“My mom can take on your mom any time!”
At least fifty-four kids in the Maple Grove area can officially use this tactic on the playground. Why? Because their moms have fire in their hearts and ice in their veins; they wield big sticks and lace knives to their feet simply for fun.
They play hockey.
This group of moms call themselves the Black Eyed Puck and they play in beginning-level division C3 of the Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota (WHAM). The Association now hosts more than 1,300 players in seven divisions.
The idea for the team was formulated as Maple Grove resident Lisa Jost sat at youth hockey games with friends as they remarked how much they would like to play hockey. “I realized that I would have enough interest to fill a team,” says Jost.
After a few practices, they had their first game and, in the words of player Pam Ford: “We got our butts kicked.” They were the only new team to the C3 beginner division last year, so it was tough to win a game. “However”, added Ford, “we had so much fun. A lot of our kids came to watch (and laugh) and my competitive side came roaring back. I loved that feeling”
Determined to Win
That first year was about introducing the game and working on skating fundamentals for these players who are in their late 30s to late 40s and had little or no experience on skates. “The skill level has improved substantially,” says Coach Jost. Their second season starts in October. Their home arena is the Maple Grove Community Center but they travel near (Brooklyn Park) and far (Burnsville and Monticello) to go head to head with other teams of women.
After practicing every week this summer, the team is ready to rumble. “Things that were such a challenge at first, stopping for instance, now is taken for granted,” says Forward, Teresa Devick. “I like to tell my kids I have come a lot further in my first year then they did (granted they were five).”
Family Ties
Husbands and kids, along with friends, have become an important part of the team. They involve themselves in keeping the score sheet, running the time clock or the penalty boxes. “I have about five husbands with hockey coaching experience who also help me with practices and bench coaching during the games,” says Jost.
“These families can be proud of their hockey playing moms.” she adds. “After all, they can walk on water!”
An Attitude of Support
As mothers, these women understand how to lead by example. They may not perform miracles but “even on the hottest days of the summer and the coldest days of winter, making it to practices and games with a positive attitude is what being part of a team is all about,” shares Right Wing, Shannon Camlin. Not to mention getting a ton of exercise while playing.
The team’s dedication to the game is rewarded by their sponsors, local eating establishments J. Cousineau’s Dram and Alehouse, and The Lookout Bar & Grill. Jost says the other six teams in their division were also very supportive—even their biggest rival, a team named Victorious Secret.
But their biggest reward has been learning to play and having fun. Devich frankly admits that she initially joined the team because she was always a little jealous of her daughters who played hockey. Now it’s gone way beyond sitting in the stands.
“I am so looking forward to [this] year,” says Devich, “and who knows, maybe winning our first game!”
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Check out a Black-Eyed Puck’s game listed under the “teams” tab at whamhockey.org.
The Menacing Line-up
Lisa Jost- Birth & Postpartum Doula, 3 kids: ages 13, 6, 4, Coach
#2 Teresa Devick- Part-time technology manager, 3 kids: ages 14,12,7, Forward or Defense
#3 Traci Ziton- Medical Assistant, 4 kids: ages 25, 14,12,11, Forward or Defense
#4 Lisa Sharp- Regional Director for Visalus Sciences, 4 kids, ages: 15 year old triplets, 13, Center
#5 Mary Helvey- Accountant, 2 kids, ages: 13,11, Forward or defense
#6 Shannon Camlin- Technical Writer, 2 kids: ages, 10,8, Center or defense
#7 Brenda Cassibo- ESP for District 279 schools, 3 kids, ages: 13,11,9, Center
#8 Linda Koenig- Legal Assistant, 1 child age: 9, Forward
#9 Jenny Shoenberg- Social Worker, 3 kids, ages: 12,10,7, Defense
#10 Judy Blesi- Homemaker, 3 kids, ages: 14,13,4, Forward
#11 Lynette Corbin, Homemaker, 4 kids, ages: 19,16, 13,10, Forward
#13 Kathy Prekker, Homemaker, 2 kids, ages: 15, 13, Forward
#14 Joy Kunz, Homemaker, 4 kids, ages: 14,12, 10,9, Defense
#15 Pam Ford, Pharmacy Benefits Director, 2 kids, ages: 15,12, Defense
#17 Paula Donaldson, Senior IT Project Director, 3 kids, ages: 17, 13,10, Forward
#18 Shari Lanou- Medical Secretary, 2 kids, ages: 17,15, Defense
#19 Teresa McMahon- Education, 3 kids, ages: 15, 10, 8, Goalie
#22 Patti Leaf- Jewelry Sales, 3 kids, ages: 15, 13, 11, Forward
#23 Mimi Gallagher, Sales, Marketing and Public Relations, 3 kids, ages: 18, 16, 13, Forward
Assistant Coaches: Matt Lanou, Mike Donaldson, and Tony Kunz., Team Manager: Mary Helvey
