Map
The route was, broadly speaking, a figure-eight tour of America and Canada, starting and ending in Minnesota.
This was my actual path:
(Click map to enlarge)
Each of those little red pins marks a place where I spent at least one night.
Here is a collection of Google maps showing my actual path in great detail. (They are split due to complexity limits.)
(UPDATE May 22, 2016: It seems that Google has changed some things over the years, and these detailed maps no longer correspond precisely with my route. I’ve noticed particular problems along the Pacific Coast Highway, where the maps show me going inland but my actual route was closer to the coast.)
If you’re curious, you can also see the places I played hockey in list form. That list also includes dates, so you can tell, for example, that I flew to Hawaii from Virginia.
The plan was to spend the warmer months in the northern states and the colder months in the southern states. That approach let me minimize my exposure to both snow and extreme heat. It also improved my chances of finding hockey: it was hard enough to find ice arenas in Mississippi, let alone in the hockey off-season.
Stopping In Every State/Province
I think this is great! I wish you the best. I hope one day to at least make to every state. I will enjoy following your journey. Good luck.
Thanks! I hope you someday visit every state, too!
This is AWESOME!!! What a fun way to see the U.S. and Canada! We love to travel and are so excited to follow your adventures! Best of luck and safe travels!
-Morgan & September
Top Knotch Gear
Thanks!
I don’t know Jeff, I think Google maps is telling you to take the Marine Highway from Juneau to Bellingham………….you never know! Your trip is off to a great start…….ENJOY!
Awesome job man. Send me an email if you have trouble finding a game in Texas. I am a goalie in the DFW area, and would be more than willing to give up my spot in our Adult League for you to fullfill your goal! Stay strong.
When you get to jersey go to Floyd Hall Arena in Montclair, they have open ice on the weekend
Is there a list of the places you will stop? I am in southern ontario and would love to try and play when you are near!
Hope you’ll make a stop at Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Washington, DC. We’re the only full-size indoor rink in the District, and would love to see you on your journey! Good luck!
Plans laid out in Oviedo, FL? That’s where I live!
I can show you to the nearest rink to play from there (it’s west over in Maitland, 20/30 minute drive depending on traffic)
At least I would like to play with ya, need an excuse to play some more.
@Matthew Garey I’ll be in Waterloo on Saturday night, and then I’ll be in Toronto from Sunday through Wednesday morning, though Sunday evening and Wednesday morning are tentatively booked. Maybe something on Monday or Tuesday?
As for a comprehensive list of future stops, I don’t have one posted, but the blue line on the “future plan” map (the second one) is pretty close to where I’ll be.
@Nick , @William , @Katie , @Drew — Thanks for the info and invites! I’ll be in touch with you guys when I get closer to Texas, Jersey, D.C., and Florida.
If you are looking for a pick up game in Massachusetts let me know I run one on Friday nights in southeastern,MA.
I grew up in Minnetonka but haved lived in AZ for a long time, I am moving to Oahu, Hawaii (north Shore on the beach).
The only rink in Hawaii is on Oahu, you can crash at my place if you want and I would be happy to play pick up with ya. 🙂
Jeff,
Can get you a game almost any night of the week in Greenwich, CT from Nov-March. Could even make it an outdoor one if you want!
Great job Jeff! Truly inspirational as a goalie and hockey fanatic and who just loves playing the game. I’m curious to ask if you keep track of your GAA and SV%?…or if your like me who just keeps track of the robberies…:p
All the best in your future travels Jeff!
Josh 🙂
Dude,
If your looking for two plays in NY, I can probably get you a pickup skate in Buffalo, NY this Saturday (10/1) at 9 PM if you want. Can’t go through NY without playing in Buffalo…..and you can visit Niagara Falls.
Let me know.
A fellow goalie who as always loved hockey but didn’t learn to skate until 45!
Regards,
Paul Mazierski
Down here in Atlanta where I play in two leagues – we have 5 rinks that have stick times and a number of good adult leagues – let me know when you’re closing in and happy to help you find your way.
tideatl@yahoo.com (Mark)
Awesome idea!
Why didn’t I think to do it when I was younger?
If you detour through Albany, NY I can get you into a game on a Wednesday, Sunday & possibly a Monday night.
hey jeff,
great adventure!! i play goalie in a mens pick up in ottawa, ontario. monday nights — i am happy to play forward and give you a game…. just send ne an email…… continued succes.
g.
When are you planning on being in the Omaha, NE area? I can probably get you some ice time when you are.
Hey, Jeff,
Awesome idea! When you get near North Carolina, let me know. We’ve got 6 sheets in the area, and if your schedule does not line up with one of our leagues, I know most of the rink managers in the area and I am sure we can find you something.
@Rich I meant to say in the “Raleigh Area”
@Josh I had considered keeping track of SV% and GAA, but I never got around to it. Probably for the better. 🙂
I’m flattered and grateful for all of the offers to play everywhere! I wish I could take you all up on all of them, but my schedule is pretty tight.
I’ll respond to each of you individually via email when I get close to your respective locations. Thanks!
Same with me for the Albany, NY area. I can get you in for Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I can also do Friday and Sunday nights. If I ask around, I can probably do Wednesday mornings and evenings too. Give me a heads up…..good luck to you!!!! I’m jealous!!!!!
Jeff,
I run a pick up group in Charlottetown, PEI. And know of a couple of others. If you’re looking for a group while you’re in PEI, send me an email and I’ll hook you up. This is a great adventure you’re on! We’d love to be a part of it.
Jeff,
It was great having you join the Pylons for last nights game. Glad to be part of your journey. Good luck the rest of the way!!
I schedule goalies for our pickup games in Biloxi Mississippi. If I can help let me know.
The map shows you going to Stephenville NL. If you are in NL, you have to come to St. John’s, the closest you’ll get to Europe without getting wet. I play during the day and I don’t see any problem getting you a game.
Hey Jeff! Great job in net last night here in Charlottetown. Just sorry that our team had no idea how to play defence or forecheck!! 🙂 Good luck with the rest of your trip. It’s a fantastic odyssey you’re on. Good luck finding that discount trip to Hawaii, too.
@Bob If only it weren’t so far away or I had more time. 🙁 Back before I realized that the long ferry doesn’t run in the winter, I had been planning to drive to St. John’s from Port aux Basques and then take the long ferry back to NS. Sadly, those plans had to be scrapped.
@Wes Harrison Thanks for inviting me! It was good to meet you and the team, and I had a fun time.
I am 59 and still play. I play with a guy during the day that’s 82. Play til you can’t, or the knees go, whichever goes first. Good luck in your travels
GO HABS GO
Contrary to popular belief, there is plenty of hockey in Atlanta. 🙂 Good luck in your quest and stop by our store, North Georgia Hockey, when you are in the area. We would love to meet you.
What a map?! I’ve just finished crisscrossing the USA and hoping to get to Canada in the late Spring!