Rk goalies, san Diego Ca

My love for the game of ice hockey started early, watching my uncle play. I was drawn in by the action on the ice, and my life became all about hockey. At first, it was the rush of skating and scoring. Eventually, I realized the guy in the net was the key to winning — he had to stop the puck. Challenge on!

After convincing my parents that my passion was to be a goalie, I took off. At first, I loved the cool gear. Then I embraced the intense training it took to be the very best. Handling the pressure and the mental side of the game required just as much work as the techniques used on the ice. In time, that drive pushed me to reach the next level and never give up.

I started competitive play at age 7 on a B team, then moved to the Pee Wee level, where I had the unique opportunity to play with a group of guys I still call “my brothers” to this day. We won a State Championship, and the camaraderie was a rush I’ll never forget. Next, our Bantam AA team made it to the finals but finished 2nd. Through those tribulations and a few humbling moments, I learned about teamwork, how to be an effective goalie, and how to lead — the key was learning from all of it.

In Midget AAA, my team advanced to the Pacific Coast Regionals (SCAHA). That same year, we also competed in the NAPHL, going all the way to the National Championship. Along the way, I was chosen as the Pacific Region’s top goalie to represent at Nationals, asked to write an article for a SoCal paper on mental preparedness, and received several other honors. At the Junior level, I played in the USPHL, WSHL, and briefly in the NAHL.

While in the NAHL, reality set in — despite my strong skills, my 5’6” stature would keep me from furthering my playing career. Down but not beaten, I changed direction while keeping my passion for the game alive. Again — challenge on. The journey to becoming a coach was built from my years as a player and goalie, refereeing, volunteering at camps, and the encouragement of key people who believed I could coach others effectively. Today, I carry an incredible passion for working with the next generation.

Coach Reed