“Red, white, and rink time!” That’s how we celebrated the 4th of July around here—fireworks in the sky and ice under our skates. Hope everyone enjoyed the time with family and friends celebrating our Independence! While others are soaking up the sun at the lake, we’re staying cool at the rink, making the most of summer hockey season. With exciting programs on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to spotlight a story that reminds us how far this game can take you, on and off the ice. From France to Minnesota, Oliver Pagnon’s hockey journey is anything but typical, and we’re excited to share it with you.
Name: Oliver Pagnon
Hometown: Paris, France
# / Position: #77 Defense
Team / Tier: Pines C2, Pines C3
I discovered roller hockey at the age of 27 in Tours, France. While most players start much earlier, I joined a beginner adult team just hoping not to fall over. Spoiler: I did fall head-over-heels (literally and figuratively) for a sport that would take over my life in the best possible way.
Somehow, I ended up in one of the top roller hockey clubs in France. I was a total beginner, with zero clue what I was doing, surrounded by passionate players who absolutely did. My very first coach? An elite player and coach for the French National Women’s Team. Meanwhile, I was trying to stop without crashing into a wall. No pressure.
Despite our humble beginnings, our adult team quickly improved. We soon found ourselves competing in the lowest division of the French national championship. For us, it felt like the NHL.
As I grew into the game, I became fascinated by officiating. I learned the rulebook inside out, climbed the ranks, and eventually refereed at the Elite League level—sharing the rink with the best players in the country, even if my own skills weren’t quite on par.
Eventually, I began training new game officials, helping brave souls learn how to stay calm while getting yelled at by players and coaches. It’s an art form.
In 2011, I relocated to Marseille and began to focus more on the strategic aspects of the sport. I was elected Treasurer of the French Federation of Roller and Skateboarding. It was a fancy title, yes, but also a front-row seat to the organized chaos of national sports governance. I even had the honor of accompanying the French national team to the World Cup. No, I didn’t play—but I did get an official federation polo shirt, which felt just as cool.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey was coaching. Wanting to support a few female players, I took on the role of coach for two women’s teams: first with Evretz in the Loire Valley, then with a team from the Provence region. Coaching brought me some of my absolute favorite memories. Helping experienced players reach their peak and guiding beginners through their first crossovers—pure joy. We even capped it off with a fairy-tale ending—winning the French Women’s Second Division Championship in 2016. I still smile just thinking about it.
In 2019, a career opportunity brought me to Minnesota. With roller hockey being less common, I made the leap to ice. It started with pick-up games and some trial-by-boards attempts at hockey stops. But I eventually found my footing (and stopped needing medical attention). I joined AHA teams like the Puck Bandits, Pines, MN Mallards, and Fighting Loons, playing in the D2 to C2 divisions. I may not be the fastest skater, but I do my best to contribute.
Minnesota truly lives up to its nickname as the “State of Hockey.” If your legs can keep up, you can play every night. For me, it’s heaven—with ice.
And because I can’t seem to stop adding hockey jobs to my life, I picked up another role two years ago: scorekeeper for AHA games. It’s a perfect excuse to watch high-level skaters, get inspired (or intimidated), and maybe even do a little scouting for our next matchup.
As the summer season rolls on, we hope you’re making the most of every skate, shift, and post-game “Parking Lot”. Whether you’re chasing goals, perfecting your positioning, or just soaking in the ice time, we’re glad to have you out there. Looking ahead, we’ve got plenty of exciting programs on the horizon—from skill clinics to fall league and tournament action. And if you or someone you know has been itching to give AHA Hockey a try, now’s the time —evaluation sessions for new players are coming up soon! Stay cool, skate hard, and we’ll see you at the rink.
Current & Upcoming Programs
| Program | Start Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Spring Beginner School | Apr 21 | In Session |
| 2025 Summer League | May 2025 | In Session |
| 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 |
| 2025 Evaluations | Aug 11 & 18 | Registration open |
