I tried out for the local Women’s Ice Hockey League last night. It wasn’t really a ‘tryout’ so much as a drill session to make sure I could actually skate well enough to stand upright with a stick and pads. The Women’s league is really small – only four teams. What this means is that novices like me are playing alongside Canterbury and New Zealand reps. It’s a little daunting, but also a really great opportunity to learn from the best.

Hopefully by the end of the season I won’t be skating up and down the ice yelping “Holy shit!” any time the pack whizz by me.