We won all three of our games..... 3-0.....7-0....and 1-0 with a shootout goal to win the Finals against the other undefeated team from the other tier.

The finals game was crazy.... we started off with only 6 players.... then played with only 1 line for half the game because one of our players broke their skate blade! Everyone put in so much effort and heart....it was awesome! We were all exhuasted but everyone played with hustle right to the end of the game. The score was tied at 0 at the end of the game. In the shootout we got two shots... we missed on a nice attempt on the first shot, then I took the second shootout shot and scored. It was a great way to win it all

There are tons of great action pictures from the weekend. I plan on getting them resized and uploaded tonight and tomorrow. I even have a video clip of my shootout goal. I didn't know it was being recored at the time lol... but it was nice to be able to watch it afterwards

I'm really proud of the ladies that played on Team She Skates Hard at this Hockey4Heart Tournament in Alliston....they played awesome and put in nothing but hustle! And of course, everyone was alot of fun off the ice too!

*If you are interested in playing on Team She Skates Hard in an upcoming tournament, keep your eyes posted for news of the next tournament we'll be participating in and we will list contact information so you can get signed up for that tournament! A new Team She Skates Hard tournament team webpage will be up very soon!

What a great Gold medal game! Two of the best women's hockey teams in the world battling it out for the Gold. The score was always so close that it stayed an exciting game because are definately not a safe lead against either of these two teams!

I was at Boston Pizza watching the game with a bunch of friends... all of who were Canadian fans.... except my gf who was wearing a USA jersey and hat lol! It was definately fun teasing her and she was a great sport

Now, i'm focused on Team She Skates Hard playing in the Hockey4Heart Tournament this weekend in Alliston, Ontario. Looking forward to wearing the new She Skates Hard jerseys!

There will be lots of pictures posted at the end of the weekend

I can't wait! It's going to be an amazing game. These two teams always always put on a great game. There is such a strong rivary and passion that it's must watch hockey.

My girlfriend is American.... so she'll be wearing her Team USA jersey... BOOOO!!! lol! And i'll be wearing my Team Canada jerseys

GO CANADA GO!

The first game Canada played vs. Slovakia was pretty lopsided with Canada crushing them 18-0. I have to admit, the game isn't as interesting to watch when it's a blowout like that, but people need to understand that women's elite hockey is still in it's early stages. It's just wrong the way people say that we need to drop women's hockey from the Oylmpics because only Canada and the USA are strong contenders. Mens hockey had the same blowouts when it was just starting to grow in the 1920's. It's to be expected!

It would also be ridiculous to punish team Canada and team USA for being successful and pioneers in their sport. They deserve to compete at the Olympics and to take that away would be in bad taste. These dedicated woman dream of playing in the Olympics since this is the top level of hockey for them right now.... unfortunately (that's a whole other blog that i wont get into right now lol).

Canada plays Sweden on Wednesday... it is going to be a good game because Sweden is one of the countries that is really developing their women's hockey program and they just keep getting better.

Of course, i'm anxious to watch Team Canada play Team USA.... the rivary is just huge and it's awesome hockey... can't wait!

She Skates Hard has all the standings, schedules, photos, and stories for women's Olympic hockey all in one spot... check it out... it will be updated daily!

www.sheskateshard.com/2010

Go Canada Go!

I can't wait to watch Olympic women's hockey and it's all starting this weekend!!!

The first Team Canada game is Saturday night at 8pm and i'm definately watching it.

I'm going to be at a sports bar for a friends bday and watching it on the big screen with a few drinks

Then off to the bar to celebrate my friends bday... and i'm sure Canada's win earlier that night  hehe!

Here's a quick pic of the new She Skates Hard team jerseys  

There will be tons more pictures taken at the Hockey for Heart Charity Tournament at the end of the month!

The first Team Canada Women's Olympic hockey game is this upcoming Saturday  I' know i'll be watching! I'm looking forward to watching all the women's and men's olympic hockey! The men's hockey will be a close call between Canada, USA, and Sweden. And the women's hockey is all about Canada vs USA... and i'm cheering for Canada all the way  hehe!

Go Canada Go!

