Canton hockey moms take to the ice

Four Canton moms have given new meaning to the “hockey mom” identity. Besides spending time at ice rinks cheering on their offspring, they have taken up the challenge of learning stick handling and puck control. In the process, they have learned a bit about themselves and the sport of hockey and have developed a deeper appreciation for their children’s accomplishments.

(L-R) Canton hockey moms Melody Kwok, Jamie Toto, Courtney Shaughnessy and Shari Joyce

Melody Kwok first heard about Medfield’s youth hockey program, “Mom Learn to Play,” from her friend, Shari Joyce. Kwok, a native of Canada but a Canton resident for about 15 years, has long been familiar with ice sports. A figure skater since childhood, she stays in practice as a member of Team Excel, a synchronized skating team at The Skating Club of Boston in Norwood.

But Kwok’s figure skating life has always centered in arenas intended only for figure skaters, so it never included much interaction with hockey players. When her two sons started Canton Youth Hockey last year at 7 and 10 years old, she began her own journey with the sport.

Joyce didn’t grow up figure skating but has logged plenty of hours at “Ponky,” the nickname for DCR’s Metropolis Skating Rink on Route 138. One of her two daughters, now age 6, had originally joined Canton Youth Hockey through Learn to Skate two years ago. Searching for a girls-only hockey team, Joyce found one for younger girls through Medfield Youth Hockey. She learned of the Mom program, and she and Courtney Shaughnessy decided to give it a try. Joyce then talked Kwok into participating too, and Jamie Toto also joined in.

The program ran once a week on Wednesday nights over two sessions, including three weeks in April and then five weeks in June and July. It was held at the Norfolk Arena and used Medfield Youth Hockey coaches, who started sessions with skating skills work, followed by 5-on-5 scrimmages. About 50 women participated each week. Joyce said she guessed the high number was a surprise to the Medfield organizers, who probably expected “only a handful.”

The program was low pressure, with no referees. Sometimes, 8- to 10-year-old girls who were learning goalie skills took on goalkeeper roles, but if none were available, a line of Home Depot buckets served to guard the goals instead. The informal atmosphere helped to promote a fun experience.

Kwok said a strong sense of camaraderie developed, which was also fueled by the post-play weekly wine and cheese gatherings in the warm-up room. “We earned the right!” noted Kwok.

The group also conducted a ceremony in which they presented a decorated pink helmet to the MVP of the week.

Skill level varied widely among the participants, from some who had played hockey before to some who needed practice developing skating skills. “We’re all trying and we’re all learning,” Joyce said.

Scrimmages never got too intense, partly, she said, because the emphasis was on fun and partly because they “all [had] to get up the next morning.”

Over the course of the program, the women noticed significant improvements in their hockey skills.

“I’ve definitely improved — I haven’t fallen in a while!” Joyce said, adding that her biggest achievement was scoring three goals in one game to complete her first hat trick.

Kwok was surprised by how difficult it was to hit the puck. Despite her skating skills, she likened her difficulties with hitting it to Charlie Brown’s problems in Peanuts with kicking the football, but she has gradually gotten better. She was also surprised to find herself “getting a little aggressive” in the last scrimmage.

Both women were buoyed by their children’s reactions. “I got a motivational pep talk from my 6-year-old,” noted Joyce.

Kwok said both her sons seemed “really proud” of her and noted that her 10-year-old started giving her tips. She added that hockey became a bond between them now that she better understands the skills required. She also has personal experience with the sweating triggered by protective hockey equipment, something she hadn’t fully understood previously, since tank tops are an option for figure skaters, who don’t wear pads.

The Mom Learn to Play program ended the last week of July, so Kwok and Joyce have mostly been engaging in typical summer activities while taking a break from hockey, although Kwok skates throughout the year.

It is uncertain whether Medfield Youth Hockey, which was originally inspired by a popular initiative in Natick, will continue offering Mom sessions. What Kwok and Joyce would love to do is help spread the program by bringing it to Canton.

They encourage anyone interested in getting involved to reach out. Joyce said that identifying potential players will be the first step in starting a program.

Kwok noted that she has skating skills but lacks teaching skills, so volunteer teacher-coaches are also needed. After that, developing a relationship with a Canton rink will help jumpstart the group.

Other than skates (figure skates are fine), a helmet with a cage, and some padding, no special equipment is needed to start. A sweater, a smile, and an interest in learning and trying something new with an enthusiastic group will make a big difference.

For more information and to get involved, contact Shari Joyce at Slg919@gmail.com.

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Posted by Candace Paris on Aug 8 2025. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.