Los geht's Deutschland, kämpfen und siegen!

              

 

This past weekend Evie had the privilege of skating with Germany's women's national hockey team.  Team Germany is in town for the Women's World Hockey Championship and made accommodations to provide an extraordinary experience for a number of local girls hockey teams.  Prior to an exhibition game between the Carleton Ravens and Team Germany the local teams got to play a game against another local team before skating with the women's teams, watching them warm-up from their benches, and then taking part in the opening ceremony and puck drop.  The girls were ecstatic.



I think it's awesome for Evie to get to see and experience this on so many levels.  First it's just a fantastic memory for her.  It was fun and exciting and even if she never plays another minute of hockey she will have that memory.

It is also a great way to expand her horizons in an aspirational sense and geographically.  I want to provide my girls with examples of strong women besides their mother (aunts and grandmas) demonstrating what they can accomplish if they so choose.  I don't want them to fall into a trap of thinking that all that's possible is only what can be seen in their immediate surroundings.  I'd like them to dream big (not necessarily in hockey) and think outside of conventionality, then work to achieve their dreams.

I also want my girls to have an idea of what lies beyond the borders of Canada.  Evie is becoming more aware and knowledgeable about other countries.  She knows her Mummu is from Finland which is across the ocean.  She knows mommy's best friend lives in London, England, which is also across the ocean.  And she knows that her favourite dog, the German Shepherd has its origins in Germany.  Now she has a deeper, more meaningful connection with Germany that goes beyond head knowledge.  The wonderful ambassadors that were the women's hockey team have given such a positive perception of Germany to the young hockey players.  I believe the girls will hang onto that memory and perception for years to come.

My girls were so excited to raise their German flags at the game and Noli was so proud that the German team took time to wave and say, "Hi" to her before the game as she walked through the lobby with the flag waving (we were there pretty early so we got to see the team warming-up outside).  They asked me to take them to see another German hockey game - alas we already got our tickets to see Finland vs. Canada (which they're equally excited to see).

It's safe to say that team Germany has gained at least five new fans this past weekend and we will be cheering you on during the Women's World Hockey Championship (along with team Canada and Finland).

So to Team Germany I say a big thank you - Danke!!  

Steh auf, wenn du fur Deutschland bist!!