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HMI'S "CHAPLAIN OF THE MONTH" FOR FEBRUARY, 2010
DAVE TROMBLY OF THE PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS - SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Dave Trombly is the chaplain for the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League. This is Dave's first year as chaplain of the Ice Flyers in their inaugural season in the SPHL. Trombly was formerly the chaplain of the Pensacola Ice Pilots in 2003-04 when that team was a member of the ECHL.
Affectionately Dave is know as "T-Bone" by his friends and colleagues, and is currently in the United States Marine Corps Reserve – LtCol of Marines, Flight instructor at Training Squadron FOUR (VT-4) NAS Pensacola. He also works for Volant Systems LLC as a defense contractor; developing Leadership and Risk Management courses and products for the United States Marine Corps.
Trombly was transfered to Rhode Island in 2004, and greatly missed not being able to continue serving as chaplain for the Ice Pilots. But the Lord would bring Dave back to Pensacola several years later, but, they didn't have a hockey team anymore. The ECHL Ice Pilots folded after the 2007- 2008 season. But God had another surprise for Dave. Pensacola was awarded a team in a different league, the Southern Professional Hockey League, and began play this season. They even brought back their former coach from the 2004 season, Todd Gordon, who Trombly had a great relationship with from his days as chaplain of the Ice Pilots. So now chapels are taking place again in Pensacola, much to the delight of both Dave and Todd.
Originally from the Northeast USA, Dave lists the Boston Bruins as his favorite team, and Christian National Hockey League player David Booth of the Florida Panthers as his favorite player. Dave is married to Megan, and the Trombly's have six children including three sons and three daughters. The Trombly's are faihtful members and attenders of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Dave's highlight as a chaplain centers around his new team, the Pensacola Ice Flyers. "Coach Todd Gordon had invited me to be chaplain five years ago when the ECHL team was here. He and I both left town and are now back again. We are both looking to be long-time residents of Pensacola this time."
"Coach and I reconnected this season and he invited me back as his chaplain. Coach is a solid believer and has placed God and Family before Hockey. I truly believe that Todd is a living example of Matthew 6:33 “But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
"As a result of the priorities he has placed in his life, God has richly rewarded his faithfulness. Not only is Todd back behind the bench in Pensacola, but Pensacola has been blessed with a team once again. I have been richly blessed to be invited back into the locker room to minister to an incredibly motivated and talented group of modern day Gladiators."
"In the first few weeks of the chapel program here in Pensacola, we have had almost complete team participation at each chapel held in the locker room following a non-game day practice. It is truly a God-thing and I am humbled to be a part of it. I thank God for Todd and the example he sets for his team, and for Hockey Ministries International and the opportunity to serve with such a great organization again."
You have to be tough to be a Marine, but Dave met an enemy in 2000 that he couldn't defeat on his own. Trombly was diagnosed with cancer that year, which grounded him from flying and tested his faith. But Dave beat the cancer and is as healthy as can be. He gives total credit to the Lord for His Grace and Mercy. Psalm 91: 14-16 (14) "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. (15) He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. (16) With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation." These are his favorite scripture verses, and Dave and his family held onto them tightly as he battled his cancer.
"T-Bone" asked that you pray...1.) That the great start we have enjoyed due mainly to Coach Gordon’s enthusiasm to get this program going will be matched with the same enthusiasm the remaining weeks of this season. 2.) That our chapel program will get support from both my church and Todd’s to develop an “Adopt an Ice Flyer program” here in Pensacola, to get these guys out of their apartments and around solid Christian families for dinner and fellowship if they desire take part. 3.) For wisdom and compassion when / if the players do call or seek advice or discipleship outside of the chapel visits. I would enjoy that one-on-one relationship building.
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