Andy's Rink Rats

Today was our final day at Corona Inline and I want to take a moment to express my appreciation to all the kids and parents at Corona Inline I have had the privilege of coaching there since 2016. I seemed to get many beginners and very inexperienced on my rosters over the years. I never really minded because I enjoy coaching and teaching raw talent, with limited skills, and then watching their growth and especially their confidence. My thing is to encourage the kids to learn to find the best inside themselves. Anyone who has played for me knows I'm not one to post what they should do, instead sharing it at practices, games, and in a team newsletter I try to take the time to do. Btw, my newsletters may be lengthy, but the goal was to help those inexperienced with hockey get feedback and info that can help them away from the rink. Plus, not all parents have played hockey. Today was bittersweet. Bear started playing there, my FireDogs were born there, and 3 years are 3 years. So many friends and memories were made there. But the time has come to move on. But what a sendoff by my Rink Rats. Bear is playing in WC, and I've taken a much older team, plus it is now the (practice) home of my FireDogs. Thank you to so many who befriended and prayed for my family, and who have offered support and encouragement over the years. I'm humbled and honored... While there are too many to name, kids and families, know I will always be accessible and there for a word of wisdom or support for the many who have played for me, and will always happily greet so many if I see you around the IE or a hockey rink. I look forward to seeing more kids enter travel clubs and at tourneys. Work hard, and give your best, for I'll always be proud of the effort... Blessings and love to all... Coach Andy! ❤💛🖤 🐾🐻🐾😎🚒🔥🐶👨‍🚒🥅🏒🇺🇸

This 5 pic sequence is the anatomy of a save. Keep in mind, wide open net and Bear has played goalie since Dec-Jan, excluding the holidays. * Watch the puck trajectory change. Anyone who was there can see why he was getting a lot of cheers and love after the Narch Regional 8u semifinal game especially considering he made 38 saves in the semi. 🐾🐻🐾❤💛🖤🇺🇸🏒🥅🔥🐶🏅🚒👨‍🚒🥅🏒🇺🇸

Bear with a late game save on the way to his first Corona rec win 5-1. Team played great, worked hard, and played better. I'm enjoying coaching this group. This is Bear's 3rd game in 3 nights with a 4th game on Saturday. 🇺🇸🏒🥅🐾🐻🐾🔥🚨🔥🚨🔥🚨🔥🚨🔥🚨🔥🥅🏒🇺🇸

GAMEDAY: After backstopping (as a sub) the Wendigos to a 2-2 tie and several monster saves including stopping all 3 shootout shots, Bear leads the Rink Rats (Kesler's Klan) as they start Winter 8u play in Corona tonight at 625. Returning with Bear are Jake, Rylan, Wes, & Wyatt, along with 5 new teammates. Will be a fun night... Here are his shootout saves... https://youtu.be/_PhDrxvBs44 🇺🇸🏒🥅🔥🐾🐻🐾🔥🥅🏒🇺🇸