Heroes of Hockey | Neil Dodd

Neil Dodd – known by his peers as Doddy – is one of many volunteers in the WA hockey community who contribute to his club and make it a better place. He’s been involved in hockey for more than three decades and even claims he is addicted to it. An important part of his role is developing and retaining juniors at his club – Joondalup Lakers. He says the WA hockey community is so unique as it creates friendships that last a lifetime.

“I first started playing hockey in Year One – age six – and it was at Northern Districts, located at Kingsway Reserve, for Beldon Primary School.

"We were in the school competition which meant it was for all primary school ages, grades one to seven, so I do distinctly remember being a very small kid playing against huge Year 7 kids.

Another memory from that competition was playing while it was hailing. It felt like needles on your back. We didn’t stop though, and just got completely and utterly soaked.

I got involved in hockey during class at school over the PA system that is in every room. Another student let everyone know that the school was entering a hockey team and if anyone wanted to join then to come to the oval at lunchtime. Ending the notice with, “Be there or be square.” I grabbed my friend, Cameron – currently our President at Lakers – and went and joined the team.

Our coach was a teacher called Mr Diamond. I remember this very clearly as I got called Neil Diamond by adults many times over the years.

My hockey experience growing up was THE BEST.

I fell in love with hockey from the get-go and still haven’t lost any interest or desire to play over my 33 years playing – I’m addicted to it!

One of the best things from playing hockey, and playing with Lakers, is the lifelong friends I have made, people of all ages, many much older than me when I first started playing seniors at age 16.

I have even had the pleasure of watching their kids growing up from babies to adults and having even played with a couple.

As a parent myself, the value of having a group of friends outside of school growing up is by far the best for anyone. Lakers aren’t just my hockey friends; they are my family.

[I got involved at Lakers because] I just wanted to help out. At first it was running our men’s third grade side so that we could field a side each week.

Over the years it’s been developing a culture within the group of having fun and not taking things too seriously, whilst still staying fit and having friends.

Three years ago, I joined the committee as I wanted to have a say in how the club is run.

Having been at the club since day one I have had plenty of time seeing how others helped shape the club, and I want to do the same.

Currently I hold the position of Registrar and I primarily take the lead on fundraising.

I am also trying to instil a culture of fundraising within our club, as a small club like Lakers, we need the extra funds to ensure we can keep operating and growing.

Knowing that I’m helping to keep the club running properly and continuing to grow our club, through friendship and connections.

As I run the lowest men’s side, I often have a number of junior boy’s coming to play, and I am trying my best to expose them to our culture, so that once they finish school, they will continue to play seniors with us.

Over the years it has been hard to retain graduating juniors, so this is integral in growing our club into the future

Hockey brings people together because it’s a sport that can be played from age three all the way through your adult life.

The team aspect of hockey brings a number of people from different walks of life together in one team.

Our culture ensures friendships are made, and the goal of having a great time through sport can be achieved.”