IT'S OFFICIAL! I Finally Signed My New Contract in Sweden | S3 Ep. 10

Join me in this thrilling episode as I embark on new opportunities after overcoming challenges in the FED (FPHL) down in Baton Rouge. From facing adversity to finally putting pen to paper and signing my new hockey contract in Sweden, this journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Get ready to witness the excitement as I share the behind-the-scenes journey of perseverance and the thrill of seizing fresh opportunities in Swedish hockey. Don't miss out on this pivotal moment as I begin a new chapter on the ice! Hit play now to join me on this exhilarating adventure! 🏒✍️ #HockeyLife #NewBeginnings #SwedenBound

[@DillyDewon]

I knew everything would work out for you! So happy to hear you are on a team, but also is a wonderful country as well, good food and atmosphere. I can’t wait to see you succeed in that league as well as on KZbin. It’s only a matter of time before you blow up. Keep up the good work!

[@renaissancerocha]

Thanks so much! I had faith things would work out. Yeah I’m with a great organization now in a beautiful country! Really grateful for the opportunity. I really appreciate it! Thanks for the support.

[@calebloveshockey]

super excited to watch this chapter unfold. I'm sure you're gonna do really well, and it will be really fun to see the climb through the ranks!

[@renaissancerocha]

Thanks! Yeah I'm excited to see what the future holds in hockey

[@tristanarchambault]

Heart break kid :(

[@renaissancerocha]

Breaking hearts everywhere I go :(

[@tristanarchambault]

Umeå, Vaasa, Oulu, Nykarleby, Nivala, Helsinki, Stockholm, Ylivieska, Seinäjoki, Kiruna, Roviniemi, and Kokkola

[@craigjones2195]

I keep telling my beer league team that so need a new contract. Maybe I should look overseas.

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah might be a good idea

[@lowbridgehit]

as opposed to Trav Ridgen you actually play hockey. which makes a hockey podcast so much better!

[@rtzeexy374]

That’s so north what division are they in now because they went bankrupt last season right. For some reason Kiruna has two teams and Kiruna is not a big place. I live in the south of Sweden

[@renaissancerocha]

Hahaha yeah we are very far North. They were in HockeyEttan (Div1) last year but we are now in Div2. There's actually 3 teams in Kiruna. One team in Div1 and two in Div2. Nice! What city?

[@zacharygoldenberg8919]

Awesome job sir Rocha. Looks like a great atmosphere to be around and I’m exited for the journey ahead. But holy you had more fans at Nivola than you do there. We almost have more fans at the high school Varsity games that that. We may have more tbh lol.

[@renaissancerocha]

Thank you! Yeah me too! I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Yeah Nivala had great fans. I’d say Kiruna AIF is also pretty good but the rink is so much bigger so it feels much more empty. lol yeah you probably do. It seems the US has so many dedicated fans that show up to sporting events/games.

[@afhyoutube]

Damn bro. They got you living in a walk-in closet.

[@renaissancerocha]

Hahaha I tell myself it's very "cozy" and easy to clean.

[@willmorrison6650]

Pace of game looks good! Where are the fans??? So quiet in there

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah the hockey is pretty decent. We have some great fans but we could always use more 😇 If anyone watching lives in Kiruna you should come to the next home game and say hello 😁

[@jakescriven9705]

Gotta be exciting knowing you’ve got a freaking killlller colour way to work with on some new gear maybe?

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah it would be nice to get some new gear that matches. I could definitely design something really cool to go with the new team colours.

[@danielpenrodii2389]

@10:24 that genuinely has to be one of the worst missed goals in the history of hockey. That’s absurd!

[@renaissancerocha]

I honestly couldn't believe what I saw. It was one of the most shocking things I've ever seen in a game.

[@chevelle1]

He probably didn’t realize how much time and space he had. Pass was abit in his feet. He’ll probably have nightmares about that one for awhile though.

