Welcome, hockey enthusiasts, to volume 2 of “The Parking Lot”! It's been an exciting month with the Summer league wrapped up, the Fall league underway, and tournament season around the corner! Lots of fun starting up, including a new monthly social event, “Brewery of the Month.” Thank you to everyone who came to hang out and have a beer for our first at Steel Toe Brewing in Saint Louis Park! We had a great turnout, with dozens showing up and sharing their stories of hockey and life. If you did miss out, do not worry. Another will be planned for October. So, look for AHA socials (Facebook & X) for announcements on the when and where.
Our Player Spotlight of the Month is Robbie Phillips!
Name: Robbie Philips
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
# / Position: 13
Team / Tier: Zamboni Mafia / D2
My name is Robbie Phillips, and I am the captain of the Zamboni Mafia in D2, wearing number 13. I’m originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and I moved to the area in May 2023 with my wife and teenage daughter. Being new to the area, I was looking for a way to stay active during winter. That’s when I found the AHA and thought hockey would be the perfect way to stay active and meet new people.
My first time skating was in November 2023 when I hit the ice for the AHA Beginner School. It was a completely new experience, but I’ve grown to love the challenge of learning both skating and hockey. Whenever I’m on the ice, my only focus is playing as hard as I can for myself and my team. Each game allows me to improve and push myself further.
As a team, Zamboni Mafia is excited for our first Winter League season in D2. It’s been amazing to watch how far we’ve come together as a team, and I’m grateful to be part of such a driven and motivated group of players. We look forward to the season ahead and the challenges it will bring.
As a new skater and hockey player, the AHA Beginner School was a fantastic experience. The welcoming environment created by coaches Brian, Andrew, Paul, and Winni made a huge difference. Their approach was about minor, continuous improvements, which helped me and my teammates progress each week. I was amazed by how much we improved when we reached the championship game. What started as a bunch of beginners had transformed into a cohesive team, improving at our own pace.
What I’ve come to love most about AHA and hockey is the sense of community and the friendships I’ve made. Since joining the Zamboni Mafia, we’ve celebrated weddings, new babies and enjoyed team gatherings, cookouts, and even NHL and PWHL games. As captain, watching our team grow closer and see individual improvements has been incredibly rewarding. When I joined, I hoped to learn hockey and make a friend or two—now, I’m grateful for the friendships, the camaraderie, and the memories we’ve built as a team.
The Parking Lot Monthly Photo and Feature Contest
We're excited to announce the launch of a new photo contest! Capture the best moments of your team or teammates socializing, having fun, or chilling in the lot, and submit your favorite shots for a chance to be featured. Each month, we’ll select a winning photo to highlight, and at the end of the year, one overall winner will have their picture displayed as the new background for The Parking Lot newsletter. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your team’s spirit on and off the ice (example below)!
I hope everyone is having a fantastic fall, and I hope to see you on 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
Regards,
AHA - Adult Hockey Association