Hockey in Des Moines is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a rivalry, and a family. As the Oak Leafs photographer for the past two years, I’ve had a front row seat to the energy, hard work, and heart that both the Des Moines Oak Leafs and the Des Moines Capitals bring to the ice. This season, Michael Grant and Grant Staudt are lighting it up for the Oak Leafs, while over on the Capitals, Luke Logsdon and Jackson Fleming are making big plays of their own. From behind the camera, I’ve seen just how much these teams mean to each other and to our community.
For Michael, Grant, Jackson, and Luke, hockey is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. Every time they hit the ice, it’s about more than scoring goals or winning games. It’s about the people around them and the memories they build together.
Michael loves the competition, but he’ll be the first to tell you it’s the time with his friends that keeps him coming back. “When you’re out there, battling for every puck, you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself,” he says. For Grant, it’s those little moments, inside jokes in the locker room, bus rides after tough losses, and the thrill of victory that stick with him. “The best part is just making good memories with my teammates,” he says with a smile forming on his face.
Jackson, who’s always quick to crack a joke, takes pride in leading his team and making sure everyone’s having fun. “Yeah, we work hard, but we laugh a lot too,” he explains. And Luke? He can’t get enough of the daily competition with his friends. “It’s about pushing each other to be better, every single day.”
When a big game is coming up, everyone has their own way to get ready. Michael focuses on staying calm and getting his body warmed up. “I need to be in the right headspace,” he explains. Grant keeps it simple: “I just relax and pretend it’s any other game. No need to overthink it.” Jackson sticks to his routine, always the same stretches and the same playlist, every single time. It’s his way of keeping things familiar. Luke likes to loosen up by playing a quick game of soccer with the guys before they strap on their skates.
But while they might have different ways to prepare, they’ve all learned some important lessons along the way. Michael knows that effort leads to growth; if you put in the work, you get better. Grant believes the little details make a big difference. Jackson always remembers to leave every game with no regrets, and Luke has learned that hard work will take you far, both on and off the ice.
Being part of the Oak Leafs means more than just wearing a jersey. For Michael, it’s about a culture of hard work, building friendships that last beyond the rink, and holding each other accountable. “We make sure everyone is giving their best, but we also know how to have fun together,” he says. Grant agrees: “What makes the Oak Leafs special is that we support each other, but we don’t let anyone slack off.”
Over on the Capitals, the team’s bond is just as strong. Jackson says, “Helping each other put Jesus first is a big part of our team’s culture.” For Luke, it’s about pushing each other every day and never letting anyone settle. “We always want to get better. We win and lose as a team.”
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if they’re skating for the Oak Leafs or the Capitals; what sticks with them is a lot more than just the game. It’s the friendships built in the locker room, the stories shared on long bus rides, and the feeling of knowing someone always has your back. That’s what turns a team into a family, and those are the moments they’ll hold onto long after their skates come off.
