Breaking the Ice:
UH Alumni Build Community Through Ice Hockey Team
When a Canadian is taken out of their home environment and relocated to Texas, what is the first thing on their mind? For Simon Reynolds, it was his favorite sport: ice hockey. Ice is scarce in Houston, which prompted him to bring the ice into the city. Reynolds is the general manager of the University of Houston hockey team and has recently established a new group: University of Houston Alumni Hockey.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Reynolds, group organizer. “If you’re just starting out, we can provide basic skating and hockey lessons. We can even loan equipment to new players as they get established. If you can already play, we can get you into the group that fits your abilities.” Reynolds said the group works on ice skills training, organizes drop-in scrimmage games and assembles regular season teams.
“It may sound corny, but ice hockey is a great way to develop teamwork and perseverance, build character and have fun,” he said. “It’s great to let loose, burn off energy and get acquainted with hockey culture.”
Reynolds is also introducing street hockey to both adults and children. “Street hockey is the incubator for ice hockey,” he stated. “When kids learn to play this sport, they will automatically want to keep it up in high school and when they enroll at UH. So, there is a somewhat selfish motive in wanting to get kids involved. It makes recruiting for the UH team a lot easier.”
When Reynolds says that everyone is welcome to join the alumni team, he means it. Anyone can participate — whether they are alumni or students, male or female, experienced or not. Since it is a recreational league, not a professional one, it is much safer; there is no checking or fighting on the ice. “We play gentle hockey,” Reynolds said, and all players are encouraged to warm up and stretch before playing in games. Even so, “inadvertent contact and falling can occur.” He recommends that players meet with their doctor before engaging in strenuous physical activity, noting that sprains and strains are the most common injuries.
There is a place for everyone on the team, Reynolds said. The season generally runs from September through February, and if there is sufficient interest, the alumni league could participate in tournaments and charity games.
Reynolds noted that hockey players are notoriously community-minded, despite their rough-and-tumble reputation. “Our members give back to the community, and we work with many other Houston hockey organizations, vendors, sponsors and venues. We volunteer our expertise, help with fundraising, coach youth teams and participate in community promotions.”
Visit the UH Alumni hockey team or University of Houston ice hockey websites or email Reynolds for more information.
Editor’s update: Since the article’s publication, the UH Alumni Hockey Team has been busy. The team has welcomed three new coaches, including one from the West Point Hockey Team and has secured several sponsors to help underwrite costs. Many new players have joined the ranks, including their first female player.