he summer has been long and hot. While you might not be completely ready to part ways with the lifestyle of golfin,' grillin,' and chillin,' you are ready to make a move back to the ice. It is time.

Notice served

When the first glints of hockey thoughts start crossing your mind, you kind of blow them off. The focus is still on getting out to the lake, maybe playing some softball, and figuring out if Tiger is going to get out of his slump (or if someone ranked #1 in the world even can be in a slump).

But you can't blow them off forever, and the first time that reality really strikes you is the notice coming over your email or a small ad in the local paper. The time is nigh. Preparations must begin.

Continued...