USA Hockey Adult Hockey

Who: David Resch

Team: Wolf-Rayets

League: Adult Hockey Association

Location: Minnesota

The Resch family: A play-by-play announcer’s worst nightmare.

The Resch family never grew up playing organized hockey. Thanks to more adult leagues and learn-to-play programs, there are now nine of them playing on the same team in Minnesota.

Wilhelm, at age 77, is the elder statesman of the bunch. His sons David, Peter, and Walter are joined by their children Becky, Josh, John, and Daniel to round out three Resch family generations on one hockey team. John and Daniel, both 20 years old, bookend a 57-year age difference on the ice. Together, their team, the Wolf-Rayets of the Adult Hockey Association (AHA), made it all the way to the D2 division’s championship game this season, but fell just short at the hands of the Flying Hellfish by a final score of 3–0.

USA Hockey sat down with David to discuss this unique combination of family and sport, learning the game through beginner programs, and the welcoming arms of adult hockey.

AH: How long have you all been playing together?

David Resch: My dad (Wilhelm) used to play adult league a long time ago when he was around 30 years old. As a family, we just started playing together outside in the winter when the kids got old enough. A couple years ago, my nephew, Mike, started thinking about playing goalie and wanted to go through the AHA beginner school. I had already gone through the goalie school a couple years earlier, but since there were so many family members playing together, I joined up as a skater. We all went through beginner school together a couple years ago. We played for the second season this year.

AH: So you all got your start playing organized hockey as adults? You never officially played youth hockey?

DR: Yeah, pretty much. We played pickup hockey. I used to play in the backyard growing up, but never organized hockey. We all started learning everything and doing everything through the AHA beginner school.

AH: Was that a good program in terms of where you were at with skill level and knowledge of the game?

DR: Yes. The older guys knew how to skate, but learning positioning, proper team play, line changes and all that were obviously new for all of us. It’s been a great learning experience.

AH: Why didn’t you play youth hockey while growing up?

DR: For me, it was probably more related to my size. I was never a huge person. As a family, it was never really something we pursued. I always had an intense interest of playing hockey, but we just did different things at different times of the year. We just played hockey when it was cold outside.

AH: You made it to the championship game. That must have been fun.

DR: Yes, we did. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but it was still a lot of fun. It was nice to see everybody pull together out there.

AH: Are there times when all six Reschs are on the ice at the same time?

DR: We certainly have numbers for it. It’s possible. Mike plays goalie. Walt and Peter play defense. I guess it’s possible.

AH: Do you all see each other much outside of hockey? Is this a bonding point for you to keep family close together?

DR: We see each other at holidays and other events, but this has been awesome for getting together on a more routine basis. It bridges the generations really well. We all have something in common and we can share that. It’s been a great experience.

AH: Since you got your start in adult hockey, what would you tell someone who never played but was thinking about getting started as an adult?

DR: It’s rewarding. It’s safe. I didn’t have to worry about not having the size to play. You’re able to learn positioning, proper team play and everything like that. From my experience, it’s been a great way to learn and build on some of the knowledge that I had, but it’s safe and fun, too.