Hockey season with body checking

Andy,

I am trying to make the right decision for Little A this year, he is entering pee wee therefore there will be body checking in the game.  As you know lil A is tenth percentile in height and weight because he is growing a little slower (which is considered unrelated to thal, just his growth pattern) but he is expected to catch up.  

I am very scared to let him play because children twice his size may crush him into the boards when they body check him.  At the same time hockey is his passion, he plays well and it is what he looks forward to most.  The thought of not playing devastates him as all of his friends are playing.  My concern is that I don't know if playing this year of hockey is worth the abuse that his body will get from the hitting and checking this season.  Can you please kindly advise.

Many thanks,

Sharmin

Sharmin,

I hope you'd be able to take right decision, after reading about body checking i can understand its a difficult one,My prayers are with you and Little A  .

Zaini.

Sharmin,

What do the doctors say about little A's bone strength? Is it normal? If it is, I would let him try it. Even though there is checking, it won't be as hard hitting as what he'll see when he is older, so now may be the time to determine if this is something he can continue to pursue. I think this is something that will be much better learned at this age, rather than waiting for him to grow before he returns to playing, as the contact level will not be nearly as rough as when he is in his mid to late teens.

Thank you Andy and Zaini,

Little A's bone density test results were normal, does this indicate normal bone strength?  I can also send off an email to Oakland asking about this.  He plays soccer everyday and since you suggested it he has taken up baseball - which he now loves.  I am afraid of the emotional trauma it would be if I withdrew him.  He is 64lb right now while many of the kids 100, 120lb and some even larger - so I have to swallow hard but I we have registered him.   I hope that all goes well.   I guess this is my way of proving to him that thalassemia should not stop one from pursuing their dreams. 

thanks again,

Sharmin

GOOD LUCK Lil-A

Hey guys,

We found a non hitting league and we switched him!  Now he can play hockey and we don't have to worry about him being hit!

Sharmin

That's great! Now he can work on his skills and speed while he grows.

 

Cheering our Lil champion

 

Zaini.