As Rick Schliebe pointed out, “It’s a different type of love you have for your kids and your grandkids. A grandfather’s greatest gift is his grandkids.”

So naturally Rick has taken quite the interest in his grandson Ty Spratte, a 14-year old forward for the Arapahoe Bantam AA team. At 67, he’s already followed him all over the country from Boston to California
Ty is able to share that love with his grandfather and because of hockey they see each other every week. They have been ever since Rick took Ty to some Avalanche games, which helped Ty fall in love with the game.

He started roller at the age of five and quickly shifted to ice the following year. To make matters even better, his father has been by his side helping coach his teams. The family found the love for hockey together according to mom, Lana.

“Dad has watched Ty grow both on and off the ice, and has been there for him the whole way.”

Now Ty plays year-round hockey with Arapahoe in the winter and the Colorado Titans AAA team in the summer.

“I love the game of hockey. The speed of the game, the competition, and the dedication it takes, said Ty. “I love being on the ice giving it everything that I have. I have the greatest teammates and I love being able to compete with them on the ice, get fired up with them and be able to hang out with them as often as I do, both on and off the ice.”

This season in particular has been a very successful one and as this story was written Ty was ranked second in the CCYHL Bantam AA division in points (21) and second in assists (12).

Grandpa has seen it all and recited those rankings off the top of his head. He’s a very proud man.

“We have a pretty special bond,” said Ty. “I don't think many kids get to have the kind of relationship that we have.”
So what exactly has Ty learned from his grandfather?

“To give it everything I have 100 percent of the time. Hard work always pays off and to do something that you love.”
In fact they both love the game of hockey and will continue to share that for some time to come.