Welcome, hockey enthusiasts, to the first volume of “The Parking Lot”! The AHA would like to thank everyone who participated and submitted name suggestions for this newsletter. Dozens of submissions were fun and creative and captured the hockey culture. It was a tough selection, but we felt The Parking Lot captures where our community discourses, tells stories, and has a good time after a game.
Congratulations to Matt Wickert, who is our player spotlight of the month!
AHA Player Spotlight
Name: Matt Wickert
Hometown: Cedarburg, WI
# / Position: 44 C/LW
Team / Tier: Mallards A
I was born in Houston, and my dad would take my older brother and me to Aeros games before I even formed memories. I think my neurons connected inside that rink, watching them skate around. It wasn’t until we moved to Wisconsin that I realized I could actually play, so I did. I was six years old.
In the driveway, I somehow convinced my brother to get into the net with knee pads and a baseball glove, and soon, the whole neighborhood came together to play street hockey. We put together a pretty good high school hockey team, forgetting about those two games we played against Minnesota teams.
The path into juniors and onwards wasn’t realistic for me, so I messed around at UW-Eau Claire long enough to earn a degree and win a club championship. It wasn’t long until my job search brought me to the Twin Cities to play with you goofs.
It’s some of the best hockey I’ve ever played, with some of the best people I’ve ever met. I’ve won championships here, played tournaments in Europe (shoutout: 4 The Love of Puck), and rediscovered a game that I thought was done with me—and lots and lots of light beer.
I'm looking forward to another season with AHA Hockey. Give me a good chirp if you see me out there.
Referees & Scorekeepers
Scorekeeper
Working as a scorekeeper for AHA is a unique and rewarding experience that blends the excitement of the game with the precision of administration. In this role, you’re stationed at the scoresheet and clock as the linchpin between the players, referees, and spectators. Their primary duties include tracking goals, assists, penalties, and game time while maintaining a calm and focused demeanor. The game's fast-paced nature requires quick reflexes and an understanding of hockey rules to record every detail accurately.
Beyond the immediate tasks of recording and timekeeping, being an AHA scorekeeper offers a front-row seat to the dynamic world of AHA hockey. You become part of a community that values teamwork, sportsmanship, and the joy of the game. Watching the players’ camaraderie, personal growth on the ice, and the occasional dramatic game moments adds a layer of satisfaction to the job. Overall, the role of a scorekeeper is both an essential and fulfilling part of the AHA experience.
Referee
Working as a referee for AHA combines excitement, responsibility, and challenge. Positioned at the heart of the action, referees are crucial in maintaining the flow and fairness of the game. Their primary duties involve enforcing the rules, making split-second decisions, and managing game flow. Each game presents its unique set of circumstances and dynamics, requiring referees to stay alert and adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the sport.
Communication and decision-making are critical aspects of the role. Referees often find themselves in situations where quick thinking and clear communication are essential. They must be prepared to explain calls to players, often in the heat of the moment, while also managing any frustrations or disagreements that arise. Practical refereeing requires a thorough understanding of hockey rules and the ability to convey decisions clearly and confidently.
Despite the challenges, being a referee offers a rewarding sense of involvement in the game. You’re overseeing the action and contributing to the players' overall experience. Watching the play unfold and seeing players engage in spirited competition and camaraderie provides a unique sense of satisfaction. Additionally, working as a referee helps you develop valuable skills such as conflict resolution, leadership, and quick decision-making, which are beneficial both on and off the ice.
If anyone has any questions, comments, chirps, and stories you’d like to share and feature in future volumes, please email communications@ahahockey.com.