A Gathering of Love and Support
Over fifty people rallied to be there for the check presentation for Coach Roy and his wife Virginia. Roy and Virginia lost their home in the Marhall Fire. Nominators Tom Marhall and Mary Strine did an excellent job of rallying lots of folks to remind the Howlands they are loved and supported. Roy is a pillar of the hockey community as a coach and mentor to so many, including those with special needs in the Colorado Ice Wizards. There were many Ice Wizards in attendance, as well as neighbors, friends and teammates excited to offer the Howlands hope as they are set to start the rebuilding process in April. Roy told nominator Tom Marshall, “This support means so much to our family.”
Here’s to GIVING BACK and rebuilding!
A Key Member of the Hockey Community Loses Everything
Roy Howland, his wife Virginia, and Coco (their dog) lost everything in the Marshall Fire, including their home. Roy is an important part of the Colorado hockey community in the Boulder County area. His passion and love of hockey shows in his ability to make others love and play the sport.
A Coach to Many
Roy was key in developing the hockey and ice programs at the YMCA in Lafayette, CO, where he served as Ice Director, a coach and an instructor for many years. Over the last twenty four years, Roy has taught countless children and adults how to skate and play hockey. He’s run clinics for all ages, and coached all levels, from learn-to-skate and learn-to-play, to house league, to competitive/advanced level hockey. He has run camps and clinics, and coached with Planet Hockey. Through all of this, he has always had a passion for introducing new players and skaters to the ice.
Someone You Can Count On
It is important to highlight Roy’s role with Colorado Ice Wizards/Rocky Mountain Special Hockey, where is known as Coach Roy. The Ice Wizards are a Special Hockey Program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 5 through adult. Roy was the person who arranged ice for the Ice Wizards at an affordable rate and at a good time. He showed up at their first practice to see if help was needed, and kept coming back every Saturday since, coaching both sessions. Roy has been a quiet, steady presence with the Ice Wizards; always someone you can count on. And, the players love him.
A Big Heart
Roy has a big heart. This is evident when he is coaching any level of player. He loves the game, he loves the players, and they love him. Coach Roy has given much to the hockey community over the years, so it was no surprise that the hockey community showed up for him!.