Oh, and I got the She Skates Hard tournament team jerseys back and they look awesome! I'm going to take a picture and post it. And of course, there will be  tons of pictures posted from the Alliston Tournament at the end of Feb!

This Sunday I have my first hockey game in almost 2 weeks because of the holidays

I am teaching hockey skills for 3 hours and then heading str8 to my game an hour later. definately going to need a red bull lol!

So, as the season is getting colder out, my asthma is getting worse. It always does get worse as the winter gets colder. Really sucks! I take my inhaler before every game, but sometimes it just doesn't cut it. I sometimes go on a second inhaler in the winter... looks like i may have to this season. I'll see how my asthma is tomorrow with the 4 hours of hockey and the very cold weather. asthma sucks!

 We are now selling She Skates Hard BladeTape for both Players and Goalies. So I figured I'd break one open and try it out for myself lol!

I have 6 hours of hockey this weekend, so that'll be plenty of time to try it out

My poor stick is so beaten up lol! I love my stick

If you want to buy She Skates Hard BladeTape, It's available now at www.sheskateshard.thefemalesportsnetwork.com/store

(not bad for a phone pic lol)

My team was in last place at the begining of the season because we only had 1 line and we literally we exhausted by the 3rd period and just couldn't play the way we wanted to.

Now, that we have 7-10 players a games, we are able to get the small breaks we need to play 100% effort the whole game.

We are now in 4th (out of 9 teams). We're slowly but surely making our way up the standings

I now have 12 points in 9 games.... 9 Goals... 3 Assists.

Last game I got a hat trick.... but the friggin ref didn't give me credit for my first goal... i hate when that happens GRRR  lol!

More talks to continue tomorrow... Read the full article http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/733186--debate-over-girls-hockey-iced?bn=1

Things are looking up for my team, in terms of wins and loses. We have now won 2 games in a row and we just beat the first place team.

It definatley has to do with the fact that we have 2 lines (or almost 2 lines) each game now. It makes a big difference because we don't hit the fatigue wall and we can keep our energy at 100% each shift.

And the first place team did not take losing well at all! They were one of the dirtiest teams i've ever played against! Just dirty and nasty... not cool!

I don't mind a physical game... i actually like it lol... but being physical and dirty are two completely different things! I can respect a tough opponent... but i don't respect a dirty player who is only out to hurt people and not even focusing on playing the game. It's a damn shame lol!

I got a nice assist on the first goal. I love making a nice assist... it feels as good as myself scoring the goal. So far, I have 4 goals and 1 assist in 6 games. Hopefully I can continue to be productive.

This weekend is going to be a BUSY one! Friday night we have a game, Saturday morning I teach hockey, Saturday afternoon is my nephew/godsons 1st birthday , Saturday evening i'm off to the Brampton Thunder game, then Saturday night is off to Slack's (so hey, if your in Toronto, come to Slack's and have some drinks with us!). Then Sunday afternoon I teach hockey, then Sunday night we have a game.

I'm going to sleep in on Monday

We got our first win of the season last weekend! It was a much deserved win because we've been playing all our games with 1 line! We had only 1 sub for the forwards and 1 for defence. But we're getting used to having alot of ice time lol!

We won 3-2 and I scored 2 goals  So far I have 4 goals in 5 games. I'm hoping to keep being productive to help us get some more wins because my team has a bunch of great girls on it. We all play hard and skate hard *wink* and we are all very supportive of eachother. Great teammates!

Next game is this Sunday night. Then we have a game next Friday and Sunday.

So far, my knee has been holding up well! It's been sore after a couple games, and sometimes during the games, but overall it's been stronger then i expected for this early in the season.

For the first 3 games, my team only had 5 players... one line! We would play really well and only lose by like 1 goal! We just got so exhausted by the end of the game and we weren't battling as hard. But we worked our butts off and really wanted to win.

So, last game we finally had more players come out (we're a new team in the league and for some reason the roster isn't all sorted out). We had two full lines! And we lost lol! We lost by 1 goal. It was actually kind of funny when I look back at it because we just seemed out of sync, like having more players played around with our chemistry.

We have a game tomorrow night and there should be lots of players out there! Now, it's time for a win! We have a great goalie, great players... now we just gotta pull it all together and get a win.

