After playing in a tournament this past weekend, with and against players who were on average 10 years younger than I am (I’m 30), I came to a very simple conclusion:  I’m not as young as I used to be.

Sure, I kept up with the play well enough, and used my smarts (from those extra 10 years of experience) to make the right play, but having not played at that pace or intensity for 2 years definitely caught up with me on Monday after the weekend was done.

To be honest, I think the hardest part for me now is knowing that I used to be so much faster, stronger and quicker  - which tends to happen when you are skating and training full-out 5 or 6 days a week. I still workout hard off the ice, and I’m on the ice every single day with my team at the PEAC School in Toronto, but no training session can compare to having to read and react game-intensity.

And I have to admit, that sometimes after a tournament like this, I get a little bit frustrated about my performance (I’m a little bit competitive).   But I can tell you one thing for certain - I’m not "hanging em up" anytime soon.

I may not be as fast, fit, quick or powerful as I used to be.  But I still love playing the game as much as ever.

And I am constantly inspired by all the women out there who take up hockey in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s, and play for the love of the game.  And one thing’s for certain - these women want to improve too.

*** And that’s why I am running the first ever Total Female Hockey Adult Women’s Camp on Friday July 23rd and Saturday July 24th in Toronto at Chesswood Arena. ***

This 2 day weekend camp is for any woman who want to improve in all aspects of your game in a non-judgmental, fun and *slightly* competitive environment.  Our only requirement for acceptance in the camp is the willingness to learn, work hard and have fun.

There are players coming from as far as Chicago for this camp and we’ve only got 15 spots left - so if you are interested, click on the link below:
 

http://totalfemalehockeyclub.com/camps-schools/adult_womens_camp_2010/
 

We hope to see you there!

~ Coach Kim

Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS

Director, Total Female Hockey

Girls Hockey Director, PEAC School For Elite Athletes