By hannover-web.com Joey Sides’ journey through professional hockey showcases the thrill and unpredictability that define a career in this sport. Reflecting on his experiences in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scotland—where he had the unique opportunity of being sponsored by a hotel—he highlights that the memories he’s made will last him a lifetime.
“Walking into the Wichita Thunder arena as a rookie with the Arizona Sundogs back in 2009 was something I’ll never forget,” Sides reminisces. “You could smell manure right away because that venue doubled as a rodeo arena. The stands were so steep that fans could almost reach out and grab us. It was chaotic; with about 10,000 fans in the crowd, the energy was wild. I remember one fan yelling at my buddy, ‘Hey, Jonesy! Mix in a salad, you fat fuck!’ while tossing a beer at him. It was just insane.”
His career was punctuated by unforgettable moments, including a humorous saga involving an old team bus that consistently broke down. “We joked that if it actually made it to a game against Kansas City, we’d refuse to board it,” he recounts. “But the coaches insisted we get on. The bus had no shocks, and I watched my teammates bouncing around, banging their heads on the ceiling. Then, going 75 mph, we blew a tire and smoke filled the bus. By the time we pulled over, the game got canceled, and we ended up celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at a local bar instead, singing karaoke with the locals.”
In that same rookie season, tensions flared in another game, leading to some chaotic bench moments. “We had two enforcers who started a fight right in front of me. One guy popped a kid’s helmet off, and it landed at my feet. My teammate flattened it like a pancake before tossing it into the penalty box. It was a total circus!” he laughs. On another occasion, an assistant coach tried to provoke a fight with a referee, creating a bizarre spectacle with sticks flying and shouting.
Growing up in Sun Valley, Idaho, Sides always had a passion for hockey. He fondly remembers his childhood—his parents would roll up foil for him to hit around with a mini stick, and his father even built a backyard ice rink that attracted local firefighters to help fill it with water. This rink became a hotspot, with Wayne Gretzky making a few appearances during the 1994-95 NHL lockout to play with young Joey and his friends.
After competing at Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut and winning consecutive New England Championships, Sides aimed for Division I hockey but didn’t receive any scholarship offers. Instead, he played Division III at Wentworth Institute of Technology before getting a tryout in the American League, which is the NHL’s top farm system.
His professional debut was a blend of excitement and nerves. “I remember waiting in the tunnel to hit the ice for warm-ups; my teammates insisted I lead the way. When the doors opened, I rushed out, expecting a crowd to follow—but I was all alone on the ice. Welcome to the league, I guess!”
Sides recalls the pranks that colored his minor league experience, like tying teammates’ skates together or sneaking rocks into a hollow stick. “Those moments are what I cherish the most. The relationships you build with your teammates are invaluable,” he emphasizes.
Camaraderie grew during long bus rides that stretched across half a season, with players earning anywhere from $550 a week to $60,000 annually. “My rookie year brought me into the world of credit card roulette at dinner. We’d throw our cards into a hat, and whoever’s card was drawn last paid for the meal. I was always terrified I’d end up stuck with the bill—thankfully, it never happened!”
Throughout his career, Sides played in various locations, from the Netherlands to cities like Tulsa and Jacksonville. “I had an all-over-the-map kind of career,” he reflects, noting that while the level of play in Europe wasn’t quite the same as in the States, the fans were incredibly passionate, treating players like local heroes.
Now in his late 30s, Sides is grateful to still be in good shape, aside from battling through five shoulder surgeries. His career highlights include possibly being the first player to wear a GoPro during a professional game and participating in the inaugural pro hockey game at the historic Lake Placid arena, home of the famed “Miracle on Ice.” “Sitting there before the game, I took a moment to appreciate how far I’d come,” he shares.
As he wraps up his 15-year career, Sides reflects on his journey with gratitude for every experience and looks forward to his next chapter, relocating from Idaho to Brooklyn with his girlfriend. Driving cross-country, he notes the numerous connections he’s made throughout the years. “Along the way, I know so many people—players, coaches—who would welcome me with open arms if I ever need a place to stay.”
