Courtesy Photo | Master Sgt. Nicholas Stanger, 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron Standardization and...... read more read more
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Growing up in the Red Wings state, Michiganders are bound to love hockey, play or watch the sport most of their lives and hate the Colorado Avalanche. It is just a way of life, at least it was for one Schriever Airman.
Master Sgt. Nicholas Stanger grew up in Michigan and has been a fan of hockey ever since. The 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron Standardization and Evaluation NCO in charge dreamed of playing college hockey or in the NHL but needed some direction, so he joined the Air Force instead.
Most of the time, Stanger was based at air force installations that do not have ice hockey rinks. Finally in August 2011, he was stationed at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado.
"I knew this is a hockey hub. I wanted to come here," Stanger said.
The Livonia, Mich., native always wanted to resume his connection with hockey. Stanger loves the sport so much he decided to be a U.S. Air Force Academy Youth Center program PeeWee hockey coach. The team of children ages 10-12 play twice a week on weekends.
"As an assistant coach, I run practices, assist players, make sure they are doing what they are supposed to be doing, remind them of their responsibilities and motivate them," said Stanger.
After two years of coaching, Stanger's tactics are earning recognition by fellow program coaches.
"Nick is a positive role model for the [Academy] youth hockey program," said Capt. Wayne Johnson, 50th Operations Support Squadron, Wing Cyber Weapons and Tactics Chief, and one of the youth hockey coaches. "He is a great contributor to the development of U.S. hockey through his vast experience and natural ability to translate core skills to the kids."
Johnson said Stanger's positive attitude, leadership and ability to boost each hockey player's confidence both on and off the ice are nothing short of outstanding.
"Nick has a sincere desire to coach all the players toward a higher level in hockey and maintain a life-long sport," he said.
Though coaching for two years, Stanger is still not used to the team members calling him "coach". However, it does make him proud. Stanger said being called coach is gratifying.
"They ask me for advice, what they are doing wrong, how to better themselves," he said. "That's where I call upon my experience in the Air Force and hockey and help them. That's the most rewarding part."
Stanger developed the love for the sport by watching everybody in Michigan. He began playing hockey in high school when he was a sophomore and continued until he graduated.
"Like any other sport, hockey keeps you disciplined," he said. "I've played all positions but usually defense."
Defying the Michigander stereotype, Stanger is a fan of both Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche as well as Avalanche center Matt Duchene and Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk. But before throwing ice at him, he did explain why he is a fan of both teams that are bitter rivals.
He became a fan of Colorado Avalanche when the team solicited children with military parents to participate in their military appreciation night. His son was asked to skate with the entire team before the game during warm-ups, met some of the players, and received a game jersey.
"Colorado has been good to us," Stanger said. "I don't think I would have received this kind of reception in Detroit."
He said hockey is a great and fun sport and is proud to be an assistant coach to the children.
"It makes you realize what you are capable of, set your goals and tells you where your weaknesses are," said Stanger. "It is a life lesson every time you take the ice. "
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2013 11:56 |
| Story ID: | 113910 |
| Location: | SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, CO, US |
| Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Hometown: | LIVONIA, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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