Czech International Hockey Camp Was A Success

As Andrew wraps up his first international hockey experience, we have learned a few things.
* This camp was more vital to his growth "as a young boy", than it was to hockey.
* He absolutely adores hockey.
* He is very sociable and loves making friends.
* He is not TOO far behind the European boys, despite only skating for 15 months.

Lukas Tramba and his group of very qualified coaches, taught 16 10-U boys (oh…1 young lady)

to play the game of hockey.  5 of the days (except for the initial Grand Opening Day and the last day), the children could be on the ice for up to 3 times. Morning session, Afternoon session and late night Free Ice time. Wow,…that's a lot of ice time. 

This enjoyable experience allowed Andrew to do a few things.

* experience SNOW…he's from a warm tropical country,…snow and ice are foreign to him.

* experience a different country and a different culture. 

* allowed Andrew to have a break from the hectic Jakarta life he's been experiencing of late.

* Allowed his mother (Natalie) to have a nice solid break…as well as getting to see her son succeed at something that he enjoys.

Andrew has areas of growth, and it was shown on his report card. 

*Average skating and his hands with the puck are average.

I think a small percentage of that problem were his T-Blades. Wonderful for zipping around the ice, but terrible for hockey maneuvers. Due to the little amount of blade, if the cuts aren't perfect, it will knock Andrew off his edges quickly. We would see that throughout the year where he was falling due to trying to stop in the corners. Bamm! There he'd go. Falling. Well, lucky for this little boy, he was given a wonderful X-Mas present in Nymburk…Bauer MX3 skates. (Damn those things are expensive). With continual practice on ice and roller blading, by next winter, he should be another level ahead. (please don't grow out of those skates too soon!!!)

Certificate and Report Card

The next 3 days Andrew will get to experience Prague with mom. I want him to soak it all in. I'm certainly hoping he has another level of "drive" when he returns. He has already told the boys,… "See you next winter".