A taste of retirement

LONDON, UK – It was a hockey free weekend for the Streatham Redskins courtesy of delayed repairs to the ice in Chelmsford.
David climbs out of his car after his short journey and looks up at the sky, the sun is shining and the birds are singing on a crisp Autumn day. David is relaxed and so he should be, there is nothing to worry about this afternoon. He steps towards the building and is greeted by a smiling face of a man in a uniform, who writes down his name.
At the same time, Dave strides out of his car. The music was loud as he approached the car park moving at perhaps a faster speed than was necessary. He looks up at the sky and breathes that familiar smell, he smiles but has an air of nervousness about him. He steps towards the building and is greeted by a group of smiling faces welcoming him with mock North East accents.

David takes a seat on a cushioned chair. He takes a sip of beer and makes himself comfortable as he takes his coat off. He surveys the scene around him as the many conversations blend into a soft general noise. The people around him are a mixture of ages, decked out in the latest fashions from Topshop, New Look and Next. They have prepared for this occasion and for some this will be the highlight of their weekend.
Dave takes his seat on a hard bench. He sips on a plastic bottle of water and adjusts his equipment. The air is blue with expletives and conversation about the usual topics. Dave is in his element, and adds his own anecdotes he has built up over the years. The men around him are all wearing the same outfit, and for nearly all of them this is the highlight of their weekend.
David hears his name called and is lead through to another room. He takes his seat and is given a menu and offered another drink. He approaches the salad bar and encounters a war of words. Two pensioners battle over the blue cheese sauce and a strange man appears to be poking the warm bread rolls on the counter. David shakes his head and stands looking perplexed.
Dave hears his name called and jumps on the ice. Skating in the cold air is one of his greatest pleasures. He has a good shift and there is a scuffle around the net. Words are exchanged and he skates back to his bench, where his team mates offer words of encouragement. Dave stands smiling inside as the action continues.

David is smiling too. A good meal with good company has left him feeling stuffed. He looks around and can see the other diners lost in their own conversations, a woman is breastfeeding her baby on the next table and the salad bar has erupted with another confrontation. The bill is requested and he sits patiently before handing over his credit card to the waiter.
The final buzzer has sounded and Dave feels good. His team have won and the adrenaline is pumping. The team gather on the blue line and congratulate each other on a job well done. The room afterwards is full of smiles and the sweat drenched men continue with the banter as the ice packs are applied and the beers opened.
David gets in his car feeling bloated but happy. Quality time with his partner and a good meal enjoyed. David can feel a barely earned afternoon nap on the horizon.
Dave gets in his car still buzzing from the win. He is going to feel the glow from this for a number of days and cannot wait for the next weekend to come along.
The moral of the story is that Dave will eventually become David on a full time basis but for now he is happy being Dave. Sundays are for hockey not for pub lunches (nice as they are).
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com