Aaron Martinez
Colorado’s Hockey Dad
Aaron Martinez was a hockey dad through and through, and loved every minute of it. He certainly left his mark on the Colorado hockey community in the 5 seasons he was involved with the Arapahoe Warriors, Big Bear/Evolution, and the Littleton Hawks. He was turned on to hockey his senior year of high school when his godfather took him to a Colorado Avalanche playoff game in 2001. He instantly fell in love with the game and was thrilled when his son, Loda, quickly took to ice skating at 6 years old. A family friend introduced him to the Mile High Mites program and a hockey family was born.
Aaron loved attending games, cheering everyone on (including, often, the other team!), getting to know other hockey families, and tracking stats. But most of all, he love watching the kids learn and grow as players and as individuals. He cheered for everyone’s accomplishments, and he always loved to say, “I just cheer for hockey. When a kid does something cool on the ice, that’s awesome! I cheer for that.”
Aaron worked in business and accounting, and had always been a numbers guy. He kept score at all the home games, so he could ensure the score, goals, assists, and shots on goal were accurate and posted immediately. He always kept track of all the kids’ stats he’d known through the years. He was constantly following their progress and would compliment them when he could. When he wasn’t watching hockey, he could be found watching sumo wrestling and MMA fights. He also had a love for cars and motorcycles.
Aaron suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in November and leaves behind his wife, Cherie, and two children, Loda and Jinn. Loda, 10 years old, currently plays for Arapahoe Rec on the 10U Maize team. Jinn, 5 years old, currently plays for Big Bear/Evolution 8U and Littleton 8U Beginner Grey. It has been hard for them to return to the rink, since dad’s absence is sorely felt there.
Click the button to contribute directly through Paypal.
Click the button to contribute directly through Paypal.