[@chevelle1]

@@renaissancerochaCraig Smith’s was way worse. EN with goalie pulled, nobody around

[@tristanarchambault]

I yelled right before he got the puck, works every time

[@davidpierini3316]

Oops. Now I see the colors don't match. You'll stop pucks all the same!

[@renaissancerocha]

Hahaha yeah as long as they stop pucks

[@shoopwhoop5130]

does the coach explain anything in english hahaha

[@renaissancerocha]

Hahaha yeah usually a quick overview. I'm the goalie so it's a really easy job. I just have to stop the puck from going in the net ;)

[@MrJal67]

I remember jamming 7 guys and their gear into a Chevy Vega hatchback back in the day....looked a lot like your first ride there!! Good luck in Sweden Andrew, I know you'll do great!!

[@renaissancerocha]

Hahaha those are the memories you remember most! Thanks very much! Really appreciate it!

[@jamesdickey5407]

WOW, I'm proud of you. Bjarne old club, I had his hockey card back in the 70s. Good luck in kiruna

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah so much history with the team! Thanks so much!

[@michaelmangiaracina6973]

Glad the FED didn't stop you

[@renaissancerocha]

One experience doesn't define me. It was for the best! I ended up in a way better situation.

[@jakescriven9705]

The looooooest usage of the term apartment I’ve ever seen hahah you’ve got the essentials that’s for sure but yeah haha apartment to moi is multiple rooms haha

[@renaissancerocha]

Haha yeah I know what you mean but I'm not sure what else to call it. I don't mind though. I'm just grateful to have a roof over my head a hockey team to play for. I'm just happy to be here and enjoy what I got.

[@heppatytto78]

I have wondered how you guys ended up playing in the Cowboys? Did you three know each other before playing at the Nivala? And why did you choose Nivala? It is so small place kind of middle of nowhere.

[@heppatytto78]

You could choose German or Slovakia or Czech Republic but you ended up choosing Finland?

[@renaissancerocha]

We played with each other in MUIK the year before. Check out season 1 on my channel and it will give you better context. Season 2 was with the cowboys. Yeah it’s a small place but that’s where I was offered a contract. Plus it’s a nice community with great fans for Finland Div2. Also great staff and organization. Top tier.

[@renaissancerocha]

I was in talks with a team in Germany last summer and would definitely entertain playing in those countries in the future. That being said, I love it in the Nordic countries. Finland was amazing and I also really enjoy it here in Sweden. Maybe someday I will play in Germany, Slovakia or Czech Republic but for now I’m enjoying my time in the north.

[@brandentripi329]

very cool that I found your channel, look forward to your journey

[@renaissancerocha]

Welcome and thank you!

[@flipNation44]

I knew you looked familiar...you played in the nojhl for a little while. You played 1 game for my organizing the rayside Balfourd Canadians. That was an interesting game ending in a shot out loss..hope all goes well in your new ventures

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah I spent a few years in the NOJHL. Yes, I had a quick stay in Rayside but I had a great time. I still have contact with many of the players and the coach. Yeah it was an unfortunate loss. Melo actually scored the game winner in that game haha.

[@jv3114]

congrats on the new contract hard work pays off !!! best of luck in the future keep posting them vids really interesting watching this very good content

[@renaissancerocha]

Thank you! Will do! More videos coming soon :)

[@larscederberg8564]

Wow Kiruna AIF that's a old classic team in Sweden and the city of Kiruna is very interesting town with the worlds largest underground iron ore mine and the city of Kiruna is being moved building by building to a new location due to years of mining that have caused it to sink into the ground good luck out there

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah it’s a great organization to be apart of. So much history. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Kiruna. It’s a special place and I’m very happy to be calling this place home for now. I might do a video explaining some of this if people are interested in learning more about the town. Thanks! Really appreciate it.

[@matthewsmith2078]

Happy for you dog. Smooth waters, hope you’re a brick wall this year

[@renaissancerocha]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@ryanfisher5049]

Where’s the bathroom in your apartment?

[@tristanarchambault]

He has his the sink

[@renaissancerocha]

Shared bathroom across the hall. Not ideal but it works. Might do a full tour in a future video if people want to see.

