Geraldine Brophy/The Western Star
Her daughter Jessica is one of the puckstoppers for the Corner Brook Royals team putting out the welcome mat for the 2015 Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador Atom Mega hockey championship getting underway today in Corner Brook.
Jessica is not the only goalie in the Park family. Her brother Lucas is a budding goalie in the Corner Brook minor hockey system who patrols the crease for the Western AAA peewee team.
“One goalie is bad enough, but two you’re thinking what are you getting yourself into,” Park said of her daughter opting to be a goalie just two years ago.
Park, a Steady Brook resident and avid volunteer in the Corner Brook minor hockey system, actually bought a second vehicle to help with the transporting of the goalie gear back and forth to the rink.
Jessica loves to play the game, but she’s also very active in other sports. She keeps her parents on their toes. She has a blue stripe in taekwondo, kicks around the soccer ball, serves up the tennis ball and is hoping to playing female baseball this summer.
Lucas can hold his own on the baseball and soccer fields during the summer months.
Mom believes sports has proven to be a great source of fun for her children. She believes they get a chance to meet new friends and learn lifelong lessons.
“We don’t force our kids to do anything,” Park said. “My kids love their sports and I think it’s a wonderful avenue for them to have. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Goalies are a rare breed and they carry the weight of the team on their shoulders so there’s a certain amount of pressure placed on those wearing the mask.
It’s probably nothing compared to the nerves a mom deals with when she’s watching from the stands.
“There’s not a moment of peace when I watch the game. It’s nerves all the time,” she said.