So far i have 2 goals... i'm hoping to contribute some more goals and get some nice assists to work towards our much deserved win... tomorrow and for the rest of the season

After much work and anticipation, we finally re-launched She Skates Hard's Girls Hockey Clothing Store: http://sheskateshard.thefemalesportsnetwork.com/store/

We kept alot of the classic designs and added 7 new designs! All designs come in t-shirts, hoodies, tanks, fitted tee's, etc. Keep an eye open for new designs because we will keep adding more! So far the feedback has been positive

I am really proud of this store and the designs we have created. She Skates Hard isn't just a name, it's a brand that represents a lifestyle. Girls who love hockey and have a passion for the sport are the inspiration for the clothing line. From young girls, to older women, She Skates Hard clothing has something for everyone.
It only seemed fitting to create a line of clothing for the passionate hockey player and fan. The gear allows women and girls to wear cool clothes that represent them in the sport they love. Unlike other's who just made a business of female hockey clothing to take advantage of the market, we at She Skates Hard are a true community who actively work to promote and empower the female hockey community through the website.

I love hockey and I love being able to create a line of girls hockey clothing that reflects our passion for hockey!

She Skates Hard clothing truly represents girls hockey and it's definately not your typical girls hockey clothes

Feedback and suggestions are always welcome! You can contact me here or at mail@sheskateshard.com

If you like the store, please pass it on to all those you think would be interested

http://sheskateshard.thefemalesportsnetwork.com/store/

Here are some pictures of products from the store:

... And much more! Shop at http://sheskateshard.thefemalesportsnetwork.com/store/

I brought up the topic of Pink jerseys on FB and SheSkatesHard when I found out that the organizer of the league i'm playing in is going to change our jersey colour from green to pink.

Now, I am not someone that hates pink. I actually like hot pink or fushia. I have some pink t-shirts, hoodies, etc.

But I don't want to wear a pink jersey to play hockey in... especially if it's a pale pastel pink.

There have been alot of responces about pink jerseys lol!

Some people don't mind either way, but the majority are with me on this one.

Here are a few responces that made me laugh a lil 

- "I don't believe there are many teams over the age of 14 that would wear a pink jersey without a damn good reason"

- "it's hockey gear it's not a dainty sport, it's rough and tough and so UN-pink-like"

- "Pink is actually one of my favorite colors, but I've seen what it looks like on the ice.....HORRIBLE!!!
I didn't even want to watch the game."

I'll keep everyone updated on the jersey situation lol! I will find out Friday night if they are going to make us change our jersey colour.

The 2nd game of the season is tonight. I'm looking forward to it

My knee has been sore... I tweeked it a little and have been limping for the past few days. It sucks, but i've been taking care of it and resting.

Either way, i'm playing tonight!

Then I have to be in Mississauga by 7:15am tomorrow morning to do the hockey instructor thang.

Does anyone else take warm baths with epsom salts for sore joints and muscles?

I do, and I think it helps. It doesn't make a drastic difference, but i think it does help with stiffness and soreness.

There were only 7 of us playing last night. That left one person to rotate with the D and one for the Forwards.

We ended up losing 3-2, but we played really well. We literally lost because of fatigue because we just couldn't battle the way we did in the first and second period.

Either way, we all played great! My teammates all seem awesome. Really cool girls and we all seemed to have chemistry on the ice... it's like we had the same style of playing...which was so nice!

I scored 1 goal... a one timer from a sweet pass from the corner.

As fatigued as i was last night during AND after the game lol... i'm surprised that i'm not sore today. very weird! And my knee held up much better then i expected....esp. with the crazy amount of ice time... so that's a great sign for my knee so far

My next game is on Friday night. Then i'm going to be doing the hockey instructor thing Saturday morning....early morning lol!

My first game of the season is tonight. It's been a year since i've played regular season hockey because of my knee. I'm SO ready to be playing again

I know my knee with take a few games to adjust but that's fine. This season is going to be all about getting my knee back to hockey strong.

So, the league added a new 9th team, and that's the one i'm on. Now i'm waiting to see what my game schedule is going to be! I think our first game is this weekend, so hopefully we get the schedule soon lol!

