Alabama white-collar professionals glide into playing amateur hockey

In his job at Alabama Power, Tony Coleman’s days are filled with meetings, power lunches, cross references and defending against internet crashes.

But when he leaves the office, his new obsession is filled with huddles, powerplays, cross-checking and crashing the net.

Coleman, manager of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Alabama Power, is one of a growing number of people, many of them white-collar professionals, dipping their toe into the world of amateur hockey at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

The Pelham Hockey Adult Developmental League, or “D-League,” incudes men and women of various ages, with some playing well into their 60s. Some played hockey when they were younger; many have just been fans of the game and a few just wanted to try it for the challenge.

“Go out there and do what you want to do before it’s too late,” Coleman said.

Hear from some of the men and women who take off their loafers and high heels and lace up their skates in the video below.