My son’s first exposure to hockey was through the Bend Park and Recreation Department(BPRD) learn to play program the first year the Pavilion was opened when he was 6 years old.He was never on skates before then, and never had a stick in his hand, but he was “hooked”.We learned about roller hockey (which I had no idea even existed) from a Bullet family, and began playing in what is now the Bullet Development Program in the spring when the ice was gone. The skill progression that my son developed in just one spring and summer session with John Kromm coaching was remarkable in every aspect of his game: stick handling, skating,passing, shooting, and defending. The following year Jack played on the first house league of BPRD program and I was told by both coaches and parents that my son was an unselfish and smart hockey player, and he was an encouraging and supportive teammate: all because of the Bullet Program. The following year Jack tried out for the travel program of the Bullets with our only expectation to make the practice squad so he could just be on his skates as much as possible. Jason saw determination and potential in a kiddo that was 2 years younger than his teammates and placed him on the travel team.As a mother (and also coach of the BPRD house program), I can attest that Bullet program is so much more than just hockey. Yes, the hockey practices and the caliber of coaching is better than I have seen in both high school and collegiate levels. But these players are coached about hard work and commitment, responsibility, determination, perseverance, and dedication. They learn how to be gracious winners and losers. They learn how to take ownership of their successes and failures. They learn what is to work as team, not individuals. And these characteristics are so much more important than how many goals my kid scored in a game.

Being a part of the Bullets program has been more than just a great hockey experience for Wyatt and for our entire family. Wyatt’s growth as a hockey player is obvious and dramatic, as is the case for many of the Bullets players. They stand out on the ice in terms of their individual skills, their hockey sense, and their determination, whether skating with other players from Bend or traveling to camps with players from other areas and programs. As a parent (and teacher), though, I value the other impacts on Wyatt at least as much as his growth as a hockey player. Through the Bullets, Wyatt has gained confidence that carries into all of his endeavors. He has gotten stronger, both mentally and physically. He has become a leader – this started on the rink, but has expanded to his roles of student and son. And his commitment to excellence and high expectations for himself stem at least in part from his experiences on the rink, during travel to away tournaments, and in the locker room. His Bullet coaches believe in him and his teammates, set high expectations for play and for conduct on and off the ice, and challenge them continually. The players respond, because they know they are known, cared for and valued as players and individuals.

We were highly skeptical of the costs, travel schedule, and significant commitment to the Bullets last year, but we agreed to do one tournament and then decide whether to continue or not. After the first tournament in San Jose, CA we were hooked. In only one tournament, we watched our son and his teammates grow tremendously. After a full Bullets season, our son's self-confidence, leadership, discipline, skill level, head game, and camaraderie with his teammates was remarkable.  The head coach, Jason Domitrovic, has a solid vision for how to advance each player and we were able to see our son's development unfold month-after-month.  Traveling with the other hockey families was a so much fun; both the kids and parents made life long friends and memories. Can't wait to do it all again this year.