The Tournament Morning

My mom shakes me awake in the dark room

It takes a second to remember where I am
My stomach jumps and my heart races
It is time to get focused for the big game

We go to eat breakfast so I can fuel up
Mom and dad pour their coffee to get through the day
We sit quietly together as the sun comes up
Then I have a good stretch and it is time to leave

On the way to the rink I listen to my tunes

My mind imagines the saves I’m going to make
We pull into the arena and unpack the car
I race to the dressing room to hang with the boys

We are all dressed and ready to play

The coach gives us our talk we walk from the room
High fives all around as our blades hit the ice