How long have you been playing hockey?

- I've been playing hockey for 4 years now.


How did you get started?

- Interesting story for me. I grew up in the Detroit area. There is a rink every mile it seems, and getting any ice time is next to impossible. Growing up, I skated out on a lake with family, but never was any good. I could just barely stand up straight without falling down normally. While I liked to follow the Red Wings, I just never learned how to skate.

Fast forward to four years ago. One of the guys from my office moved out here from the Detroit area and he had been playing hockey for a long time. He told me how the county was going to shut down the rink and a number of people were trying to save it. For some reason ,that struck a chord with me. The only ice rink in a 120 mile radius was being threatened with closure. I thought if all these people (that included YOU, Ken Evans) were going to go to great lengths to save the rink, I would do my part to support it. 

So, I came down to the rink at age 48 and watched a Hockey 101 class in September of 2011. I remember they split it in two groups, and I was watching from behind the glass. One group looked like semi-pros... just flying around on the ice, but a few of the other group looked like beginners, and of various ages. It made me think, "Ya, I can do that!" They are out there, and no one is laughing, everyone is helping everyone else. So, I started the next week, dressed top-to-bottom in borrowed gear. It was exhilarating! I also took Adult Learn to Skate lessons from EFSC (Eugene Figure Skating Club). Best decision I've made in a long time, those lessons are great. Only a few weeks later, the crew I was skating with in the Hockey 101 lessons convinced me to join C-League. No looking back for me since. 

It's unlike anything else I've ever done. I think I was trying to describe it to Flint one day as, for me, playing hockey is like downhill skiing a double black diamond run while playing speed chess. It's not just a physically demanding sport, but an entire mental challenge as well!


What do you do with your time when you're NOT playing hockey?

- Normal stuff... working or travelling for work, computer gaming, spending time with the dog, or fixing the house.


What do you do you love MOST about hockey at The Rink Exchange?

- Seriously, it's the community. I've never met so many outstanding people. While I can look back and wish I had done this as a kid, I wouldn't trade what i have now for anything. Great group of guys and gals! Can't skate? So what?! Get involved, get some lessons, and come have a blast with us!

Oh... and Go Wings!

How long have you been playing hockey?

- I've been playing for one year now... Can't wait to start year two! 


How did you get started?

- I got my start through Bill Hough, a fellow member of our rink community who also happens to be my neighbor. He convinced me to come out to a Hockey 101 class and I had so much fun that I signed up that afternoon for the next season!

How long have you been playing hockey?

- I've been playing hockey for three years now. 


How did you get started at The Rink Exchange?

- I've wanted to play all of my life. At age 30, I decided to get the gear and go to the Hockey 101 class. I did the classes for about 3 months before I moved into the league. I wish I had done it sooner. I was too worried about being able to skate well. I still can't skate well... I was super nervous before and during my first game. I didn't want to let anyone down and I didn't think I'd be able to compete. That changed real quick. Everyone was super nice to me and supportive and made my first game that much easier. I never looked back.