[@ryanfisher5049]

@@renaissancerocharight on, almost dorm style living. I enjoy watching your videos, seeing you live “the dream” and the different countries and how they live.

[@Flywithmarty]

At first glance I thought it was CBum… in his younger days

[@DeanPortman21]

wow now that is a shoebiox 😂 but you gotta loove play so more power to ya 👍 ps- for games, can you do it micd up ? That would be sick!

[@tristanarchambault]

I agree

[@renaissancerocha]

Haha yeah that’s exactly what I call it. The place I live for the love of the game! Yeah I plan to eventually purchase a mic for that purpose. When I return home to Canada I will save up for a new mic. I’ll try to be micd up this summer and for Season 4.

[@Urkuwayku]

Those European apartments make me claustrophobic!

[@renaissancerocha]

lol don’t worry this isn’t a standard apartment size in Europe.

[@quintonhenry3552]

enjoy the videos, keep em comming! one question why did you leave the cowboys in the first place?

[@tristanarchambault]

He hated his roommate Archie

[@renaissancerocha]

Yes exactly! I couldn’t stand living with Archie. Thanks for the support. Really happy you enjoy the videos. I loved playing with the cowboys. Nivala was great but there’s a few reasons for the decision. Having played in Finland for 2 seasons I wanted to experience something new and also try to put myself in a better position to move up into a higher league.

[@Taylod1]

congratulations on getting a contract

[@renaissancerocha]

Thanks!

[@ibewsparky4]

wow that nick guy is awesome good friend

[@renaissancerocha]

Yeah great guy! Really appreciate him for helping me out.

[@tahtiassa448]

Wonder why in Kiruna there is Finnish song ukkometso playing? Like Finnish national team song back in the days. Also why those jerseys looks like providence bruins copy?

[@renaissancerocha]

Haha yeah I’m not sure why. Yeah they remind me of the Bruins jerseys.

[@BillyJoe-s6r]

How do u have the money to not work and pay to play everywhere u go?? I know the league in Finland ur actually paying to be on the team not only flights and visa and itc but actually a team fee. Whats ur dad do for work buddy

[@renaissancerocha]

@user-yf2rj8lt3z I work in Real Estate in the summer months when I'm not playing hockey. I work very hard to be able to afford this lifestyle and I don't spend my money on clothes or a fancy things. I value experiences. That is actually not completely true. While some teams have fees I did not have to pay the team to play. I played in Finland last season so no ITC fee and since I'm Portuguese I also don't need a visa. Even if that was true I don't think there's anything wrong with players paying for this type of experience. People spend money on much worst things in life. I believe it's like an extended vacation to experience a different country and I've really enjoyed it. I respect if it's not something that interests you but hopefully this explains a little more about my situation.

[@sachs750]

​@@renaissancerocha I think that's a whole other video right there, or even several videos. Your off-season story and other ventures.

[@BillyJoe-s6r]

@@renaissancerochaI respect it sorry for chirpin hahaha Ido u or what u do. But now I do. Congrats on everything and suck life to be living

[@cbatts4441]

Happy for you Dude! Good luck!

[@renaissancerocha]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it

[@JerH24]

Congrats on signing with your new team

[@renaissancerocha]

Thank you!

[@grantvanexel6197]

Andrew, Kudos for being adventuresome! For myself, been to Sweden once (Stockholm - not for hockey, just for a visit), but no WAY I could handle living in that teeny little “apartment” with that horrifically small “window”. Deal breaker - no way I am sharing a washroom with God knows how many other people on that floor. Even at junior hockey camp a million years ago, we were given more space than that (I am a felliw goalie as well). You’re a young dude. I admire your courage and resiliency. As you begin to compile your winning record, tell management you need MORE ROOM and your own can!!! Good luck, Bro!

[@renaissancerocha]

Thanks! Yeah I could understand it’s not for everyone but I don’t mind. It’s difficult to find apartments in Kiruna especially last minute so I’m just grateful to have a team and a roof over my head. It’s not a long term strategy but for now I’m alright with it. Thank you and I appreciate the support!

