Bio

Mike is a lifelong St Louis area resident that began playing hockey on streets, parking lots, frozen creeks, and ponds all through grade school. He like many of us hockey loving kids of the late 60's and early 70's became die hard Blues fans from the beginning.

Unfortunately, like many families on tight budgets, he couldn't afford to play ice hockey. So he went to roller skates in the parking lots and eventually found a home at Aloha Roller Rink which later became Spinning Wheels. That's where Mike found a home.

He became a prolific goal scorer and was a dominant player in what started as the Florissant Police sponsored league and which produced some of the best roller/inline hockey players in the country.

Mike played, coached and mentored many of the young players who went to represent St. Louis and USA in roller/inline hockey national and international competition.

As a player Mike never sought the limelight. He was always willing to adjust his game for the team. He inspired his teammates with his quiet confidence and support on and off the floor or ice.

Mike started his National AAU Roller Hockey Competition in 1980 as a member of the St. Louis Hikowees He was high scoring forward on that team which finished in third place at Nationals. Needing to make some adjustments, the coach asked Mike to move to defense. Without hesitation he made the change for the team. He quickly adapted to become one of the top defensemen in the game. As puck carrying defenseman and pinpoint passer, he changed the teams transition game. That was instrumental in transforming the team into a National powerhouse that over the next six years went on to win four National Championships and finish runner up twice.

On behalf of all us who played, coached or helped build the game of Roller/Inline Hockey, we are honored to have the opportunity to share with St. Louis Hockey Community a little bit about Mike Kues, There could not be a more deserving choice as the first Roller/Inline Player to be inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame. Many thanks to Hall of Fame for considering and honoring Mike.