I started skating the first year the ice arena was built in Big Rapids 1975 as a mite. From there I went on to play Squirts, Peewee and Bantam for Big Rapids. My final year of Bantam we lost in the MAHA state final. The next year I started my 3 year Varsity High School stint with the Big Rapids Cardinals. Leading the 2nd line as a center my last 2 seasons. My senior year ('88) Big Rapids won our regional and lost in the final four to Flint Powers. During this same season I played against Mike Knuble (Kentwood HS). Who went on to play many years in the NHL, and won a Stanley Cup along the way. We beat Kentwood twice that year. I tried to play hockey at Ferris on the club team. But poor study habits, and lack of focus. My playing career came to an end, and I joined the Navy.

After almost 10 years of being off the ice. I moved back to Big Rapids in 1999, and was offered to coach the fall season for the high school hockey team. And fell in love with the game all over again.

So I went back down to learn to skate that winter and started with a group of kids and coached them all the way up to Bantam's. Earning my Advanced Level (IV) certification along the way. In 2009 Big Rapids High School lost in the Division II State Finals to Kingswood-Cranbrook 4-3. I had coached 10 boys on that team from Mites to Bantams. Very proud of that group of hockey players and the young men they have become today. Several of my players went on to play junior hockey after high school, and Trace Pennock played goalie in Division I at Ferris State University for 4 years.

When my son was three years old we lived on a lake in south Jackson and he was a natural. I have been coaching within JAHA since the winter after he turned four (2004-2005). Now he is on the 14U Giants team, and I am an assistant coach.

I love teaching young players about the game that my dad taught me back in the 1970's and 80's. Seeing their growth, and skills develop, and have passion for the game makes me very proud.