Youth Hockey Coming

With NHL & Adult League hockey starting soon (B League already has had their first game), we need not forget that youth hockey is coming as well.

Travel tryouts have already happened, and those teams are selected and have already begun practices. With tournaments and friendship games coming up, these dedicated 6-17 year olds are very dedicated to their sport.

The Fall House League evaluations are in a week or so, and once those teams are selected, then hockey truly will be ion full swing. You can visit www.DMYHA.org for more info. Spread the word to those you know in case they want to get their kids involved. I know the Bucs & Chops will have all types of youth hockey related promotions. The Iowa Chops are having their first pre-season game at Bucs Arena on Sunday, October 5th. A $7 donation to youth hockey gets you in!

If you're not busy on a weekend, or want to see some kids that probably skate betterr than most of us, check out the youth calendar for practice / game times and show your support!

Want to Ref?

"Bad call ref...", "Are you blind?", "You call that roughing?".

So you think you can ref? Have you ever wanted to try? Well there is a perfect opportunity for those interested.

Short notice, but here is a message from Youth Hockey:

Just a reminder to all interested officials that tomorrow (9/20) is the referee clinic for the Des Moines area. There is not need to pre register. Clinic will begin at 8:00 am and should end around 2:30 or 3:00 pm, it will be held in the lounge at the Metro Ice Sports Facility. Class attendees need to bring the following; Skates, Helmet, and $10. If you plan/want to officiate and DMYHA games this season you must attend this clinic tomorrow.

Lace 'em up and blow that whistle!

Everyone's Gotta Help!

As I anxiously await the start of the NHL hockey season, I am slowly getting my fix by seeing all the youth teams starting to practice for their fall season. As I picked up my son from school, I was asked by a teacher "What are you doing tonight?" to which I replied "Hockey Practice".

To my surprise, this highly educated teacher that has a direct influence on my child responded "What is this 'Hawkee' you speak of ?" My mouth fell to the gymnasium floor as I watched my kid crying asking "Why doesn't that teacher know about hockey, dad? WHY!?" I had no answer.

I have come to the conclusion that we do not do our part as hockey playing role models. It is OUR responsibility to the Des Moines community to share our passion & knowledge of this great game with everyone. There is no reason our children should suffer the ignorance of others. We need to do our part to help everyone.

A list has been compiled as to what you can do to help your fellow human understand this great sport. I'm sure there are many other things as well, so feel free to add your comments. For now, utilize these tips on a daily basis and remember to spread the word.

1. Buy tickets to an Iowa Chops or Des Moines Bucs game. Take a co-worker, friend, neighbor, etc. This will give them first hand experience to hockey.
2. Surprise your neighbor by buying them the NHL Center Ice Package. When you go to visit, program their TV to block all channels except for hockey games and put you own password on so they can't change it. Then say "Your Welcome".
3. Convince a family member to play hockey. Don't take the "I can't skate excuse". Explain to them that if John Hoekstra can do it, so can you.
4. Cross check a co-worker from behind at work. When they say "What was that for?", you can respond, "For getting in my goalie's crease!" This will have them asking for clarification and that's your "in" on talking about hockey.
5. Give yourself a black eye. Another great conversation starter. Tell them it was from playing hockey (even if you don't play).
6. Throw away all your kids video games except for hockey ones. Explain to them that until they can beat the computer (playing as the Avalanche) with the St. Louis Blues, they will not be able to do their homework. This way their college success rests in their own hands.
7. Remove all carpet in your home and add hardwood floors. Require all guests to wear socks during their visits and make sure you have ample wood polish on hand to slicken the surface.
8. Road trip to Iowa City or Ames to watch a college hockey game.
   
9. Buy a jersey of your most hated team (probably Red Wings) and then set it on fire in front of your house. Another great conversation piece with the neighbors (and law enforcement).
10. Buy tickets to the Winter Classic in Chicago. Although these tickets will eBay for $1000+, its a great deal. To make it even more impressive, give the tickets away to your favorite hockey blog writer in Des Moines.
11. Make Bob Probert's mangled face your computer's desktop background.
12. Always carry a hockey stick in your car. It allows for extra reach if you are trying to get the attention of the car next to you. It's also practical to have in case a game breaks out in a parking lot.
13. Boycott basketball. Call your local TV stations, cable company & congress person to let them know that it is insulting to society to have such poor programming on television.
14. Subscribe to hockey magazines & fantasy hockey. You need to have a full understanding of all the players, teams & stats in case you are challenged by someone who wants to bad mouth the sport.
15. Wear hockey gear...everywhere. Boston Bruins tie to the office, shoulder pads to the grocery store, Devil's jersey to church (well maybe not such a good one)..you get the idea.

So the next time someone asks "What is 'hawkee?", you'll be prepared to share your info with them, or drop your gloves and punch them in the mouth...either way is effective.

Tickets Available

Want to go to the Iowa Chops Home Opener on Friday, October 10th? We have group rate tickets available for $9/ each.

Stop in at PS Sports Zone if interested. Come out and show support for hockey in Des Moines!

Final Countdown...Again.

I know many wait until the last minute to register for hockey, so I'm providing a final reminder regarding the 2 opportunities to play at Wells Fargo.

The Chops Adult League - There are still several spots left for the C/D League at Wells Fargo. Game days & times are set as listed below. Cost to enter league is a minimum ticket package purchase of $252. This means you buy Chops Tix and get to play for FREE!
Should be a great time. The league will be tailored to be recreational. We are going to do everything to make sure all levels play well together and help each other develop and have fun at the same time. League is still limited to current C/D League players.
Thursday Oct 16
Thursday Oct 23
Thursday Oct 30
Thursday Nov 20
Saturday Dec 13
Thursday Dec 18
Saturday Dec 27
Thursday Jan 8
(Thursday Games 6 pm & 7:15 PM Saturday Games Noon & 11:15)

The 3 on 3 Center Cut Classic
Our famous 3 on 3 Tourney is back and still has some space. Games will be held on Wednesday, Oct 8th & 9th. Each player will play 4 games (2 each night). Game times are : 6:30-7:00, 7:10-7:40, 8:00-8:30, 8:40-9:10.
$50 gets you all 4 games, and 4 tickets to Chops Home Opener. Teams will be created by me once we have all registered players. No need to have a team to sign up.

Contact us 334-5220 or email me.

No Hockey for 1 Day

As I catch up on emails, (and on the blog), I have the TV on and all I hear is the Iowa/ISU game going to happen. As a totally biased Illinois Alum & Fan, I have no favorite here, but love the rivalry and passion. It seems like a friendly-intense rivalry similar to the ones we see in our adult leagues.

Either way, as 98% of Des Moines watches the big game, I already checked the guide and saw the Racquetball is on ESPN Classic, so I have something to watch.

Prediction
Iowa 2, ISU 0
Iowa gets a safety on ISU's first series and the rest of the game is boring enough to allow tailgaters a chance to enjoy themselves.