Both kids had skated on occasions prior to the late summer and fall of 2007. Mac skated the first time as a 3 or 4 year old on the outdoor ice in the Manassas, VA outdoor rink by the train station and the Farmer's Market in Old Towne Manassas. I cannot say for sure when Aidan put on skates for the very first time. It could have been a public skating session at the Ashburn Ice House prior to 2007.
Their Pop-Pop (their grandfather) and their dad introduced them to the game of ice hockey by exposing them early on to the NHL on television and taking them to several NHL hockey games at the Verizon Center. Pop-Pop is connected to the NHL and the Washington Capitals and serves both organizations in several capacities. Their dad was an NHL off-ice official for the NHL and the Washington Capitals organization for nearly 8 seasons between 1998-1999 and 2005-2006. Their dad resigned his off-ice officiating position to involve himself more with family and business interests. Through their obvious exposure to the Washington Capitals, the boys have identified early on with Alexander Ovechkin (Mac) and Nicklas Backstrom (Aidan).
A ton of credit for their love of ice hockey goes to their mom. She took the initiative in mid to late 2007 to take them up to the Ashburn Ice House, located in Ashburn, VA, on a regular basis to allow them to get their legs in Power Ice, Learn to Play, and Mini Mites programs and be around the game for themselves. As you'll see, that introduction to the game for themselves, not simply as spectators or fans, has launched them on their way.I hope you'll enjoy reading this account as it is frequently updated.
