Why You Should Always Pick the Girl: Lessons from the Ice Rink

My Unexpected Journey into Hockey

Ever thought hockey wasn’t your thing? I did, too—until my son-in-law, the guy who somehow convinced me that the LA Kings were a good idea, dragged me to one of his local league games. And believe me, it’s always racking up penalties like it’s a side hustle, but what really caught my attention was their goalie. Here’s the twist: she’s a woman.

The Surprise of Realization

I didn’t even realize this at first. She’s buried under all this gear, and from where I’m sitting, with all that equipment, she’s towering over six feet on skates. So it’s hard to tell. But what makes her stand out isn’t just her size or her skill—it’s her attitude.

The Quiet Confidence of a Female Goalie

Why is confidence important in sports? She’s calm. You’d expect her to make some big show when she pulls off an impossible save. She just acts like it’s another day at the office. No flair, no grand gestures, just a quiet confidence that you don’t see every day. And that’s the thing—this kind of confidence has a ripple effect on the team. You can see it. When she’s in the zone, everyone else relaxes. There’s something about knowing the person guarding your net is steady. It’s not arrogance; it’s just being sure of yourself without having to say a word. That’s a rare quality, especially in sports.

A Wild Experience on the Ice Rink

Watching her play is pretty wild. I’ve seen her drop down for a butterfly save, pop back up like nothing happened, and just go about her business. She practically crawls across the ice to snag pucks. And, taking a puck flying at you at 80 miles an hour? That’s not something most of us would do voluntarily. Yet there she is, handling the pain, no complaints.

The Toughness of Female Athletes

Maybe it’s just me, but seeing her in action, you realize how often women get underestimated in these roles. How does gender impact perception in sports? Think about it: this is a goalie who’s out there getting hit, knocked down, and she’s not complaining. I’ve seen guys limp off the ice for less. And childbirth? That alone gives her a toughness badge I don’t think any of us can top. So when teams in my son-in-law’s league are choosing players, it’s no surprise—they pick the girl.

Lessons Beyond the Ice Rink There’s something to learn from her, not just about hockey but about life in general. Confidence doesn’t have to shout. It doesn’t need to be flashy. Sometimes