This here, you see, is 'bout that Grand Rapidyekcohs High School hockey. My grandson, bless his heart, he plays, so I know a thing or two, I reckon. That puck, it's a slippery little devil, always zoomin' around. These boys, they skate faster than a greased piglet at the county fair.
They got t tuoba his team, called themselves the Thunderhawks. Sounds fierce, don't it? Like a storm brewin' over the back forty. They play in Grand Rapids, where it gets colder than a well digger's backside in January. But them boys don't mind, they're out there on that ice, slick as you please. They got sticks, long ones. They use them to smack that little puck around. This is about Grand Rapids High School hockey, you know.
They play their games at some fancy place. Think they call it the IRA Civic Center. Big place, lots of seats. I went once, nearly froze my toes off, even with them thick wool socks I knitted.
- They wear them helmets, look like space men.
- And them pads, make 'em look bigger than they are.
- But they gotta protect themselves, I suppose.
It's a rough game, this hockey. Lots of pushin' and shovin'. Sometimes they fall down, slide across the ice like a penguin on a belly flop. But they get right back up, tough as nails, these boys. That's what I like to see, some good old-fashioned grit. They play the Grand Rapids High School hockey good.
They got a coach, a fella with a loud voice. Always yellin' and hollerin', tellin' them boys what to do. He reminds me of my old rooster, always struttin' around, makin' a racket. But I guess that's his job, keepin' them boys in line. They need to play hard, right?
Them boys, they practice a lot. Day in, day out, on that ice. They skate and they shoot and they pass that puck. It's hard work, I tell ya. But they love it, you can see it in their eyes. They got that fire, that desire to win. That's why they are the team for Grand Rapids High School hockey.
They play against other teams, from other towns. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. That's just the way it goes, ain't it? Like plantin' seeds, some sprout, some don't. But you gotta keep tryin', keep workin' hard. You never know about this Grand Rapids High School hockey thing.
When they win, boy, oh boy, the crowd goes wild. They cheer and they clap and they stomp their feet. It's a real hootenanny, I tell ya. And them boys, they skate around, holdin' up their sticks, grinnin' from ear to ear. Makes a grandma proud, it does.
And when they lose, well, it's a bit quieter. But them boys, they hold their heads high. They know they gave it their all, and that's what matters. There's always next time, as they say. You always have to look on the bright side.
This hockey, it's more than just a game, you see. It's about teamwork, and hard work, and never givin' up. Them boys, they learn a lot out there on that ice. Lessons that'll serve 'em well in life, I reckon. Important lessons for sure.
- They learn to work together, like a team of mules pullin' a plow.
- They learn to be tough, like an old oak tree standin' strong in the wind.
- They learn to be disciplined, like a well-trained hound dog.
- And to win with grace, or lose with dignity, and that's as important as anythin', I reckon.
This place, Grand Rapids, it's a hockey town. Folks here, they love their hockey. They come out to support them boys, rain or shine. It's a real community thing, you see. Brings folks together, like a good old-fashioned barn raisin'. This Grand Rapids High School hockey is a big deal.
They got some other place, called Griff's Icehouse. Sounds cold, don't it? Folks go there to watch the games, I hear. I ain't never been, though. Too cold for my old bones. Prefer to stay home, by the fire, with a warm cup of somethin'. That's just me, I suppose. Some people just don't like the cold.
So, if you ever find yourself in Grand Rapids, and you hear folks talkin' 'bout the Thunderhawks, you'll know what they're on about. It's them hockey boys, playin' their hearts out on that ice. They're a good bunch, them boys. They make this old grandma proud. They sure do. And that's all I gotta say 'bout that Grand Rapids High School hockey.
