[legion]

My oldest boy has been playing hockey for awhile. He's about to enter his fourth season at 8 years old. My next son, who is 4 years old, is about to enter his first season after a year of skating/learn to play lessons.

The longtime director of our local hockey program unexpectedly passed away over the summer. As there was no transition, his replacement has been trying to piece the upcoming season together in a rush with incomplete information. All of us parents completely understand the difficult position he is in and have been trying to help out as necessary.

Well, all of us parents got an e-mail last week that they still needed six coaches at the 4-6 age level. So I've volunteered to assistant coach my younger son's team. I've spent the past week picking up gear, registering as a coach, and taking required training.