Mr. Van Winkle has played competitive ice hockey for 45 years, starting the sport at the early age of 4. His hockey career began in Dayton, Ohio, in a youth program heavily influenced by the IHL's Dayton Gems. He established a love for the position of goalie at the age of 8 and was fortunate to be coached and mentored by the late Pat Rupp, goalie for the 1964 and 1968 United States Olympic Hockey Teams. He has played at nationally ranked junior and semi-pro levels. While raising his own children, he has developed extensive youth coach training in a variety of sports to include hockey, soccer, softball, baseball, and football. He enjoys working with children of all ages and skill levels.