The "Family Annual Rivalry At The Shore" Story

Competitor #1 - Grandson Caden

It was an ordinary day.  The grandkid's ride tickets have just run out and Caden, my grandson, challenged Uncle Dave to a game of Knock Hockey to see if he can beat him one last time before vacation ends.  Caden and Dave have had a running battle to see who can win the most games at Knock Hockey during vacation.  The battle started 3 years ago when Caden became tall enough to reach the puck in the middle of the board.  The first couple of years Uncle Dave took it easy on Caden, allowing him to win a few games.  Last year Caden had improved and Uncle Dave had a battle on his hands, but still managed to win more than he lost.  This year the count stood at: Caden 6 games won, Uncle Dave 7 games won.  

Competitor #2 - Uncle Dave

The family gathered around the Knock Hockey table at Playland's Castaway Cove for the final battle.  Caden, who just turned 9 years old, was so excited that he was getting another chance to beat his hero Uncle Dave, who just turned ……. well, does it matter?  In case you aren't aware of how the game is played, players stand on either end of a table that has an opening about a foot wide cut into the edge in front of them.  The object of the game is to knock the plastic puck, which is about 4 inches round, into your opponents opening.  Whoever scores 10 goals first wins the game.  Costs $1 to play a game.  Caden put on a good show winning the first game by a close score and immediately challenged Uncle Dave to another game.  Uncle Dave plugged the machine and game # 2 began.  Both players were sweating from the intense rivalry, but Uncle Dave came out on top making the series for the year 7-6 games, Uncle Dave ahead.  Caden begged Uncle Dave as well as his mom and dad to let him play one more game, hoping to leave with a tie for the year.  OK, one more game was going to take place.  Caden put the four quarters in the slot and the lights on the game came to life.  The score went back and forth with the family cheering with each goal.  

A big hug was in order after the matches ended.

Other vacationers gathered around to see what all the excitement was about.  Score was Uncle Dave 9, Caden 8 when Caden bounced one off the side of the rink into Uncle's Dave slot for a score.  Caden was as red as a beet from the excitement and energy being exerted.  Caden then fired a shot that hit the side rail on Uncle Dave's side of the rink and took flight, hitting someone 15 feet away who was shooting basketballs.  

Caden raises Uncle Dave's hand in triumph!!

Then, after maybe 30 seconds, Uncle Dave fired one right down the middle of the rink.  Caden tried to hit it, but misjudged the speed of the puck and it went past him into his goal.  Uncle Dave retained his championship once again, but not before a big hug and Caden raising Uncle Dave's hand in triumph.  They both are intense players and Uncle Dave, even though he out distances Caden in years, gives it all he has.  That really is how Caden wants it to be.  He knows that someday he will be declared champ and he wants it to be on skill and not because Uncle Dave let him win.  And ……. it will happen some year.  Just wait and see!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.