GHL Honors Ben Thomke
Wednesday 10:50 AM 11/26/08
Ray Zijab- rive53.tripod.com/ghl
Staff Writer
Perhaps GHL's most
dedicated supporter Ben Thomke was able to make a guest appearance at the 2008-2009 Training Camp where GHL Stars Andrew Grote,
Nich Riveland, Kelly Grotte, Jason Grotte, and Collin Grotte were all able to spend some time with him as they welcomed
him heartily and gratefully. Thomke was honored by the GHL, as he was selected to drop the ceremonial first puck of
the GHL08-09 season..
Ben, true to his character, took the ceremony very seriously and
shook hands with GHL players Andrew Grotte and Nich Riveland, both who took the faceoff. "You could tell he felt
honored and he let us know that through his body language," revealed onlooker GHL Writer Ray Zijab. Meanwhile,
Nich Riveland and Andrew Grotte realized the honor of being in the presence of the greatest GHL connoisseur in the GHL history.
Benny, as the GHL prefers to call him, has befriended
virtually the entire GHL nation through attendance of games and correspondance with players. "He's basically
everbody's friend and agent out there. It's amazing to me that you take a guy who hasn't ever had a deep love for
hockey, never playing or attending too many hockey events, for most of his life, and then that same guy has such a deep-seeded
appreciation for a league like the GHL. And believe me, this sort of appreciation is appreciated so much by the GHLPA."
Not only is Benny a great friend to the GHL players, but he has
been thought to be Commissioner Kelly Grotte's greatest consultant. "He's a guy with a good heart....good judgement.
I can rely on his advice and opinions and he's got everybody's best interest in mind. It's refreshing to have an agent,
and friend, like Ben Thomke," confided Kelly with the GHL nation. "He takes a special interest in the GHL, which is
lucky for this league."
Benny has already thrown in a helping hand during his visit
by helping to paint the 08-09 GHL rink. "I'm not usually ecstatic about any sort of painting, but I enjoyed painting
for a top-notch league like the GHL," said Benny after helping to paint on Tuesday.
Benny arrived in town about a week ago and will spend Thanksgiving
with Commissioner Kelly Grotte's family, which seems very appropriate considering the thankfullness of the Grotte's for Mr.
Ben Thomke. After eating the most delicious meals on this side of the Red River compliments of Joni Grotte, Benny will
return to the East and his hometown of Germania, PA on Friday, November 28th but hopes to make it back this winter
for a good ol' GHL scrum.
