Category: Family

Mozur On: The Bus Ride … Forward Stride or Culture Slide?

Since the dawn of time, a handful of events have radically shifted the course of human history. Last weekend’s trip to South Carolina sure looked to be one of these species-defining moments as the Vanderbilt Ice Hockey team commissioned a bus for the first time in club history. (Our former transportation method of choice, the team van, was rendered useless when Peter Dignard, the only one certified to drive it, graduated.) The ‘Dores won two close games during the trip, but the real question that was on everyone’s minds following the weekend was, “Is having a bus for road trips really a good thing?” In an effort to elucidate this question, I have resorted to writing a pros-and-cons list.

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More rest. Riding in a bus affords players a great opportunity to get some sleep before games. By sleeping on the bus, the players’ bodies are also contorted in such a way that they have already more or less stretched by the time they get to the rink.
Lack of intensity. Riding in senior net minder Brenden Oliver’s car and listening to the same Taylor Swift CD on repeat five times in a row was a very effective way to build just the right amount of rage necessary to play an aggressive, physical game.
* * *
Sans Taylor Swift listening time, Oliver seems less likely to be strangled now.
Oliver is not that much less likely to be strangled.
* * *
Being together in the hours and minutes leading up to the game seemed to bring the team together.
Being separated across the length of the bus (front to back) in the moments leading up to our celebratory Chick-fil-a stop led to a harried, divisive rush to the cash registers. The damage may be lasting; only time will tell.
* * *
Having televisions and being able to watch Youngblood, Mystery Alaska, and Workaholics.
Having televisions and being forced to watch the Mighty Ducks.
* * *
Having a bathroom on the bus.
Having a bathroom on the bus.
* * *

Final verdict? The bus was OK but Mr. Charles was awesome so I guess the prospect of reserving another charter in the club’s future gets my seal of approval.

“Reflections” with VU Hockey Mom Linda Oliver

In a new column we are aptly and affectionately calling “Reflections” (which, FYI, will appear regularly throughout the season), parents of our Vanderbilt hockey players will be asked to share bits of wisdom, wit, and nostalgia about their sons, the season, and life in general. The goal of the column will be two-fold: (1) to sufficiently embarrass as many players as possible with a modern/online/viral version of your mother giving you a hug and kiss at the elementary school bus stop, and (2) to throw an emotional life-line to those parents who are beside themselves with boredom now that their kids are not playing hockey six days a week. For you carpool-driving-less hockey addict parents who love to make your kids squirm, “Reflections” is your nirvana.

First up on our volunteer interviewee list? Who else but Ãœber-hockey parent Linda Oliver, mother of senior goalie and club president Brenden Oliver.





What is the best thing about being Vanderbilt Hockey’s #1 hockey mom?

Flying to Nashville to attend the games of the most intelligent, talented and best looking hockey team in the SECHC! Also, having the privilege to sit by other parents, fans and the always delightful (even after midnight) Betsy (coach’s wife).




What is the worst thing about being Vanderbilt Hockey’s #1 hockey mom?

Definitely the ice time for games- midnight, really? Also, watching any hockey player get injured.




Describe Brenden in a haiku.

Brenden tends the goal
win, lose or penalty shot 
Mom is always proud 



Where do you see Brenden in 10 years?

10 years? Married to a woman as beautiful and wonderful as Betsy Bernstein! Earning enough to support his Mother and “Aunt” Stacey’s beach habit! Loving life!



Any messages for the rest of the teams in the SECHC?

“Watch out!” 





* Note to parents: Interested in partaking in a future segment of “Reflections”? Don’t be a stranger, give us a holler at vuhockey@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

“Women Warriors” Film Features VU Hockey Mom Ruth Kaminsky

As any hockey player knows, pursuing the sport we love takes not only personal commitment and hard work but also support from dedicated parents and family members. It is with this thought in mind that we proudly launch a new section of our site for the 2011/12 season titled “The VU Hockey Family.” I am excited and humbled to kick off this tradition with a few quick words about my wonderful family and, in particular, my mother Ruth.

Woman Warrior with a Cause

In the summer of 2004, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the support of family and friends, and her larger than life spirituality and grit, she conquered the disease. Four years later, the cancer struck once more. In stride, she arose victorious yet again.

For a team whose rallying mantra in 2010/11 was “resilience,” my Vanderbilt hockey experience served as an extension of the off-ice courage and strength my family members have demonstrated for close to a decade now. My mother’s determination throughout her struggle continues to bolster my commitment to life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Nowhere does that feeling come to life more than on the ice with my Vanderbilt hockey teammates. It’s my honor and privilege to share this inspiration with the masses via this platform as I know others can glean strength from her personal fortitude.

My kid sister, Allie, created the following video documenting her and my mother’s 40-mile trek across our nation’s capital as part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer last May. More than highlights from their journey, this video is a story about love, perseverance, and the undeniable presence of a higher power.

Please take a few moments to watch. I know I speak for myself, my family, and the Ice Hockey ‘Dores club when I say that the courage of my mother and other victims of this horrible disease is an inspiration for us all (as my mom always says) to stop looking for reasons why not to do things, but rather for reasons to simply start doing. Our club is proud to contribute to awareness of this battle in some small part and sends our very best wishes and heartfelt prayers to everyone struggling with the disease.

To donate to the Avon Foundation for Women, please visit the organization’s site today by clicking here or visiting www.avonwalk.org.

New Practice Ritual Has VU Goalie Whining

The club’s new end-of-practice ritual, a “last Commodore standing” penalty shot contest, has junior goalie Brenden Oliver whining about everything from the pace of skaters firing in on net to his perceived lack of incentive to perform.

Coach, what’s in it for me?  How can I score?

Why can’t we take more breaks?

My toe hurts.

Why can’t we shoot on that end of the ice? It has much better lighting.

Fortunately for Brenden, his teammates focus more on the significant value that the junior goalie provides to the club rather than his more high maintenance tendencies.  They can put up with a little complaining if it means that Mr. Oliver continues to show up to every practice and game, perform ably in net, manage the club’s administrative needs, and offer rides to and from campus to our freshmen and sophomores.

“You just learn to tune it out,” said Stephen “The Beast” Mozur.

Well said Beast, as always.

* * *

You can find pictures of the club’s first two LCS penalty shot winners – Kyle “Go-Go-Gadget Arms” Stachowiak and Tom “______” Trepanier – on the photo page of this site.  Be sure to check back throughout the season for updates on the latest names to be etched onto the virtual wall of glory that is the LCS winner board.

Great non-VU hockey video to finish up the post strong, courtesy of the De Smet Hockey Club in St. Louis:

Looking forward to concluding a great semester with a solid weekend in Louisville.  Thanks to everyone for their continued support and appreciation, it’s been a terrific ride thus far!