Tag: Family

“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.

VU Hockey’s Youngest Fans Spark ‘Dores To Victory

While InsideVandy.com, the online home of the Vanderbilt Hustler, did a terrific job covering the nuts and bolts of last weekend’s games versus the Louisville Cardinals, the publication failed to note one of the key drivers in the ‘Dores victory on Friday, 2/4.

Or should we say two drivers.

Pictured with Sophomore Mackie Anderson, Junior Brenden Oliver, and Freshman Jordan Zauderer are Logan and Justin, the VU Hockey Club’s youngest and most passionate fans. Residents of the greater Nashville area, the two boys showed up at Friday’s opener ready to volunteer and ably serve as the Commodores’ water boys, penalty box operators, or, were they needed, scoreboard operators. (If you’re asking, “Seven-year-olds manning the scoreboard?  Really?,” just remember that they are likely more proficient at operating a computer than you are.)

(L to R) Logan, Sophomore Mackie Anderson, Junior Brenden Oliver, Justin, and Freshman Jordan Zauderer

The boys faced challenges, of course. The height of the boards hindered their ability to see the game’s action unfold. Then there was the evening’s start time of 10:15pm, well past their bed times, which could have easily lead to lethargy or, even worse, crankiness. Thankfully, Logan and Justin had their fathers Chris and Carl close by to offer support, encouragement, and even a reprimand or two (e.g., “Logan, you can’t go out on the ice buddy!”). In a game that found the Vandy club short-handed from the start, Logan and Justin were just the spark the black and gold needed to pull out the W.

An Unofficial Parents’ Weekend

The club would like to thank all of the family members who flew in to Nashville for last weekend’s games, including:

  • Junior Tom Trepanier’s parents and grandfather

    Sophomore Kyle McCann with father Tim
  • Junior Brenden Oliver’s mother
  • Sophomore Kyle McCann’s father
  • Freshman Zach Abelman’s parents and grandmother
  • Freshman Kyle Stachowiak’s girlfriend’s parents
  • Coach Bernstein’s father and wife

As was mentioned following Saturday’s thriller, the weekend’s action was purposefully orchestrated to provide the maximum possible amount of entertainment value for those making the trip to Music City. Why else would a team dig itself into an 0-4 hole in such short order?

We hope you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing you back on campus for either the March 26th I-40 Face-off at Bridgestone Arena or for a game next season. In the meantime, thanks for your tremendous support!

The Last Official Game of the 2010/11 Season

In a matter of hours the ‘Dores will face-off against the #7-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Game time is at 10:15 so grab an early dinner and head over to the rink for what promises to be a great conclusion to the club’s regular season and the seniors’ last home game of their Vanderbilt careers!

Junior Matt Kaminsky and the SAE Crew