Teammates and Partners
One of the aspects of the game that I miss most is having teammates. A bunch of guys assembled for their talents to accomplish a common goal. I miss that. I also miss all of the locker room shenanigans too, but I am probably getting too old for those.
In starting a hockey brand, I find that I am doing so much on my own. Many days consist of a lonely grind in the office to keep things moving ahead. Don’t get me wrong, I love grinding away at every element of developing this brand, but I do miss the camaraderie of the room.
Over the past year, I have been fortunate to meet many people throughout North America who are carving out a living through their passion for the game. Some of us have recently started a business while some of us have been at it for a while. In one way or another we have partnered to introduce and grow our businesses, while sharing a common bond of the game.
Then it hit me…in a sense, I have teammates again. 
Some of us design apparel. Some of us build backyard rinks. Some of us write about our experiences. Some of us build websites. Whatever it is that we do, we have taken a step to build a business through the love of the game. We are bonded by the passion. We are teammates…minus the shenanigans, but maybe one day!
You may be familiar with some of the folks that I have had the privilege to partner with. In case you are not, take a minute to reach out and introduce yourself, learn about their talents or share the info with another hockey lover who may benefit:
USA Warriors Hockey Program - The Program has been organized to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, for United States Military personnel wounded in defense of the United States in conjunction with the USA Disabled Hockey Program. The mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience and education to its participants. www.usawarriors.goalline.ca/
Backyard Hockey – This is the go-to site for great grassroots hockey reading. Joe owns this site and has the goal of growing the game of hockey by speaking freely of the passion, experiences and love of the game. He eats, sleeps and breathes the game and his writing will help ignite that passion in those involved in all levels of the game. www.backyard-hockey.com/
Backyard Ice – Backyard Ice was formed in 2010 by the idea of promoting a way in which families can get outside in the winter months and be active together. Alex has turned a hobby into a business to accomplish this idea by building backyard rinks for families, friends and neighbors to enjoy. Whether you want someone to build your rink or just need supplies for your DYI project, Alex has a wealth of knowledge to assist your needs. www.backyardice.com
Bourne’s Blog – Justin Bourne is a hockey player turned writer. After playing for Alaska Anchorage in the WCHA (NCAA), an NHL tryout (New York Islanders in 2007) and spending a couple seasons in the AHL/ECHL, Justin has been hard at work on his writing and has columns featured on YAHOO Puck Daddy, USA Today, The Hockey News and his own blog. www.jtbourne.com/
Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament -There is absolutely nothing like the sound of hockey sticks clashing against each other, pucks hitting the wooden boards, skates carving through the ice, and the smell of wood smoke from a chimney in the cold mountain air. If you grew up playing hockey outdoors, those senses likely bring back some great memories. These memories are the root of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament - www.coloradopondhockey.com/
FarParker – FarParker is a beer league hockey social network that provides a fun, informative and entertaining community for players and fans of recreational hockey sports. From ringette to roller hockey, street hockey to ice hockey, FarParker is the place to share your thoughts on hockey news, find equipment, win stuff, banter with your teammates, upload photos & videos, find sports retailers, arenas & facilities, goalies & players. www.FarParker.com
Hockey Community - The goal is to make hockey more accessible though an online community. They aim to increase the player’s happiness by helping them to play more hockey instantly with people they would never connect with before. www.hockey-community.com
Ice Creeps – Mike, Sean and Paul of Ice Creeps are promoting all aspects of the game of Hockey by uniting fans, players, parents and business via radio broadcasts (www.sportsradiony.com), social networking, multi-media and live events. www.icecreeps.com
Rink Rats - Rink Rats became the first retail partner of the PondRocket brand. They are located in Carmel, IN and operated by Josh Deitsch. Next time you are playing at the Carmel Ice Skadium, stop in and say hey to the guys. www.rinkratsindy.com/
PuckLife Magazine – Simply put, PuckLife is the ultimate fix for the hardcore, die-hard, slightly obsessed fan that can't scratch their hockey itch. They go beyond the headlines and deliver a world of hockey that no one else is covering. They don’t stock quotes, clichés or stories you’ve heard the same way, time after time. From the frozen ponds to the NHL and everything in between, PuckLife Magazine present the game with style and sophistication. http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?o=int&pub=500602171&prev=sub&offer=500355263
Breakaway Creative – Breakaway Creative is a full service design company that offers branding, web and graphic design services to growing companies, startups and non-profits. From complete identity packages and websites to one-off marketing pieces and everything in between, Breakaway Creative can assist your needs. And by the way, these guys are the design brains behind the new PondRocket website. www.breakawaycreative.com/