I had 2 hours of practice/pickup hockey on Sunday night with some of the girls and guys involved with the league. It was a good time. It was nice playing a game...it's been months! My knee definately needs to get stronger, and the strained ligaments in my foot  actually hurt more then my knee lol!

In SheSkatesHard news.... we're working hard to get the new SheSkatesHard Hockey Clothing Store re-launched! There are some great new designs and the return of the Classics  We're hoping to get the new t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, etc. launched this week!

I am on the waiting list for a couple hockey leagues this season. I totally forgot to register on time and that's what happens lol!

I'm going to play rec hockey for a season before going back to competitive so that I can get my knee hockey strong again. It's definately got some work to do before it's even rec hockey strong.

So, yesterday, one of the leagues i'm on the waiting list for says they are adding a new team (i guess the waiting list was pretty big)... and i have a spot

There are no games this weekend because it's Thanksgiving in Canada. But on Sunday they are having 3 hours of open ice for the players if they want to use it.

I am doing the hockey instructor thing on Sunday from 3:45-6:45pm. Then i'm going to drive across the city to catch the last 2 hours of ice time. I'll probably just eat something in the car on the way lol! And i'm sure my body is going to be yelling at me lol! But that's what warm baths with epsom salts are for!

It's been months since i've actually played a game...so i'm looking forward to it

Today was the first of 2 exb. games being played by York Univerity vs Team China. The second being playing tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2pm @ Ice Sports York.

There was a pretty good turnout for the game. And the teams both put on a great, fast paced game.

I was impressed by how fast the Chinese team was. Great speed and size. And It really stood out how well they shot! Very strong wrist shots, and fast accurate slap shots. Alot of fun to watch. Although, I could see the weakness of the Chinese Olympic team was their decision making when the pressure and pace was on. I think if they can better train their game thinking, they can really do big things! I think the more they train for the 2 months they are here in Canada, the better they will get. I definately noticed that China worked harder, skated harder, and got more focused as the game went on. Which I think is great because they don't lose momentum, they keep building on it.

The York squad was impressive too. They made the Chinese Olympic girls work their butt off for every goal they got. It didn't just come easy. The girls worked hard and weren't scared play physical and it made for some entertaining plays. It was great to watch these teams in person. I highly recommend that you go to the second game on Sunday, if you didn't go to todays game. And definately check out the York University team during their regular season play. It's great hockey.

Here are some pictures taken by Linda of SheSkatesHard.com:

*For more pictures from the game go to: http://sheskateshard.thefemalesportsnetwork.com/gallery/?level=album&id=9

First, we've got the CWHL.ca starting play this weekend. Support elite women's hockey... go to a game! It's where you can watch the best of the best! Definately worth checking out.

I know i'll be checking out lots of games this season... Go Brampton Thunder

Second, at York Ice Sports this weekend -The York University team will be playing 2 exibition games vs China's Olympic women's hockey team!

The York U Lions are hosting both games: Saturday @ 2pm and Sunday @ 1:30pm

I'll be there for Saturday's game!!! Looking forward to it! I'm working at the Hershey Centre assisting hockey skills sessions in the morning, but I'll be done in time!

Unfortunately, I can't make Sunday's game because I'm working at the same time as the game... doing the hockey instructing thang again

So, instructing the 6 hour evaluation sessions went really well on the weekend. I was so sore afterwards....6 hours is a long time in skates when your just getting back to skating lol! My knee was really sore the next day, but a couple days later it was feeling fine  

Which is a really good sign for the progress of my knee!

My calves hurt for a few days... longer then my knee lol!

Oh, and I have a sprained ankle from Tae Kwon Do... so, that's still kinda hurting, but geting much better because I've been taking it easy this week.

I'm doing another 6 hour evaluation session this Saturday. I'm sure my knee will be sore for a day or two, and my sprained ankle, but it's cool. I really enjoy running the drills for the younger girls and watching them learn new things and improve. I love just being on the ice!

I just got back from my 3 week vacation this past weekend. I had a great time with some great people. Definately going to visit San Antonio again!

