Throughout the season, the Milford Mariners are doing more than just practicing hockey; they are teaching youth simple skills on and off the ice, whether it is learning how to skate or just how to read a book.
Senior captains Joey Kerzner, Parker Guarnieri, and Matt Adkins read a book to a classroom, teaching them the importance of teamwork. On the weekends, the Mariners welcome kids to come skate at the rinks and help them with learning the fundamentals of hockey.
“We help kids throughout Milford teaching simple skills for them to be successful,” says Guarnieri.
Coach John-Paul (JP) Shimko has been the team’s head coach for three and a half years and has done a great job of bringing the team to where it is now. Shimko has been helping young players develop their skills this year by having his players teach them basic skating since he started coaching. This development has been an important and beneficial program for the Mariners.
Shimko says, “Our goal when we first started with the Mariners was to bring the program back to what it once was. This starts with developing players at the youth level to one day be Milford Mariners!”
Adkins has been a member of the team for four years and has been a huge asset to the team. Adkins isn’t just a role model on the ice, but throughout the entire community. Kids come to the ice rink every Saturday ready to learn. Throughout their time there, they are taught the simple logistics, how to shoot, better skating skills, and how to pass.
Adkins states, “Being able to help the younger kids during the season is something I really enjoy.”
Even though the Mariners enjoy being on the ice, they still recognize the importance of class involvement. Mariners value the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, explaining that hockey is bigger than just a sport.
Guarnieri is a huge role model for younger players, being the team’s leading scorer this year. He has been playing since he was a kid, now having the opportunity to be able to pass down what he has been taught and the sport he truly loves.
Another captain, Guarnieri, is a huge role model for younger players, being the team’s leading scorer this year. Guarnieri has been playing since he was a kid, now having the opportunity to be able to pass down what he has been taught and the sport he truly loves.
Guarnieri states, “Kids are so happy when they’re at the rink, it’s just fun to help out and teach them something that they love.”
The Milford Mariners show that their season is about more than hockey. Through teaching and giving back, they continue to make a lasting impact on the youth and the Milford community.
