02/17/2021
Hey Everyone!! In honor of week I wanted to thank our 911 Hockey Coaches. It will be 21 years this summer since our first camp. Our first camp was at Arcadia Ice Arena , then switched to Peoria Ice and our last camp was at the Ice Den Scottsdale.. I think what I regret the most is a lack of pictures and I know I took video but need to go through the VHS tapes lol. The 911 camp all came about with our 6 yr old son wanting to do hockey camps but as you all know those can be expensive and it just wasn't in our budget..So our son Robbie told his dad he was an awesome coach and he could have his own camp. How could you say no to that right?! Rob took a little boys dream and turned it into a reality. I think he has turned a lot of kids dreams into a reality. He instilled the qualities of a leader through his coaching of hockey (many sports actually). Rob has a passion to help others..I'm sure that's why he has been a fireman for 34 years now. He loves to help the kids and see them succeed! Its never been about himself, its always been about the kids. I think that's where you separate the good coaches from the bad..A good coach no matter his experience in the game will always put the kids first. That coach will be there for that kid not just on the ice but off the ice. They will be a forever mentor for that kid. They will always be known as 'Coach' and will always no matter where that player goes in life be someone they can reach out too. I know from watching Rob coach over the years.. the coaching doesn't end at the end of practice or a game, it comes home with him, how can he help this child improve.. or planning for the camps his thoughts are about taking that 3 days and hoping to bring the love of hockey and spark in those kids eyes. Teaching them to give back to our community. Teaching them to be leaders for our future generations. This camp could not be the camp it is if it wasn't for the many firefighter/police throughout the years that volunteered to help coach. I think that because they are first responders they have that natural desire to help others which makes them be the best coaches. I know there were days these first responders would just be coming off a 24hr shift , exhausted but they showed up! We will forever be grateful for those coaches ! I think what has been awesome is when the kids that you coached or attended the camp come back when they are older and come help out . They are giving back , just what Rob envisioned.. These kids went on in life to play hockey and continue to play and some went on with their careers. I know of 3 that are now firefighters now and others that are working toward that career.
We are hoping to create an 911 Hockey alumni page. If you were a former camper / or if your child was, could you please send in a picture as a youth and now . Let us know what you have been up to since your youth days in hockey. Our coaches have been asking and reminiscing and would love to hear from you. I will be posting on this page. Please forward to anyone that is not in this group that may have attended. If you could send by email to Robs911hockey@yahoo.com. Thx Nicol Downing