I went to Tae Kwon Do this week... the first time since before my 3 week vacation. Man, I'm so sore lol! That's what happens after being inactive on vacation haha!

Now, tomorrow I am working 6 hours assisting evaluation sessions for the Brampton Canadette's Girls HL.

Yep, 6 hours! That's going to be a challenge for my knee since I haven't skated since spring hockey. And that was the first hockey I played in a year because of my knee injury.

But I up for it

I'm definately anticipating a nice warm bath tomorrow night

Since i don't think my knee if ready to jump right back into competitive level hockey this season, I was hoping to play in this rec league that has some fun hockey and great people. I have always wanted to play in this league, but my competitive hockey plus TKD was too much. This was going to be the perfect time to get into the league and play.

BUT.... i forgot to register on time

I was told the league is full, and to fill out a registration form to be put on the waiting list.

This totally sucks! But who knows.... lets hope there's an opening sooner then later *fingers crossed*

At the end of August i'm going on vacation. I can't wait!!!

It's going to be a road trip with me and my gf. We love road trips

We're driving to Atlanta, Georgia. and only staying the night to rest.

Then going to Florida. We're going to stay in Panama Beach for a week. We're staying in the same hotel we stayed last year. It was amazing! Right on the beach on the gulf of mexico. Beautiful view, white sand beach, and clear water. I can't wait to just kick back and enjoy the location.

Then we're driving to San Antonio, Texas. We have some friends there, and our favourite WNBA team has 3 home games in a row. So, we'll be staying there for 9 days. There should be lots of yummy mexican food, sports, bars, and visiting with friends. Maybe even some golf.

Then, we're heading to St. Louis! That's where Linda is from. We're going to visit her family and probably hits some clubs and casinos. St. Louis has awesome casinos!

Then back home to Toronto

We also set up a blog for our trip! We can post blogs and photos from our phones! So, we're planning on blogging as much as possible. So, feel free to check it out and comment when we post

Here's our blog link: http://ourroadtrip-2009.blogspot.com/

So, I finally got to play hockey after almost a year off because of my ACL injury. Got to play spring hockey. It was so weird to get back on the ice after so long. It was definately too long!

Now spring hockey is over, I am debating whether or not to play summer hockey. My knee feels like it was tested, and it definately got stronger as i played more. But i think taking summer hockey off and then returning to play in the fall is probably best so that i don't over do it!

Looks like i'm leaning towards playing rec hockey in the summer and taking a year off playing competitive travel hockey. I just don't want to injuire my kneee more before Its truly hockey strong again.

It's not going to be easy! I get pretty competitive lol! And sometimes during spring hockey I had to hold myself back from my competitive instincts and just see it as playing only for fun and not the win. Tough for someone like me lol! Esp. because I was on a team that lost all our games lol!  (i think we won 1 game). It was a team of new players, and it was kinda fun being back in that atmosphere.

I'll still keep training in Tae Kwon Do because it's at my own pace and it's been doing wonders for helping strengthen up my knee!

There are alot of studies that show some straight girls don't participate in sports because they don't want people to think they are lesbians. And that those who are lesbians, are scared to come out because they are going to be treated badly.

And this goes hand in hand with the stereotype that most female athletes are gay. Which obviously is not true.

I myself am gay, and have been a competitve athlete since i was 8 years old. But, I know that my being gay has nothing to do with me being into sports. And I know many gay women who have absolutely no interest, or skill lol, in sports. And many straight women who are great athletes, and more "butch" then the gay women i know.

I find it alarming that this concern is actually out there! I mean, why can't girls just be athletes! Why is their sexuality even an issue? Sexuality has nothing to do with sports. I feel like men who have a problem with girls being athletes are the main ones who want to make them feel like their sexuality is on trial. Like to discourage girls from being athletic so they will blindly play into the typical girly, non-athletic, passive female role.

I think female athletes, gay or straight, are strong well balanced women who set their own definatitions of themselves. That's the beauty of diveristy :)

There's a new section on the front page of She Skates Hard... the Featured Video.

Here we are going to showcase exclusive She Skates Hard interviews with elite players, training tips and advice, and anything of interest related to hockey!

How can you influence what video's get featured?!

