Written by Mark Payne
@hockeypayne
04/09/2024
I ran into a hockey scout last week and I asked, “is it golf season yet?”. To cap it off I thought The Masters started on Thursday morning. I woke up made coffee, threw on my slippers and settled in for my favorite four days of television of the season. Only to find out the years first major starts this week not last! No flowers and classic music played just a grown man in his robe completely deflated.
It’s been a long hockey season and maybe the kids are amped for Spring hockey, but I need a break! Golf is my Zen, whether its practicing or playing I could spend days on end at the golf course. In the Columbia Valley golfers used to ask where I played? My home track is Windermere Valley. Love the municipal local track. Cheap hot dogs, a range and practice green with a chipping area.
While the other high-end courses are slammed, I sneak out to this track to hone my inner Roy McAvoy! Like hockey golf continues to be an expensive pursuit so finding a niche spot to practice on a budget it the key for me. If you want to feel poor hang out at the Country Club.
Yesterday the hockey world was hammered with talk about exceptional status. My broadcast career like my golf game has been a steady climb but hardly exceptional. No pressure that way at least!
I still think its important for hockey players to have an off season and even for an elite player to take some time away for the Arena and to shut off the phone for a while. I have already been guilty of booking hockey event all the way until June but for the next eight weeks I will focus on my long-term relationship. The Stanley Cup Playoffs. The one constant in my 44 years and my true love.
As for Roket Gear this is our busy season as off ice training and Spring/Summer camps will be running so I won’t be retiring but balancing my schedule between work and golf. Personally, I need to do some yoga, find my swing, and watch the playoffs or as I like to refer to it pursue “Cabin Mode”. My advice is to let your player do the same. Make friends in other places, focus on school, and play other sports during the summer.
I took a long look in the mirror last week; I am getting fat again. I am losing my hair at an exceptional pace, and I don’t rebound like I used to. Enjoy your youth kids. I am not advocating training, but I am sure a lot of parents would value the break from a rigorous schedule.
Most hockey players likely don’t look forward to golf season as it usually means an early end to their hockey season, but I wanted them to know I’m available when the courses open. I am a way better golfer then hockey player so maybe we can play for lunch or Stanley Cup Playoff tickets!? I am sure the talented golfers on my thread are licking their lips at the chance to humble me on the lynx.
Enjoy the off season and we will see you back at the rink soon!