Player Profile – Dec. 18

Player: John O’Bannon

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Involvement with Glacier Ice Rink: Youth hockey coach (since the rink opened!), adult league player, and now Glacier Ice Rink staff (Zamboni driver)

 

What brought you to Missoula?

Teaching and whitewater kayaking.

 

How long have you played hockey?

I played from ages 12-20, then took a break when I came to Missoula. So, about 30 years

 

What got you into hockey?

The 1967 expansion that brought the Blues to town.

 

What do you like most about hockey?

The skating and the speed.

 

What’s your favorite on-ice memory?

My son’s team winning the Bantam state championship in 2007.

 

What does Glacier Ice Rink mean to you?

It means winter. If I didn’t have this place, I’d go nuts.

 

How many kids have you coached?

Nearly every kid that’s gone through the youth hockey program. I missed the little kids for a few years while coaching my son. I’ve done the mites for the past eight years. Coaching is a natural progression from teaching.

 

What do you do outside of hockey?

Backpacking, kayaking/rafting and church.