Last weekend TJ and Ryland played in a hockey tournament in Nashville, TN. It is call the Country Western Showdown. We left Thursday night to be rested for Ryland's first match on Friday morning. The most exciting thing about the whole deal for Ryland was a day off school and the hotel pool.

When we arrived - first things first - check MySpace.


Here is TJ trying to escape the tyranny of the lens for a little privacy.

Then off for a bite to eat... "redrum...redrum...redrum..." Jimmy will get it.

The boys awaiting their burger in the hotel restaurant. At this point they are exhausted and thoroughly done with their Dad and his camera.

Here we go now!! Time for some Hockey.. Here is Ryland out-pacing the bad guys.
Again, Ryland and another bad guy coming on strong.

Finally, swarmed by bad guys, Ryland manages to get a shot off...

Here is a picture of TJ's All Star Team. These 17 players are a collection of 3 skaters and two goalies from 5 rival teams in the local league. They never practice together - they only come together every few weeks for a game or two with other select and travel teams. I had the honor to be selected as the coach for these fine young men. instead of enforcing some strict dogma, I decided to establish lines and set these boys on the ice to do their best. Did they ever show everybody how well they know the game and how to play it. On the bench during the games, they are about as loose as they are in the picture. I really enjoyed the time with this team and all the parents. The other coaches who assisted during the games did not understand my style at first, but quickly realized the success in the less is more approach when dealing with such a special group. They had a great season with a lot of wins and took 2nd place in the tournament where they had to play a division up because of their successes in their own division.

I took this picture in the locker room prior to their semi-final match which they fought hard and won to advance to the championship. This is my favorite team photo ever. I hope you enjoy it too.