Do I Smell Hot Chocolate?

The sport of hockey creates some incredible memories. From the ages of 2 to 102, everyone can try it, and there is almost always a place to play. Memories are often linked with smells. There is nothing like walking into an ice rink on a crisp fall day and being greeted with the delicious smell of Hot Chocolate. I swear, some of the best cups of Hot Chocolate I’ve ever had have come from snack shops across the countries located in ice rinks that look like palaces, as well as old barns and hangers. Everyone has their own little secret to having the best cocoa in the land.

With the good memories and smells come the bad. They can mix as well. Road trips with family and at times teammates across the map to get to Michigan hockey tournaments always have some great stories but may also be accompanied by the ever-creeping smell of multiple hockey bags in the back of the SUV or in the trunk of the car. Other smells, like scorched swishy pants from shinny hockey, or basking in the scent of hotel chlorine hanging by the pool with the team always come to mind when thinking back.

Make sure the memories are positive. Let’s be responsible and set good examples for those playing the game, so they treat the game with the respect it deserves. Being considerate to all of the different staffs you encounter during the course of the season. Hotels are struggling to find help, tournament managers run on no sleep, your waiter or waitress is probably working a double. Most importantly, the officials are trying their best to help manage a weekend, so everyone is having fun. Remember, no one wants to be the butt of a story.