[@Salaattikoira]

Why they played Ukkometso in the rink?🤣

[@tristanarchambault]

In honor of Finnish Legend Andrew Rocha

[@Salaattikoira]

@@tristanarchambault the legend himself 😯

[@renaissancerocha]

lol not sure to be honest. Sweden and Finland must love each other I guess ;)

[@bigsmickledigle5472]

Padru (the gm in 7:12) holy f he looks like trevor bauer 😂😂😂😂

[@renaissancerocha]

Finnish Trevor Bauer 😂🇫🇮

[@donnyschultz8375]

Congrats buddy! Miss ya

[@renaissancerocha]

Miss you too buddy! Good to hear from you!

[@themeankitty100]

Lets gooooooo! Also is that a cloudlifter going into the audio interface youre using on the desk?

[@renaissancerocha]

Yes sir it is! Really helps boost the audio levels for the mic while reducing the noise.

[@VDVEDC]

Awesome news Andrew. Keep at it brother

[@renaissancerocha]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@JSeppy]

Haha and here is the signing video! Congrats and play hard!

[@renaissancerocha]

Hahaha yeah I figured you’d find it eventually! Thanks! :D

[@ikeyeet8312]

Why are the names blacked out on the jerseys?

[@renaissancerocha]

Great question. I’m not entirely sure. Would be nice if they had the names.

[@daledemanchuk7920]

congrats guy! are they going with a 3 goalie rotation?

[@renaissancerocha]

Thanks man! We had 3 but are now rolling 2 goalies

[@daledemanchuk7920]

good luck then!@@renaissancerocha

[@RobJaskula]

Congrats on signing! Your trip to the new team reminds me of working in the USHL - our team in Chicago was behind on staff pay and when we traded goalie Rich Bachman (who made the Show eventually) to Cedar Rapids they paid me and the equipment manager $500 cash (total) to drive him out there since he didn't have a car. Our GM was pissed we missed a day of work to help another team but 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@tristanarchambault]

Hockey has the wildest sports stories fr

[@renaissancerocha]

Thank you! Haha that’s crazy! Love to hear these types of stories. Weird he was upset about that though. Seems like you did the right thing to go pick him up.

[@RobJaskula]

@@renaissancerocha it was the team he got traded to that paid us. As far as our GM was concerned as soon as the fax went through to the league he wasn't our problem. I have some buddies who played at the level you're at in Sweden after playing D3 hockey in the states and they ALL had a blast! Third division in Germany was also a really fun one from what I remember

[@renaissancerocha]

@@RobJaskula Oh ok that makes more sense now. Even still I think you did the right thing by helping him out. Yeah it's been amazing! I'm loving it here. Yeah I've heard the same that germany 3 is a cool place to play also.

[@willyrutfors8326]

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

[@renaissancerocha]

🫶

[@fresh00fresh89]

Gonna need new gear now lol so are you #3 goalie?

[@renaissancerocha]

Yes, I wish it matched better. When I arrived we had 3 goalies but it’s only 2 of us now. The goalie situation here will get more clear in future videos.

[@fresh00fresh89]

Good! Keep up the good work

[@davidpierini3316]

Congrats! The colors of your new pads work perfectly. It was destined!

[@renaissancerocha]

Not a perfect match but at least there’s a little red. Definitely wouldn’t be my first pic but I’m just happy to have a team haha

[@siisjshshh]

“pro hockey” but they dont even have name bars

[@tristanarchambault]

The man very clearly says he aspires to play pro and never claimed this level to be pro

[@xxxSlavetraderxxx]

Welcome to Sweden .. Will follow and see how it goes.

[@renaissancerocha]

Tack! Really appreciate it! Hope you enjoy!

[@buttclencher225]

28:58 wrong score hehe. Congratz on your new contract, youll do great!

[@renaissancerocha]

lol yeah I realized after I posted the video. My apologies 😅😂 Thanks!