DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.-- Eric Perrin’s life is a little different now-a-days.
“I guess it’s just something inside that I enjoy to do and kind of give back to the game of hockey,” said Eric Perrin, a former NHL player.
A game he played professionally for 22 years and a career that included winning a Stanley Cup.
“I was texting my friend the other day who we won together and just thinking when the Lightning won it was like us yesterday. It goes so fast. 16 years,” said Perrin.
Memories he uses to fuel him in this next chapter of life.
“I took a role on as hockey director here at Daytona ice arena. It involves everything about hockey. From youth hockey programs all the way up to adult hockey programs,” said Perrin.
Daytona Beach started as a vacation spot for the Canadian native, then it quickly turned into something much more.
“Im not looking to be the most winning organization in all of Florida. I just want to be known for putting a great product in the ice as far as training the kids and I’m not just talking about hockey specifics stuff we are talking about being good kids. Being good young adults, respectful, good values, all of that included,” said Perrin.
Within that group of young adults is a goalie named Alex.
“My dad is Eric Perrin he was an ex-NHLer he played for the Tampa bay lightning and the Atlanta Thrashers and I am his son,” said Alex Perrin, a 14-year-old goalie.
Alex Perrin, a 14-year-old goalie who has NHL dreams just like his dad.
“It would be great to get to where he did one day but I just want to keep working hard at hockey, keep enjoying it. It’s really cool to see how he’s guiding me through this process,” said Alex.
As Eric continues to guide the future of hockey he is also growing a bond with his son that’s unlike any other.
“I’m able to spend time with him and that’s a big thing. It’s kind of like I am able to make up for some time that I have lost,” said Eric.
“He’s everything to me honestly. He’s my best friend, he’s my life teacher, he’s my hockey teacher, he’s a lot of things to me. He’s my caretaker, he’s always looking out for me so I am really appreciative of him,” said Alex.