“The Tucker Hockey Way” worked for Aidan!
It is the mission of Tucker Hockey to share our passion for the sport to others. We are always delighted when we can help a child achieve his or her goals, both on and off the ice. Aidan is a perfect example of how “The Tucker Hockey Way” can make a big difference in a child’s life. Here is Aidan’s story told with help from his Mom Karen.
Per Hockey Mom Karen:
“Aidan played defense for all of his community hockey years. He tried out for the Quadrant CBHA “Buffs” Bantam as a first year in the 2018 season. He was not drafted. He tried again last Fall 2019 as a second year Bantam, now called U15, for a forward position. He had never, ever played a game as a forward! Just a few shifts from time to time but never a full game and those few shifts were rare. As parents, we were surprised of his desire to change positions, and to be perfectly honest, we were not sure that he would land a spot on a Buffs team as a second year. We thought his chances were better as a defenseman since he was now 6’ tall, skilled at body checking and had a decent “clap bomb” from the blue line. However, he landed a spot with the Bantam AA Blackhawks and my husband Brent and I were thrilled that he had achieved his personal goal!!
Aidan had come from Bantam 3 community hockey as a defenseman! As parents, we could not have asked for a better experience for the 2019 – 2020 Season. The players, parent group, coaches and support staff were nothing short of amazing. The team’s success included winning an 8 team tourney in Kimberley, BC and making it to the City’s semi – finals before being eliminated and being unfortunately shutdown by COVID. We fondly remember the Secret Santa adopt-a-family, Veterans Food Bank game drive, Mac’s Midget Tourney volunteering, Atom 3 practice volunteering, “I’ve Got Mind” mental strength program and most importantly, the many friendships Aidan made during the season. He even managed to ref some games as a Central Zone Hockey Official as well. The icing, no pun intended, was when Aidan was awarded the Team Coaches Award. This award acknowledges the player on the team who the coaches feel represent the Buffs values of: accountable, honesty, pride, passion, desire, commitment, perseverance and respect. The Head Coach said to us and to Aidan that Aidan had improved so much during the season. Gulp!!! #proudbuffsmom #proudhockeyparents.
from the 2019 / 2020 season.
Aidan put in the work including Tucker Hockey camps and PD ice in the Spring of 2019. His accomplishments were all him but we also feel Tucker Hockey contributed to his success as well.”
Per Aidan:
Tucker Hockey definitely had a large contribution in getting me to where I am currently. The camps have helped me improve my skating and puck control skills tremendously. During my time at the camps, I developed a new found confidence on my edges and learned to have longer and more powerful strides. The puck control aspect of the camp helped me learn to be more creative with the puck and always have my head up when I have the puck on my stick. Hockey has had a positive impact on my life. It has kept me in shape, helped me learn many life skills and I have made many good friends through playing hockey.
practice with the Knights.
Editor’s Note:
Thank you, Karen and Aidan for sharing your “happy hockey story” with us. Congratulations Aidan on achieving your goal to make Quadrant Hockey with CBHA!! We are always keen to help with on ice skill development. Also, pleased to support your fundraising causes by advertising in the Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association Year Book. We wish you continued success with your hockey and academic endeavors. Hope you are back on the ice in the New Year! Keep positive, be creative and keep working on your skills! Good things well happen in the months ahead! All the best! Take Care.
~Coach Rex
