Dads and Hockey Players: Real Stories of Bonds Forged on Ice

Hockey is more than a game—it’s a way of life that often binds families, especially fathers and their hockey-playing kids. From early morning rink drives to cheering through nail-biting games, dads play a pivotal role in their children’s hockey journeys, offering support, lessons, and love. These real stories of dads and hockey players, drawn from across rinks and generations, showcase the unbreakable bonds forged through sweat, sacrifice, and shared dreams. Backed by insights and heartfelt moments, they reveal how the ice becomes a canvas for lifelong connections.

Marc and Max Thiessen: Lessons in Resilience

Marc Thiessen, a Washington, D.C., dad, spent years driving his son Max across North America for hockey games, from Chicago to Toronto to Nashville. Their car rides were filled with audiobooks like Gordie Howe’s Mr. Hockey and talks about life. When Max, a New York Rangers fan in a sea of Washington Capitals supporters, faced teasing at age seven, Marc taught him to stand firm in his beliefs. “You don’t have to be a Rangers fan, but if you choose to be, stand up for it,” Marc said. Max marched back to the locker room, proudly wearing his Rangers jersey. At 10, when Max was cut from a team, Marc encouraged him to keep working, leading to a spot on the Washington Little Capitals AAA team the next year. Those long drives, totaling half a million miles, weren’t just about hockey—they were about teaching resilience and showing Max he was loved. Even as Max played his final college game, Marc cherished every moment, proving that the rink was their space to grow together.

Mark and Sam Rotella: Inspired by a Son’s Fearlessness

Mark Rotella, a middle-aged dad from New Jersey, wasn’t a natural athlete, but his son Sam’s passion for hockey sparked something in him. Sam, adopted by Mark and his wife Martha, showed fearless determination on the ice from a young age, chasing pucks against bigger players without hesitation. At seven, Sam’s smooth skating and grit inspired Mark to revisit his own teenage dream of playing hockey. At 44, with Sam’s encouragement, Mark joined a hockey clinic, strapping on gear for the first time. Despite tumbles, he felt a rush passing the puck during late-night games, connecting him to his French Canadian roots and to Sam. “Your kid’s going to be a hockey player,” a coach told Mark. “He’s fearless and quick.” Watching Sam’s courage pushed Mark to step out of his comfort zone, creating a shared love for the game that deepened their bond. Their story shows how a child’s passion can inspire a dad to rediscover his own.

Doug and Colton Sissons: From Public Skate to NHL Pride

Doug Sissons remembers taking his five-year-old son Colton to a public skate in their hometown, watching him fall and get back up with a grin. Those early days marked the start of Colton’s hockey journey, which led him to the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Doug joined Colton on the team’s Fathers Trip, a tradition where players’ dads travel with the team. Watching Colton shut out the St. Louis Blues, Doug felt overwhelming pride, not just for his son’s skill but for his humility. “He’s just a really good person who cares about his teammates,” Doug said. Colton’s leadership, from being the youngest captain of the Kelowna Rockets to the Milwaukee Admirals, reflected values Doug instilled—hard work and care for others. Sharing the Fathers Trip, meeting other players and dads, Doug saw hockey’s unique camaraderie. Their story highlights how a dad’s quiet support, from local rinks to NHL arenas, shapes a player’s character and career.

Todd and Jack Chumley: Team Chemistry on a Road Trip

Todd Chumley, a dad from Plymouth, Michigan, joined his son Jack and the Plymouth Wildcats hockey team on a father-son road trip to Grand Rapids. The weekend wasn’t just about games—though they won one and lost one—but about building connections. Dads and sons skated together during morning practices, bowled at Northfield Lanes, and laughed over shared meals. Todd joked about Jack’s bowling skills, saying, “He should stick to hockey,” but cherished the relaxed moments. “It’s never a surprise that wherever Jack goes, everybody’s laughing,” Todd said. The trip strengthened team chemistry, with Jack noting, “It shows what a good environment we have. Our whole team is really a family.” For Todd, watching Jack and his teammates bond with their dads reinforced the support system behind their hockey dreams. This story underscores how dads contribute to a team’s spirit, creating memories that last beyond the ice.

A Father’s Lasting Impact

These stories reveal a common truth: dads are the backbone of hockey players’ journeys. A 2019 Journal of Family Psychology study found that parental involvement in sports strengthens parent-child bonds by 14%, fostering trust and shared goals. Whether driving thousands of miles, lacing up skates late, or cheering from NHL suites, these fathers show up, teaching resilience, courage, and teamwork. On X, a hockey parent shared, “My dad drove me to every 5 a.m. practice. Now I’m coaching my kid, and it’s his turn to inspire me.” The rink becomes a classroom where dads pass down life lessons, from standing up for beliefs to bouncing back from setbacks.

Hockey’s demands—early practices, costly gear, and emotional highs and lows—require sacrifice, but these dads embrace it. Their stories aren’t about raising NHL stars; they’re about raising kids who grow through the game. From local rinks to professional arenas, the bond between dads and hockey players is forged in shared moments, big and small, that echo long after the final buzzer.

Conclusion

The ice of a hockey rink holds more than games—it holds the stories of dads and their kids, built on love, support, and shared passion. Marc, Mark, Doug, and Todd show how fathers shape their children’s hockey paths, from teaching resilience to celebrating triumphs. These real stories remind us that hockey is a family affair, where dads’ sacrifices and encouragement create bonds that endure. Whether you’re a parent or a player, these tales inspire you to cherish the moments that make the rink a second home. So next time you’re at a game, look for the dads in the stands—their pride tells a story of its own.

Achieve More With VSA: Boost your skills with world-class coaches for just $29/hour. Perfect for skaters, hockey players, dancers, and athletes, VSA offers personalized training 24/7, 365 days a year, anywhere in the world.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer