The save it for the ice Edition

My family is somewhat unAmerican. Don't get me wrong, we love the US of A. There is no other country we would want to live in.

However, I think part of our DNA is Canadian. I can't confirm this through any genetics. If you look at our sports, we are Canadians. Specifically hockey fans. Where else can you play that great sport except in the Great White North.

Or Alaska. Maybe we're not totally unAmerican. There was that great Russell Crowe movie Mystery, Alaska so maybe we're just lost inhabitants of Mystery.

You get us in an arena with some hockey players and we don't hold back. I've lost my voice more than once injecting my opinions.

The ice skates I own are hockey skates. Figure skates are for sissies.

Don't even start talking trash during the Stanely Cup or about our Redwings.

My nephews have the fever. They've been skating almost as long as they've been walking. One of the songs that used to put them to sleep was "Oh, Canada". It worked every time.

Yes I know their national anthem. Yes I'm proud.

Why all this talk about hockey during the summer? The ice doesn't melt my friends. Hockey in the summer is the best entertainment and break from the heat.

This week we had the honor of cheering on my nephew Tyler. Although he prefers to be called T-Dog on the ice. It's WAY more intimidating that his birth name.

Every Monday night T-Dog and my oldest nephew MJ (that's his ice name) play a couple scrimmages. MJ's in Canada at a hockey camp, so it was just T-Dog this week.

T-Dog had invited Zoe to the game. Since she can't drive, I got to go too.

I tell you, this kid is good. He's controlled, fearless and pure energy. It's been awhile since I've seen him play, but I was totally blown away by his talent. I'm not even being a little biased.

He also has a very loud cheerleader. Zoe was completely enthralled with T-Dog. She would yell and she would point her finger when giving strict instructions.

When T-Dog came off the ice, she couldn't get to him fast enough. I think she loves her cousin.

And some hockey.

I couldn't be prouder of either one.