My name is Ronnie Hein and I am honored to have the opportunity of sharing my hockey journey with all of you. I am currently a freshman at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH and have enjoyed my early hockey experiences so far. College hockey is a very different from Juniors, the game is faster, more physical, reaction time is quicker and the players get better at every level. I believe that the NAPHL and the NAHL provided me the necessary development, coaching and exposure to reach my goals of playing NCAA D1 Hockey.
I began playing in the NAPHL league the spring of 2012 under the coaching of Dean Dixon. Dean had a lot of networks in NAPHL League and he believed in the development of every player. My route to the NAPHL was filled with many ups and downs and my confidence was being tested. After being cut from Detroit Compuware the year before, I looked for other places to go. That’s when Dean brought me. Dean was a great coach, but more importantly he reminded me why I love the game and inspired me to do my best. I only played one season with Dean before his passing , but the impact he had on my life was ever changing. I mention this specifically because, in hockey, all players will have good games and bad games as they are developing and learning. Good seasons and bad seasons because sometimes we get in our own way or genetically we are predisposed to slower development. If you keep working hard to reach your goals, in spite of all the obstacles thrown your way, you will reach them. I was not selected in the USHL Draft the first year I was eligible and many of my friends were. This was a tremendous disappointment, but Dean gave me reason to believe this was OK and I now know he was right.
In 2013, my 2nd season in the NAPHL, I was named Captain of the Lansing Capitals Midget Majors Team under the coaching of Brian Sherry. Brian continued to help me develop my game and through his contacts, the NAPHL player development plan and dedication to moving players on as well as the NAPHL showcases, I received the tools and exposure I needed to move to the next level. I received various tender offers for NAHL Teams and ultimately selected to play for the Aberdeen Wings in South Dakota and was also selected in the 15th round of the USHL draft by the Waterloo Black Hawks. Whether coach Brian Sherry believes it or not, playing for him in Lansing ultimately changed my life and hockey career.
I played half a season with the NAHL Aberdeen Wings before being called up to the USHL Waterloo Black Hawks and finishing the 14/15 season in Iowa. The following season with the Black Hawks, I was named captain and was truly honored and most grateful to those that have supported me and gave me the opportunity to prove myself. The NAPHL an NAHL leagues as well as my coaches are a huge part of my success. Playing in those leagues really helped develop me into type of player and person I have become.
The NAPHL and the NAHL helped me transition at the right pace for the next levels. The NAHL has grit and speed so each league provides a learning that will be useful as you evolve your game.
My journey was not the fastest, but I strongly believe everyone must find what is right for them. I also believe that my path would have been very different if not for the NAPHL and NAHL. Leaving home my senior year of high school, experiencing tremendous billet families that become an extension of my own family, meeting players that will be forever friends and maturing enough to understand, appreciate and be grateful for the opportunities I was provided along the way has made me a better person.
The NAPHL is a spring board to many future opportunities and you just need to find the one that is right for you. Every player has the ability to do great thing. If you trust in the process of the NAHL, keep working hard every day, and don’t ever lose your confidence, there’s a great chance I will be playing against some of you guys later down your career paths.
Ronnie Hein
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