The Indiana hockey community has no shortage of dedicated volunteers.  In fact, I am in awe of how many good people spend the majority of their free time coordinating hockey events. Whether it's setting up hotel rooms, booking referees, or just good ol' coaching, hockey volunteers put in their time.  And if you've done it before, you know it can be hard time - like chain-gang hard time.  It's often thankless and always busy and of course, the burn out rate is high.  So, when you hear a person has been coaching, refereeing, or volunteering in some capacity for 32 years, you realize this person must be special.  

This past Saturday night, as a volunteer for South Indy Youth Hockey, I was asked by the South Stars organization to help present a Hockey Service Award during their very special Senior Night.  The award was presented to a man that has been a hockey coach/volunteer in the Indianapolis area for, you guessed it,  32 years.  He goes by "Coach," "Coach Mike," "Coach Mullen," or simply "Mully" and he is special, indeed.  

I thought about spending most of this article relating Coach Mullen's official "stat" sheet.  I could tell you about refereeing for ten years or playing on IU's men's hockey team (and leading them in penalty minutes).  I could tell you about all the championships, both youth and high school.  I could tell you he's coached for the South Stars and Brebeuf high school organizations and that he's coached all-stars upon all-stars.  I'm sure you would finish this article thinking, "Wow, he really is a special guy."  But you still wouldn't know Mully.

So, let me introduce you to Mully. 

Mully is a retired electrician.  He's been married to his wonderful wife, Judy, for 42 years.  He's a tried-and-true family man, having raised a son and daughter and now spends hockey season on the ice with his grand kids.

He's a guy that I've watched take new coaches under his wing and be a mentor, not because he was asked, but because that's what he does.  On the flip side of that coin, I've watched him take new and progressive ideas from younger coaches and learn new coaching philosophies, and not because he needs to.  It's just what he does.

I've watched him tear up in front of his players because he thought he let them down, when actually, he was exactly the man they needed.  

I've seen him be the steady hand in the middle of a rough season when everyone else thought the world was ending.  

I've seen him rip into a player when they've needed it and I've seen him celebrating with that same player like they won the Stanley Cup. 

I've watched him spend hours on the ice, coaching kids with the patience of a Saint.

I've seen him pass on sage advice to other volunteers who desperately needed it (me).  Never pushing, but gently nudging in the right direction, like a coach letting his players find their own way.

I've seen him do a lot of great things over the past few years but most importantly, I've watched him be a friend.  Our friend.  My friend.

So, now that you know Mully, if you happen to see him sitting at the bar and you've got a little extra time, walk over and have a seat. Buy him a beer and ask him about hockey.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed.   In 32 years, he's seen it all.

Congrats, Mully.  There is no one more deserving of that award.  You are living proof that Hockey People are special.