Hockey Dad is an Australian indie/garage band comprised of Zach Stephenson on guitar/ vocals and Billy Fleming on drums. Together they create a sun-drenched pop sound that evokes youthful fun in the surf and sunshine on Australian beaches. The music has a strong rock and roll backbone and harmonies that reinforce the duo’s upbeat personality. Their 2016 debut album ‘Boronia’ captured the brightness of their young musical style, while 2020’s ‘Brain Candy’ saw them reach for a more mature and layered approach.
The band has built a devoted following across Australia and internationally since their beginnings in 2013 when the duo first began jamming in the garage of their coastal suburb home. They play DIY shows around their hometown of Windang, NSW and have become a popular touring act on the festival circuit.
Having toured the US extensively in 2018 and 2021, Hockey Dad returned to Seattle to record their sophomore release ‘Blend Inn’ with John Goodmanson (who has worked with many of rock’s greats including Nirvana, Bikini Kill and Cloud Nothings). The recordings were completed at Robert Lang Studios where the mic that Kurt Cobain used to record his last song still hangs in the studio.
With a solid fan base in the US and a new album under their belt, Hockey Dad has made the transition to live performances very well, playing sold out shows across the country. They are now returning to Australia and playing December’s Vanfest, marking their first full-scale iteration of a national tour in three years.
Hockey Dad is a family-first act and it is important to remember that children develop at different rates and aren’t always ready for the physical demands of competitive sports, especially at an early age. It’s also important to teach kids about a healthy balance between competing and enjoying the fun of a sport. This is a valuable life lesson that they will carry with them as they grow into adults and it can help them deal with adversity later in life.
Teach your kids about sportsmanship – yes hockey can be a very competitive game but it’s also about respecting coaches, referees, teammates and your opponents. It’s also about encouraging creativity on the ice and off it – try to get your kid to come up with creative passes, shooting and positional plays rather than just rehearsing boring drills.
Embrace the process – It is easy to get caught up in the highs and lows of a hockey season and show up at games acting like your favourite fighting video game character or that one parent who lets their emotions get ahead of them on the sidelines, as illustrated by the Thomas Junta manslaughter incident. But it is crucial to learn to be a supportive parent and be aware of how your actions can impact the confidence of your child.
Invest in your son/daughter’s enjoyment of the game by introducing them to Hockey Dad and getting them some cool, affordable gear that they will love. Whether it’s a new picture frame, a set of Hockey Dad socks or a custom printed hoodie or jersey, we’ve got something for every hockey dad out there.