in the community whether it be visiting schools, hospitals or nursing homes. The fan base is strong and a big sense of ownership in the community.

Jon's host parents Bill and Linda. Making good meals and taking care of him nicely while away from home. Great people and a reflection on how the community is proud of the kids, the team and wants everyone to do well. A refreshing scene after dealing with the association hockey drama.

Spring sports have started, Jack in track, Jens and Jon doing tennis. Jack giving support to his friend Aurora who was obviously working on a self portrait. Busy kids!