To the Editor:

Do you know why parents stop their children from playing hockey? Read this to find out. It’s clear that kids don’t play hockey because their parents stop them.

The reasons are: Number one, because it’s too dangerous; number two, because kids don’t know how to skate; and number three, because hockey gear is too heavy.

In answer to the first reason, you need to be smart about how you play and not goof off. When you goof off, it’s dangerous for you and other people. Furthermore, you have to follow the main rules of hockey to not get injured or to be dangerous to other players.

In answer to the second reason, you have to also be smart to know how to skate. Skating and rollerblading takes a lot of balance. Furthermore, you need to know how to balance and skate, before you play ice hockey.  It’s harder to skate with big heavy gear on your back.

In answer to the third reason, hockey gear is not really heavy when you get used to it. Furthermore, hockey gear needs to be heavy to protect you from getting an injury.

Hockey, in fact, is not the most dangerous sport. Boxing is the most dangerous. Football comes second and basketball, third.

Skating is the most difficult thing in hockey because you need balance.  Hockey gear is heavy but it protects you.  Parents stop kids from playing hockey for no reason whatsoever.

Ryan Montee

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Ryan Montee has just finished seventh grade at Farnsworth Middle School. His mother says Ryan enjoys playing hockey recreationally and is working on perfecting his skating.