My Hockey Family By Mike Lopatka (Beak's Grandson)

I was born into a real hockey family. My Grandpa started playing hockey at Augusta Playground on the west side of Chicago. He was working there on weekends while he was a college student. Kenny Wharram, who was a star for the Chicago Black Hawks, rented a Bungalow across the street from the playground. My Grandpa learned to play hockey from a group of 10 year olds. Hall of famers, Glen Hall and Piere Pilot sent their kids there to skate with Ken Wharram Junior. My Gramps was so impressed with the ten year old Wharram, that he named his first born, my Dad, Kenny. My Grandpa started teaching my Dad to skate when he was 3. In the picture on the right, you see my Grandpa Greg Lopatka on the left, next to him is my Dad Ken, who Played for the College of DuPage, next to my Dad is San Jose Shark star Tony Granato and my Uncle Dan, who played College Hockey at The University of Wisconsin in River Falls.

On January 29, my Dad, Uncle and Grandpa played hockey in the San Jose Shark Tank with 33 other Duffers. On the Left, you see my Dad with Kelly Hrudey, Star Goal tender for the San Jose Sharks.

This is my Dad and Tony Granato of the San Jose Sharks. Tony and my dad played hockey for the Huskies.

The Picture on the left shows the rest of the Duffers celebrating their win in the Shark Tank. Henrys' restaurant is a favorite meeting place for NHL players. The Guy in the middle pointing at the camera is the Idol of all of the Duffers. Papa Joe Mazzarella was born in 1930. As long as Joe keeps on playing my grandpa figures he has 10 more years to play. He was born in 1940. Papa has his 2 sons, Joe Jr. and Steve, skating with the Duffers.

In the picture on the right, you can see depression setting in on the Duffers, as they get ready to head for the air port. I think they are making sure that the barrels are empty before they leave. I am now big enough to skate with the Duffers. I just have to behave myself. No speeding or showing off! If I do, Grandpa will drop me.

Go to San Jose 5 (Fathers and Sons)

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