Richfield Ice Arena Volunteer Pat Keihl Honored on 60th Birthday

Richfield Spartans girls hockey team faced-off against Cooper High School at the Tuesday night and won its first shutout of the season, 4-0. While the game was the main show, it wasn't the only event taking place at the arena. Pat Keihl, a long-time volunteer participant in the Richfield youth sporting community, was surprised by the team with signs and a song on his 60th birthday.

At the end of the second period, with the Spartans leading 3-0, members of the team gathered together on the ice to sing Keihl "Happy Birthday" as he sat in the scorekeeper's box, manning the time-clock. Parents and Spartans hockey fans joined in from the bleachers, some of them remembering Keihl from their own playing days.

"I've seen Pat around the rink since I was in youth hockey," said Alex Westman, senior co-captain of the Spartans. "He's always been there at our games and supported us."

"He's been here longer than that. He worked the clock for my dad too, when he played," added co-captain Kalie Johnson.

Keihl, who's been volunteering as a timekeeper at the hockey rink since 1972, just a year after the facility opened, is well known to a number of Richfield youth sports organizations.

"In addition to serving as scorekeeper he's acted as an umpire in little league baseball and worked the chains for various football leagues around Richfield," said Al Ness, a member of the arena's staff.

Ness has worked with Keihl for nearly 40 years at the arena.

"He's just a great guy," he said.

Curt Chapin, father of junior Spartan forward Holly Chapin, said Keihl has won numerous volunteer of the year awards in the city over the years.

Tammi Westman helped organize the surprise after learning of Keihl's impending birthday from another parent. Westman is a member of the Richfield High School Boosters Club and worked with members of the team to plan the event.

In addition to several posters, which members of hockey team created and hung up in the arena wishing Keihl a happy birthday, a reception was held in his honor in the arena's trophy room after the game. Members of the team presented him with a $25 gift certificate to the Richfield Ice Arena concession stand, where Keihl loves to eat, as part of the festivities.

The general mood at the arena on Tuesday was one of appreciation and well-wishes for all Keihl. Long-time colleagues and parents agreed that Keihl is a valuable assest to the community.

"I'm amazed at the work he's done over the years. He's the best timekeeper we've ever had here," said Ness. 

Tuesday's game marked the first shutout of the season for goalkeeper and co-captain Rebecca Hendrickson. Senior forward Miranda Matuke scored two goals, while Johnson and Alex Westman each contributed one goal to the Spartans' win.