You'd Think I Would Know Better

Last night I went to play hockey with a friend of mine that I really hadn't seen much of since high school. I ran into him a few weeks ago when I was at the local Home Depot picking up materials to build a closet. We caught up at the store and he invited me out to play with his group of friends. They have some ice time every week at one of the outdoor rinks. I couldn't go last week because of a huge snowstorm that forced me to work massive hours and get very little sleep. This week, however, I was free to go.

When I showed up, my friend wasn't there yet. I introduced myself around, met one of his many brothers that I did not know and found out that his older brother (who was also a friend of mine that I hadn't seen since we graduated high school 13 years ago) was in town and going to be playing. So, I got dressed out, stretched out, and ready to play. My two friends came in and we caught up a little bit, then went outside...

I forgot how flippin cold 10 degrees and windy could be. I also forgot to bring any insulated undergarments. It was bitter. Any part of my body that was only covered by a jersey, socks or helmet and no other padding, was bright red and numb for several hours afterward. With all of the snow removal, skiing and past outdoor winter surveillances that I have been involved in, you would think that I would know better than to be caught out in that sort of cold with no insulation. Hopefully, next week, I will remember to pack some more clothes in my hockey bag.

On a side note, it has been about 15 years since I have had ice form on my face while playing hockey. When I reached up to touch my beard it was caked in ice. Brought back a lot of good memories from my youth.