The Roche Family of Denville, NJ

The Roche Family – as many around Aspen Ice may already know, consists of Pat, Jenn, Owen and Riordan.  With Owen playing goal for the NJ Freeze Squirt team last year and Squirt team again this year – the lot of them are in and about Aspen several times per week, all year long.

Pat and Jenn originate from Buffalo, NY where they were born, raised and married prior to moving ‘down South’ to New Jersey where they have made their home since 1995 aside from a 3 year stint in Minneapolis, MN for Pat’s work.  FYI, they are still rabid Sabres’ Fans (and unfortunately, the Bills as well).  Due to Pat’s rigorous travel schedule as a Global Director of Project Cargo Services for a major, US – based shipping company, you are more likely to see Jenn, Owen and Riordan around the rink more regularly. 
 
A true – blue hockey family – all of the Roche’s love the sport and have come to truly enjoy the camaraderie that defines the NJ Freeze. What many of us may not know is that Pat also works part-time for the US Navy – as an Intelligence Officer specializing in Maritime Anti-Terrorism.  One weekend per month and approximately 2 weeks per year are dedicated to Pat’s commitment to our great country. 
 
Recently, Pat was activated by the Navy and sent to Iraq as an Individual Augmentee (basically as an abled-body with the right skillset and security clearance that will assist the US Army’s activities in Baghdad's International Zone.

Pat will be “in – Country” for 350 days and should be back home in Denville by June of 2010.  He will miss out on Owen’s final season as a Squirt in its entirety, but I am sure will be kept up to speed both via the phone and internet – and we are certain Pat will be a regular visitor to the NJ Freeze Website –  to witness from abroad – as Owen’s Squirt team ‘cleans up’ in the 2009-2010 season.
 
The entire organization is proud of Pat Roche of what he is doing and for being a member of our extended family. There are not many people who deserve the label of “HERO”, but Pat Roche is one of those who deserve it. We wish you much success and a safe return home as us as an organization watch over your family as part of our own.