Hey, everybody! Reader here, and this past Friday night, I had the opportunity to do something I’ve never done before.

For the first time since he started playing hockey, my nephew Hadley played a game in Yorkton, so I was able to watch him play in my own backyard. Usually, I travel to watch him play (and I’m more than happy to do so), but it was nice to see him play here at home.

Had was in town, with his team, the Prairie Storm U15 ‘A’ Lightning, from the Balgonie-White City-Pilot Butte area, to take on the Yorkton PAC Terriers in exhibition action at Kinsmen Arena.

Hadley got the start in goal for the Lightning, and his counterpart at the other end happened to be the son of my pal and GX94 morning man Danny Ismond! Go figure!

Another nice thing is that Hadley’s Mom and Dad (my brother Curtis and his wife Niki) made the trip, so I was able to have a quick visit with them, too!

The Lightning were raring to go!

The puck dropped, and the action began. The Lightning had a rough start, and Hadley was busy!

Ultimately, the game didn’t go the Lightning’s way, but it was still awesome to see my nephew hit the ice for the first time this season!

In life, we find happiness where we can, and there are few things that make me happier than seeing my nieces and nephew doing the things they love.

Whether it’s watching my nephew playing sports like hockey, football or broomball, or seeing my nieces playing ringette, or dancing, doing art or playing music, they put a huge smile on Uncle’s face, and make me so proud every day. I love ’em all to the moon and back and beyond.

To me, there’s nothing better!