Local hockey moms enjoy the spotlight

By RON DEUTER,Staff Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN - The selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as Republican presidential nominee John McCain's running mate has turned the race for the White House upside down.

It also has officially thrust into the national spotlight a group known well by folks around here - hockey moms.

During her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Palin shared the now famous joke about the difference between hockey moms and a pit bull.

"I didn't know pit bulls wear lipstick," joked a hockey mom at Iron Mountain's recent youth hockey signup.

Point taken, but do hockey moms actually like being compared to a pit bull?

"Absolutely, because we aggressively support our team and kids," said hockey mom Kathryn Girard.

"I think that hockey moms definitely feel like they're part of a sorority, and when you hear a quote like that, you go, 'Absolutely, absolutely,'" fellow hockey mom Lynn Crockford affirmed. "And, I'm sure we're biased, but I can't believe there is a tighter group than the hockey moms."

Whether you think she is inexperienced or inspirational, Palin clearly has secured the attention of the American voting public and struck a cord with hockey moms and women alike.

"I like her more because, you know, I know she's gone through what we've gone through," said Jamie Henry, who describes hockey moms as one big family - traveling, supporting and caring for their kids.

"I think it's great to possibly have a woman vice president, and if she is a hockey mom, that's great too," Girard said. "I don't think that makes her any more or any less qualified than anybody else, though."

"I think John McCain probably made a very, very smart choice because I would definitely have been leaning the other way. You add her to the ticket - she's a hockey mom, a mother, she's involved with her kids - and you definitely kind of think, I do have something in common with this woman," Crockford said, admitting she still has to learn more about Palin before making up her mind.

As for bringing hockey moms into the limelight, the consensus at the rink was positive.

"Sure, any news about hockey is good news. The more we're in the spotlight, the better. It's good to bring that attention to our sport," Girard said.

"I think its great. I think we're under-appreciated. I don't think were recognized enough for all the time and effort we put into this sport. And it's a passion. It really is," Crockford added.

Ron Deuter's e-mail address is rdeuter@ironmountaindailynews.com.