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Volunteer coach devotes time, money teaching ice hockey to local youth

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 78 ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, GA --  Many things come to mind when you think of youth sports and Middle Georgia including football, basketball and baseball. But with its hot summers and mild winters, there's one sport many see as truly out of left field - ice hockey.

Chief Master Sgt. Kit Frey, an enlisted adviser for the Air National Guard at Robins and youth hockey coach, would like to see more youth consider hockey as the sport of choice. For the past 15 years, he has dedicated every free moment, and nearly every free dollar, to hockey.

"People ask me why I do it. I do it because I love it," Frey said. "I love the sport and I love working with these kids. It's so rewarding to see the players improve over the years."

During the hockey season, Frey devotes 30 to 40 hours each week to the sport. He travels about 1,500 miles a week and spends about $1,200 on gas each month. He estimates he has spent an amount equal to "the cost of a house," but he wouldn't trade his experiences for anything.

"It's expensive. Not many people would spend the money or time I spend, but I like doing it so I don't consider it a sacrifice. I do it because I want to and because I love hockey," he said.

Frey's passion for hockey began in Alaska when his 7-year-old son saw some hockey players at an ice rink and expressed an interest in the sport. "I didn't know what hockey was. I didn't know what ice skates were. I basically taught myself how to skate and how to coach," Frey said.

Frey began volunteering to coach youth teams and taking clinics to improve his hockey skills. He is now a certified Level 5 coach for USA Hockey, the highest certification available. And when he's not on the ice running drills or instructing youth, he spends his time figuring out ways to recruit more young players to the game of hockey, a daunting task in Middle Georgia.

"I've tried everything to increase interest in ice hockey among youth," Frey said. "I am not sure this area is real conducive to ice hockey, but I am still always looking for kids who want to play."

One obstacle Frey faces when recruiting youth to the sport is the stigma attached to hockey that it's violent, where fighting is practically encouraged.

"I try to instill in these kids that fighting is not what this game is about," Frey said. "We don't condone fighting, especially at the youth level. Fighting is not accepted at all. Officials have really focused on this because it takes away from the game. "

Perhaps the biggest obstacle for the coach in recruiting new kids to the sport is cost. With equipment, ice time and travel costs, parents can spend more than $750 just to get their children started. And in addition to monetary costs, there are opportunity costs. Frey said parents are discouraged when they learn there is no ice rink in Warner Robins and their kids will have to travel to Atlanta or Columbus to play or practice.

"You tell people how much it costs to get started or where you have to go for ice and they lose interest," Frey said. "But those who do get involved are richly rewarded. Hockey teaches teamwork and other life lessons that benefit kids long after they stop playing competitively."

Those who live in Columbus, where there are strong youth and high school hockey programs, have an easier time getting involved. Joe McCrea, a hockey referee in the Columbus area, said he appreciates the time and effort Frey puts in coaching young players.

"He is an incredible coach," said McCrea, whose son plays for Frey. "Not only does he have a passion for the game, but he has the kid's greatest interests at heart. He truly cares about the young players."

McCrea said he is amazed at Frey's ability to take marginal skaters and turn them in to great hockey players.

"He's the total package as far as a coach goes. He knows the game and knows how to teach the game." he said. "I consider it a privilege to have my kid playing for him."

Frey, who has focused on developing talents of many youth players, including two sons, is now working with his 16-year-old daughter Emily, who recently became interested in the sport.

Emily said she has been around hockey her whole life and wished she would have started playing sooner, but has been enjoying the time she gets to spend with her father.

"Hockey is something he and I can enjoy together," she said. "It's a great way to spend time with him."

Whether it's driving several hours one way for a little ice time or hitting the pavement in an effort to recruit new players to his sport, Frey can be found involved in the sport he has grown to love with a passion.