ON ICE
Glide, Grit, and the Glory of the Game
Ice isn’t just cold—it’s electric. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how childhood wonder meets athletic mastery, and how skating through life’s challenges can lead to record-breaking triumphs.
One of my favorite Christmases as a child was the year that everyone got ice skates. They were beautiful white high-top boots with a crisp steel blade the length of the sole. I was mesmerized. I had never tried ice skating, but I was sure I would overtake Sonja Henie. A girl can dream. Fortunately, the local reservoir was not far away, and a frozen surface was guaranteed with Indiana winters. Lacing up those boots and toddling onto the ice with trepidation and anticipation was the height of glory. With stable ankles and knees, standing on the center of the blades was easy, and a slight push from the knee down to the frozen water started the glide. What a glorious feeling!
Today, I discovered that Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record for goals. He matched the long-standing record set by Gretzky in 1994, which had previously broken Gordie Howe’s record from 1963. The fact that Ovechkin accomplished this in a year when he also broke his leg is genuinely remarkable. Congratulations, Mr. Ovechkin! You must be beyond thrilled. Breaking the record is inevitable, and another celebration is just around the corner.
If I have done the math correctly, it took 31 years for Gretzky to break Howe’s record and another 31 years for Ovechkin to break Gretzky’s. Spooky! That means Alex Ovechkin will be 70 years old when his record is broken!
I am in awe of the skill it takes to put those skates on and whack a puck along the ice while a giant monster guards the net. The fact that anyone scores a goal ever is fantastic. The strength and coordination required to power down the ice while wielding a large wooden stick in search of a tiny black circle is beyond impressive. No wonder the crowd goes wild when the puck enters the net. Statistically, this should never happen. No wonder it takes 31 years to break a record.
Congratulations, Mr. Ovechkin! The honor is well deserved.
Want to explore the legacy of hockey’s greatest scorers? Visit Wikipedia’s list of NHL individual records, Hudson Reporter’s highlights of historic hockey milestones, and The Show VDG Sports’ deep dive into NHL history.
If you’re reflecting on childhood joy, athletic inspiration, or personal milestones, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and life-stage transformation.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
