This is my fourth season playing hockey with the Hornets, were part of HNA, Hockey North America.  In the past we have had a difficult time finding new players, as the captain of the team recruiting is my responsibility among other things.  I’ve gone to different ‘drop-in’ games at various arenas to get a little ice time and scout for new players willing to join our organization.  I have posted ads in print and on the Internet looking for new players.

Typically I ran into the same handful of scenarios over and over again.  One, because the league really tries very hard to keep teams in divisions with the same skill level so the seasons can be fair and competitive – I often find that players that are more then willing to play hockey on an organized level tend to be a little more skilled at the sport then would be a good fit for our team.  Most of the players that have been with the team for a couple of years are truly beginner players.  While some players are really good – it’s how the team plays together, that the league uses to judge what division the team should play in.  Two, it’ difficult to talk someone in investing money, especially when you consider how expensive it can be, into a sport they may not enjoy.  According to one of the administrators from the league office; “There tend to be two types of players.  The corporate executive that has their secretary call in and arrange everything and the guy who can’t make end meet but always scrounges enough together to pay the fee’s for the season.”  Plus there is always the cost of the equipment for players looking to even get into the sport.  Shin pads, skates, sticks, helmets, shoulder pads, hockey pants, hockey socks, ice time, it all adds up.

Prior to the start of this season, I found a guy who was interested.  He was fairly active in other sports and played roller hockey in the past (one of the Hornets better players came from the roller hockey world.)  The issue for him was one of health insurance.  While this is a recreational league and it’s a no check league – anything can happen.  You can’t play hockey without a little bumping here and there.  There are sticks swinging and some of the players can get a little zip on that hard plastic puck.  So the possibility of injury is always there.

Through heavy recruiting we have managed to get ourselves a full roster this season.  The new players to this team and league are good fit for the Hornets – but we’ve still started the season 0-3.  Our last loss was just last night to the Road Runners.

It’s still early in the season so I hope we can make the adjustment to begin winning some games.

Let me take a moment to introduce myself; my name is Zoran.  I am in my mid-30’s and have been a life long Detroiter.  I have always found it difficult to write about myself.  I don’t want to come off as conceded and self centered, I think of myself as well rounded and it’s hard to pin point a single type of music I prefer or a favorite hobby and interest.

I work in Information Technology, I.T. and have been in this industry for almost a decade – but I don’t think it defines me as a person.  Sure, I love high tech toys, but who doesn’t.  I like video games and some sci-fi, I enjoy gadgets and the latest gizmo of the day.  Then there is the other side of me, the side that says there is nothing like the feeling of a good old no. 2 pencil on paper.  The feel of the wood in your hands and the graphite on the paper, the distinctive smell of a pencil and paper and the smudges you wind up with on the side of your hand.

I believe the keys to happiness in life are all about balance.  The balance of Hi and Lo Tech, Ying and Yang – when there is harmony, there is happiness.

I am the captain of the Hornets, a weekend warrior hockey team in Detroit.  The Hornets are part of the HNA league or Hockey North America.  Prior to my start at playing organized hockey in a league 5 years ago, I only played the occasional pond hockey with some equally un-athletic friends in winter.

Susanne and I have been together now for 5 years.  I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone else.

I come from very ethnic parents who immigrated here from Yugoslavia.  Their roots have greatly influenced my life and as a kid growing up my parents would send me to ‘the old country’ for the summers.  Some of my fondest memories as a kid were spent with my grandparents and family on the farms there.  Although growing up the son of immigrant parents with a ‘weird’ name – I was a target for bullies in school.  Now as an adult, and a rather large adult at that, I find nothing gets my blood boiling faster then when I see someone bullied.

In the past I have always considered myself as somewhat middle of the road with a slight lean towards a more conservative view point.  Today I find myself leaning more toward the left.  Again having balance it really depends on the issue.

Well I hope that gives you a little glimpse as to who I am.