Well, if you know of a cool youtube video that features tips, interviews, or even you or your team... let me know! Email me the youtube link :)

On other SSH news... there have been tons of contest entries for the "Coolest Girls Play Hockey" t-shirt! (almost 100 entries in the first week)

Keep'em coming! We love to hear the feedback from SSH members and non-members!

I have played 2 games since my return after my ACL injury. The first game was.... well, really uncomfortable. My knee was stiff, sore, and I just felt totally sloppy from not playing in 10 months. But that was fine, I am looking at my hockey this summer as "rehab hockey" lol! Just working on getting my knee stronger.

So, needless to say...when I left the arena after the first game back i was limping... bigtime! And for the whole week after my knee was having spasms, it was stiff, and just really hurting.

Then, it was Sunday again....time for game 2. Fortunately, I woke up Sunday with my knee feeling OK... not as bad as the rest of the week.

I had a good 2nd game! My knee felt alot better then it did the week before, and now I am feeling much better about finishing the summer season. I am still sore from the 2nd game, but it is much improved from the first game.

And I even scored a nice goal, so that felt good 

So now it's just a matter of taking it slow and not pushing my knee past it's ability. I know there are going to be bad knee days...and some good. Easy does it in "rehab hockey"!

PIC OF ME PLAYING MY 2ND GAME BACK

It has been 10 months since i've played hockey because of the ACL injury in my knee. So, i am looking forward to playing my first game back on Sunday. I am definately nervous about how my knee is going to handle the skating. And i'm anxious to get on the ice to try! I'm going to take it easy. Especially for the first few games. I'll keep you girls posted

So, I decided to add a fun, and as it turns out, somewhat competitive feature to She Skates Hard.

The MVP Members list is where users on the network get recognition.

MVP's are those who are active members of the She Skates Hard Female Hockey Network.

They help support and empower the female hockey community by doing so.

The She Skates Hard Female Hockey Network is an opportunity for us to build our community. To build our ties, our friendships, share opportunities, stories, information, and our strength as women's hockey continues to grow. It takes females supporting other females to empower our hockey community.

So, i'm sure many of you are wondering how to earn MVP points! Well, here's a short list of how you can be active on the network and get points too:

• uploading pictures
• writing blogs
• commenting on other members pictures, profiles, groups, etc.
• creating groups, events, polls, etc.
• refer and invite your friends and teammates to join the network

And, I think it will be fun to hold contests to win official She Skates Hard t-shirts, jerseys, stickers, etc.  So.... keep an eye open for that

Summer hockey is about to start and I have a couple decisions to make.

First, I need to make sure my knee is ready to play. I injured my ACL in my knee last summer and I haven't played hockey since. My knee isn't 100%, but I think it's ready to start skating again. So, I'm pretty much just nervous about playing and how my knee will hold up. I really want to play hockey in the regular season, so I need to try this summer if that's going to happen. I've already realized I will probably have to take a year off playing competitive though.

Second, where to play. I have a few choices, and I think i'm pretty sure of where i'm going to pick. Just want to make sure it's a good group of girls, and that i can have the room to ease my knee in to playing again without the pressure of a highly competitve attitude type team. It's summer rec hockey...so i'm looking for some fun, no pressure, icetime

If anyone has any advice about recovering from a knee injury, and specifically an ACL injury, i'd love to hear from you!

We are excited to launch the New She Skates Hard Female Hockey Network! It's got everything! Blogs, photo albums, private messages, profiles, and it's easier then ever to promote your tournaments, tryouts, charity events, etc. And of course, it's Free!

The She Skates Hard Female Hockey Network is for YOU and it's the place to socialize with people who are just like you... female hockey players and fans!

Facebook and Myspace are great, but this is place is different. It's where you will find people who really care and are interested in your hockey stories, pictures, videos and blogs just as you will be of theirs. Why? Because we all love hockey! And this is the place to express it and meet other cool girls that love hockey too.

For 3 years now, She Skates Hard has been supporting the growth and empowerment of female hockey. Now, we have created a way for our community to interact, share, and continue to grow.

So, make sure to spread the word and share your hockey stories, pictures and meet friends who love hockey just like you do!

Let's make this big! Let's build our hockey community :)