This article was first published in the March 22 issue of The Mountain-Ear.

Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.

Nederland Youth Hockey Association president Aaron Jones is retiring from his leadership position in the club, and on Sunday afternoon, the team, coaches and extended family celebrated the past year.

“We have had a long, happy season,” said Jones. “More so than usual. We are a great extended family in a big community. Everyone has put in their time and we all know it takes a lot to be hockey parents.”

In the past season, 57 kids practiced, played and competed on the ice. Jones says that he happens to be a part of a happy hockey community.

As Jones addressed the crowd of hockey fans, his son Griffith was playing in the state semi championship. They lost, but they got there.

Jones said he was stepping down as president after three years of keeping the ship moving. “It has been a great experience for me and all the work has paid off. I hope there is someone out there who will be interested in stepping up to the job.”

He told the athletes and their parents that there are many summer hockey camps and much equipment available.

And then it was time to hand out awards. The much coveted Bob Allen Award went to Anders Henrikson. Charlie Davis received the goalie award after four years of demonstrating passion.

When the players decided they had had enough talking and sitting and eating they clambered into the gym where they picked up their sticks and continued the game.