The Duffers expected to develop some pretty good hockey players as the boys gained experience with their youth programs. We even came up with an acronym for the boys, we called them the SODs. (son of a Duffer) In 1991, we had 3 SODs that were captains of major hockey programs. All of them lived in Downers Grove, lllinois. Donny Granato was captain of the Wisconsin Badgers, Brian Kraft was captain of the University of Alaska in Ancorage, My son Dan Lopatka was captain of the University of Wisconsin River Falls Falcons. Tony was already in the National Hockey League. We never thought we would have a DOD,(Daughter Of a Duffer) but Cammi Granato had 3 big brothers to inspire her. That same year she was only a sophmore leading Providence in scoring and soon became the captain there and broke all scoring records. (see Cammi's Web links) I had the pleasure of coaching Cammi when She was a member of the 1986 Husky Bantam AA state championship team. Cammi gave me the distinction of being the only Bantam coach to win a state crown with a girl on the roster. Cammi was 14 years old. Cammi was named Captain of the first USA Women's Olympic team.
Frank Presecky's son Mike put away the skates in college and played football for Augustana. He helped them win thier 4th straight national championship. My son Ken played hockey for the College of Dupage and helped them go to the National finals 2 years in a row. Robby Granato played for the Wisciosin Badgers then played several years of professional hockey with the Cheetas. He is now coaching a Midget team with my son Dan. Don Granato Jr. is now coaching the Columbus Chill. (See link above) Don got promoted to the pros after coaching the Green Bay Gamblers Junior Hockey team to 2 straight National championships. The SODs are starting to come back to the Duffers. The following Duffers have sons playing with the Duffers: The King has Jerry and Rick Miceli. Frank has Mike Presecky. I have 2 sons, Ken and Dan Lopatka and a son in Law, Mike Spillman of Split Second Towing need a tow? Call (630) 969-2579. Papa Joe has Steve and Joe Mazzarella. Steve prefered his ice melted. In college he was a diving star. Brinks has Robby active with us now. Don, Tony and Cammi are only around during Summers. In 1992, Cammi scored a Hat Trick to boost the SODs and their friends to a Men's League A Championship. The SODs have won Championships every year that they have tried. If the SODs were that good, just imagine what the GODs (Grandchildren Of the Duffers) will be like. Pictured are my grandsons, Mike and Jeff with Tony Granato at the United Center after a L.A. Kings Practice. Tony has 4 GODs in the developmental stage.