JIMMY HÄGELE
Goalies hold a special place on this team and in our hearts. They stand in front and behind our players on the ice, all at the same time. We are so very pleased for you to meet, Jimmy Hägele (Goalie)
Jimmy is truly a one of a kind person, in the best way possible. Lifting spirits and creating smiles is one of the many ways he brings joy to this team. His attitude on and off the ice is one to admire in showing the true meaning of what AVH is all about!
My Story
I played deck hockey, roller hockey, baseball and lacrosse growing up back in PA. I originally wanted to be an astronaut, so I decided to be an AirForce test pilot. Poor eyesight turned me away. I later learned my Grandfather was a plankowner Boiler Technician on a radar picket escort ship, the USS Vandervier. I ended up joining the Navy under a BUD/S contract and a Sonar Technician rate.
After completing my A-School I was sent to Norfolk, VA after the USS Cole was rebuilt and readied for shakedown. BUD/S never happened. We deployed twice, once back to Yemen as a show of force. Throughout the 9 years of active service, I had some great times and did some amazing things. During that time, I had to take a break from playing any sports.
My love for hockey was rekindled after I posted something about playing hockey in Charlestown, SC. Another Veteran was tagged and invited me to play, especially since I am a Goalie. After being seperated form the Military, I was lost and miserable. Hockey lifts my spirits every single time I get to play. Being a part of the Acadiana Veterans Hockey Team brings me back to my days of deployment. The teamwork, the laughing, the togetherness off the ice, it makes me smile to feel as human as possible again. And, standing in my crease, I see the names and numbers of my teammates who battle to keep the opponents from getting a shot off on me! With a puck, of course.
GO NAVY!
Q&A
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How did you pick your number?
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67 is the hullnumber of the ship I served on; the USS COLE DDG-67
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Favorite pre-game song?
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I do not actually have one. If I had to pick, it would be Fuel by Metallica.
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Favorite NHL Team?
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New York Rangers, back from the Wayne Gretsky, Mike Richter, John Vanbiesbrouk and Mark Messier days.
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Favorite hockey memory so far?
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Seeing my name on the back of a Professional Ice Hockey Team.
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Best part of being on this team?
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It is the best family outside of blood, and sometimes better.
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If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing
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Working on finishing the three books I started writing.
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