For any serious hockey player, the focus isnt on the crowd, the team, or even the ice for that matter. Its on the puck, and the particular location and destination of that puck.
But unfortunately, Jordan Roemers attention is on finances rather than fine-tuning his game. The Canadian Wooster Oilers player of three years needs $1,500 of the $5,500 to finish out his season.
We have to pay to play here. Im from Canada, so moneys kind of tight, so I looked into getting sponsors. And at the beginning of the year, I had all my sponsors, I had everything covered, Roemer said.
However, a sponsor had to back out due to the financial strain, leaving him scrounging unsuccessfully to make ends meet. Even more frustrating, Roemer wants to play hockey in college, as this is his last year playing with the Wooster Oilers. But schools will not be able to watch him play if he cant finish the season.
Hockey has always kind of been what Ive been able to fall back on. Its always been, ever since I was a kid, what I wanted to do when I was older. This is my last year that I have the chance to do it. If something doesnt come up for school next year, then hockeys done, he said.
Roemer played in Canada, but said he had friends in Wooster who encouraged him to join their team. Since then, he has lived with a family in the area, enjoying his opportunities with the team.
I just like the small town feel. I mean, everywhere we go people know who we are, Roemer said.
Further, Roemer is not eligible to work in the United States because it will take six months for him to receive a green card, leaving him completely helpless to alter his circumstances. The community does have an opportunity to help him, however. Parents can pay for their children to have private lessons with the hockey player. This money would directly benefit him. Those interested can stop by Alice Noble Ice Arena on Wednesday nights, from 7:40-8:40 p.m. The cost is $10 for the rink and $10 to the players.
Its good because we get to interact with the kids. The kids really look forward to it. Its a lot of fun. I know theres a few of us Oilers that do, and we all look forward to it. We like to make it fun with the kids. Well do drills and then we like to play games, too, Roemer explained.
They work with kids of any age, but typically with kids that are about 12 and under. Roemer said the work is more individualized than regular practices, so the kids improve at faster rates.
Another option for community members is to sponsor the player. Roemer added that he would try to work out some benefits for those who were willing. After all, keeping him on the ice will not only benefit him, but the community as well. Those interested can contact Roemer at 330-347-0694, or Oilers owner, Stephen Vasas, at 330-464-7604.
