An update.

If you haven’t read my previous blog, you may be confused about what I’m talking about. For a quick rundown, I injured my shoulder multiple times leaving me out of playing for weeks.

These weeks were horrible. I sat there watching all of my friends playing together, having fun, having success and making memories, but I could only watch. I couldn’t tie my own skates, so I couldn’t get on the ice. I couldn’t do any sort of upper-body exercise. I was completely separated from my teams.

However, I knew it was worth waiting it out until I was 100% cleared to play. So that’s what I did. After four long weeks of physical therapy, doing the same boring exercises every day, I was finally able to play again. 

I started off slow going to practice, but I wore an alternate jersey so my peers knew not to hit me. I felt great. I was weak on my feet, given the fact that I hadn’t skated since the middle of August. I went to just two practices, both with no contact, before I played in my first game. 

The game was our varsity home opener and everyone was going to be there. I had invited everyone I know and so did my teammates. I knew that I couldn’t come back and suck in front of all these people. 

We were playing Plano East that Wednesday, and we were expected to win. While we didn’t get the outcome we desired, I felt great. I took multiple heavy hits, but nothing really bothered my shoulder. I received many “glad to have you backs,” and I was even more stoked to be back. I had two games for my travel team that upcoming weekend, which I was a little more nervous for. This is just because the difference between high school and travel hockey is the physicality. 

The loud BEEP BEEP of my alarm woke me up bright and early for my 7:45 a.m. game. This was tough because the homecoming game took place the night before, however, my eyes opened and my excitement grew. We were playing the 19u AAA girls team, so it was a game full of skill. We left the ice disappointed, but I potted our only goal. 

The next day, also very early, we had another game. This game was against the same team we played when I got hurt originally. Going into the game, the guys were electric. We wiped them off the ice, winning 5-0. In the game, I buried another goal and assisted one for my teammate. 

I have returned to the ice better than I left. We have 19 travel games left, not including tournaments, and 14 high school games left. I am thrilled to see how the rest of the season goes.