Honoring Jason Kelly – A Ball Hockey Life

Boston, MA – Earlier this year, Jason Kelly announced his retirement as the General Manager of the Women’s Division.  Jason has spent over a decade helping build the Women’s Division into an international powerhouse at all levels.  USA Ball Hockey spoke with several people who were fortunate to get to know Jason on both a personal level and as a friend in their hockey life.  We want to honor Jason’s contributions with a look back on his impact to the sport of Ball Hockey.

Angelo Terrana, newly elected Women’s Masters Division General Manager, has known Jason for many years.  “Jason could spot talent from ten miles away. It was so uncanny, he just had an intuition about him. As importantly, he knew the Women’s ball hockey community like no other person. He was a huge,reason we’ve (the Women’s Division) come as far as we have.  Something which makes me feel better about his departure is knowing he will always answer when I call because it give’s him an opportunity to help the program he loves so much.  I will always remember Jason and his unending quest to improve the program. He was so focused on how to tweak things and to make the experience better for his players.”

Shawn Mulcahy had the pleasure of serving under Jason as a Head Coach at the ISBHF Masters World Championships.  “Jason Kelly has always been an outspoken advocate for women’s athletics.  He is as passionate as they come, and occasionally he is misunderstood because of his passion.  But whatever light you saw him in, or whatever situation in which you met him there was no denying his motives because they were simple and concise -“What’s best for the women is what’s best for the program“.  This was repeated frequently by Jason throughout his tenure.”

“Improving the program were the pillars of his intentions.” added Mr. Mulcahy.  “Through selflessness and sacrifice, with the support of his wife and closest confidants, Jason help build USA Women’s Ball Hockey into the powerhouse it is today. Jason once told me “I’m just a guy trying to do what’s best for the program”.

“Of course,  he was much, much more.  His decision to step away from his passion was riddled with confusion, strife, self analysis and inner turmoil, and he is to be commended for making such a difficult decision.  It speaks to his character.  Ultimately he built something rooted and sustainable and laid it in capable hands.  There is a certain level of pride and contentment that comes with this.  Jason’s retirement will leave a huge void but thanks to his enduring efforts, USA Ball hockey moves forward into a promising future.” said Mr. Mulcahy.

Jason Glista is another person who served under Jason Kelly as a Coach during World Championships.

“Jason Kelly’s impact to the USA Women’s program, and myself personally, is something that can’t be measured by simply putting words to paper. Inheriting what Jamie Cooke started several years ago, Jason has been the driving force behind all aspects of the Women’s program throughout his tenure.  He has helped to propel it to a position heights many didn’t feel possible in that span of time. Through his efforts of bringing together the best players in the sport, recruiting others from outside the ball hockey world, and surrounding them all with the highest level of coaches and staff, Jason has driven the Women’s National team’s rise to international prominence. In consistently bringing together two Masters teams and creating the U20 Girls team, he has also ensured that the life of the USA Women’s program will continue to grow and thrive.  He has leaned upon those players which laid the groundwork as the foundation of the game and also secured the future with our youth as well.

“Prior to ever becoming a part of the USA program, the events run by Jason and Cool Hockey Events provided me the chance to start my coaching “career” in the Women’s side of ball hockey. His tournaments allowed me to learn and grow in that position and eventually helped lead to my being named as part of the USA coaching staff starting in 2010.” said Mr. Glista. Once Jason was named as General Manager for the USA Women’s program, he served as a champion of my efforts, and I have been an active part of the USA National and Masters coaching staffs ever since.  This culminated in my 9th World Championship this June.  His level of care and dedication has been unmatched and will be something sorely missed. We are all truly thankful for his commitment to the players, coaches, and staff of the USA Women’s program.  His friendship and belief in me as a coach is something personally that I will forever be grateful for.” said Mr. Glista.

I first met Jason during a tournament near Tampa, FL back in 2009.  I struck up a conversation with him and quickly realized that his hockey knowledge when it came to ball hockey was outstanding.  Jason said to me that in 10 years, we’re going to see a sport that looks very different in America but especially on the World stage, as he was just beginning to assemble a Women’s program that would compete for medals at the ISBHF World Championships.  10 years later, his vision is now reality with several ISBHF World Championship medals to his credit.  I can say without hesitation that when it came to knowing this sport and exhibiting the kind of passion it takes to build a World class program, Jason is up there with anyone who has ever picked up a stick and played the game.

USA Ball Hockey President Chris Banks – “It’s hard to put in words this man’s impact on the sport.  He was always there whenever the program needed him, and we now have a World class program thanks to his vision and dedication.  I really can’t thank him enough for all he did for the sport.  To say these are big shoes to fill is an understatement.  I wish Jason the best in his personal life.  If he ever gets the bug again to come back to the sport, there will always be a place for him with our National Program.”

In closing, we want to say thank you to Jason for his tireless efforts and his unending passion to always improve.  He was exactly what the program needed, and the United States Women’s National Program is poised for success thanks to his contributions.