The Parking Lot Volume 10
With the summer league in full swing, the rinks are buzzing and the beer fridges are working overtime. From first-time beginners to battle-hardened vets, we wish the best of luck to all players across every tier, especially those still trying to find the right tape job or remember which side of the bench is the “home” side.
This month, we’re spotlighting a player who brings grit and heart to the ice—Andrew Herrick, a defenseman for the Capitals A team and a coach helping to pass on the love of the game. Andrew embodies the spirit of the AHA community. His journey through hockey is one shaped by family, perseverance, and a deep-seated passion for the sport. From skating under car headlights to coaching alongside his father, Andrew’s story reminds us why we lace up our skates in the first place.
Name: Andrew Herrick
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia / St. Paul, MN
# / Position: #8 Defense
Team / Tier: Capitals A
I was born in Bogota, Colombia, when I was only a couple of months old. Some of my earliest memories come from being indoctrinated in hockey.
My father was an incredible hockey player and played for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 1980s and was recruited by Herb Brooks. I remember one New Year’s of skating at a local park, the lights were turned off, so we pulled the car up and turned the lights on so we could see. My siblings and I skated around as my dad stick handled around our dog Gretzky. This was one of my earliest memories of skating. From there, my passion only grew. I remember watching all the wild games I could, before all the games went to cable. Thankfully, I was able to watch games on most Sundays thanks to NBC. My alarm clock to get up every morning to this day is the NHL on NBC theme.
I played Recreational hockey for Edgcumbe, a local hockey association. I stayed there until I was a peewee, where I started playing for the Highland Youth Hockey Association, which is now called the St. Paul Capitals. After finishing my second year of bantams, I continued my career in high school, playing for Minnehaha Academy until graduation in 2018. We had a very talented group that ended the year ranked 15th in the state. I was fortunate to play hockey in the summer with many outstanding hockey players, multiple of whom ended up going D1 or continuing their careers at the junior level, and then D3 level. Junior hockey, however, wasn’t on my agenda (or skill level), so I went to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I could watch some outstanding Hastings-coached teams. I didn’t have a car or a lot of money, so I didn’t pick up hockey again until my sophomore year, when I started intramurals. My love for the game, which was put on hold, was reignited, and I couldn’t get enough. I remember making a 2-mile hike with my skate and stick so that I could play one night.
At the end of my freshman year, I started playing in the AHA summer league and had a blast. After graduating from Mankato, I returned to the cities and considered playing in the winter league (now that I had time and more money). I was extremely fortunate to be brought on by my current Capitals team. I think I dropped our average age by 10+ years and got yelled at for going out instead of making Friday / Saturday night games. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys. There have been a lot of memories made, being on an older team is like (quite literally) being on a team of dads. Every guy on my team has great morals on top of being great hockey players.
Through AHA, I was able to rediscover my love for the game of hockey, which never really went away. I want to give a special shoutout to my father, Dan Herrick, who was the beginner school coach for AHA until 2023, and my coach until high school. My dad was the reason I got into hockey. Not once did I hear my dad tell me, “I want you to play hockey.” I wanted to play hockey because I wanted to be just like my dad (even though I didn’t have his skill). After my dad stepped down from being the beginner school coach, I took a job as an assistant coach for AHA, where I help beginners learn the game of hockey to this day. I look forward to another summer and winter season with my team. I feel like I’m one of the more physical players on the defensive side of the puck, and I know no love is lost on the ice. It doesn’t matter what level or league you play in, we’re all just a bunch of like-minded individuals who love playing the game of hockey, even if we all play in a beer league.
Sharpen Your Skills This September
It’s the perfect time to gear up for the season ahead. This September, we’re excited to bring back our Skating Refresher Clinic, designed to help players learn foundational skating to fine-tune their stride, edgework, and overall agility before winter league play ramps up. Whether you’re looking to shake off the rust or build more confidence on your blades, this clinic is a great way to get back into game shape.
We’re also thrilled to announce a brand-new offering: our first-ever Goalie-Only Weekend Clinic! This focused session is built specifically for goalies looking to improve positioning, reaction time, and rebound control—all in a supportive, goalie-exclusive environment. It’s the perfect opportunity for netminders to get personalized coaching and high-rep work with other goalies.
Stay tuned for exact dates and registration details—both clinics are expected to fill quickly!
Current & Upcoming Programs
| Program | Start Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Spring Beginner School | Apr 21 | In Session |
| 2025 Summer League | May 2025 | In Session – Limited spots still available |
| Skating Refresher Clinic | Mid Sep 2025 | Stay tuned for Registration Details |
| Goalie Clinic | Sept 26-28, 2025 | Stay tuned for Registration Details |
| 2025 Fall League | Sept/Oct, 2025 | Registration opens in August |
| 2025 Twin Cities Classic | TBD | Details to be announced soon |
| 2025 Duluth Classic | Oct 17-19, 2025 | Registration opens this summer |
