I did it: I pulled the trigger and signed up for the HNA summer league in Philadelphia. At first I was thinking that it would be a nuisance to travel 45 minutes to Oaks and Warminster (the only two rinks in operation last summer) for games, but after getting on the ice for the first time since getting pregnant—at an open skate at UPenn—I was psyched to play hockey again. I'm still not sure I would have signed up if Al hadn't encouraged me to do it, so thanks to Al for the push.
We (or I—Al just watched) went skating again this past Sunday, and I found I had even more moves than last week, though fewer edges. (Al got my skates sharpened for me when he went to his game in Warminster that night, so hopefully next week will be better). I can't wait to get back on the ice *with my gear on*, although I fear that with the extra 10 lbs. of baby weight I'm still carrying around, my hockey jock (and perhpas other gear) won't fit. God, I hope I can get my shoulder pads on over these enormous boobs...
The summer season starts in June, and with any luck, I'll have the Vancouver tournament as a pre-season warm up. I *love* that tournament, and I have every intention of going if we can get a Spitfire team together. So far there haven't been many replies to Michele's request for players on the Spitfire mailing list; I'm hoping that the few women who did respond will be able to grab a couple friends to bring. If you're interested in playing with us (we play in the lowest bracket), comment on this post and I'll hook you up with Michele for more info.