The phone call started innocently enough on Monday, April 20, as Team Pennsylvania Brick General Manager Justin DiGaetano discussed angle training with 10-year-old Robert “Bobby” Condon.
Soon, DiGaetano got down to business.
“I wanted to reach out and welcome you to Team PA,” he told Condon, referring to the team that will be playing in the 2026 Brick Invitational Tournament, a prestigious event for youth hockey players ages 10 and under.
Condon was one of two goalies who made the 17-player squad, part of the top players from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, southern New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.
Offering young, promising players like Condon the opportunity to compete in an elite international environment, the tournament – taking place from June 28 – July 5 in Edmonton, Canada – will include the best youth hockey players from around the United States and Canada.
As the youth’s eyes welled up, DiGaetano spoke of the upcoming team training camp in Pittsburgh, to begin on May 8.
“We’ve got a lot of work, to get going. We’re looking forward to having you between the pipes,” he told Condon.
Hanging up the phone, an emotional Condon collapsed on the couch.
The sacrifices – miles of travel, the early mornings and long nights, the practice training sessions – all paid off for Condon and his parents, Ashley and Robert, who are parishioners at Saint Peter Parish in Merchantville.
“I did it,” Condon cried.
Cool on and off the ice
From 4 years old, Condon’s been minding the net.
“I’d take him to hockey practice, and as practice was going on, I’d turn around and he’d be in the net. I’d tell him ‘Get out of there, you’re going to get hurt,” his father, Robert, now says with a laugh.
“But he kept going in, taking shots with regular pads,” he continued.
Making sure his son positively wanted to be a goalie – especially since the specialized equipment such as helmet/mask, neck guard, chest/arm protector, blocker, and goalie stick can run into the thousands of dollars – Robert and his wife, Ashley, began supporting their son’s dream to make it to the NHL.
Signs of their son’s excellence abounded. At the age of five, he was the practice goalie for a squad of eight-year-olds. Today, he plays at the AAA level – the highest point for youth hockey – with the Flyers Elite 2015 in Pennsauken, so named for the birth year of the players. Condon at age 10, plays “up,” meaning that he plays with an older age group due to his skill level.
“He’s shown up, and proven himself,” Ashley noted.
The road to the Brick Invitational officially began two years ago, when Condon first began playing youth hockey tournaments in Pittsburgh and Toronto, and getting noticed for his steady, calm demeanor, and presence.
“He keeps it cool, he doesn’t get anxious,” Ashley added.
Last year brought more tournaments in Chicago and Toronto, and more eyes.
Amidst the increased awareness, Ashley kept and excited, but tempered, mood through the steps.
“We’ve always trusted God, and if it’s meant to be Bobby, it’ll happen,” she said. “If you really want it, go for it, we told him. But we were realistic; there’s a lot of great talent out there.”
But Ashley and Robert are adamant that Condon, a 4th grader at Saint Peter Elementary School, keep focus on his academic studies.
“He knows he has to keep his grades up,” Robert added.
Determined focus
The second weekend of May, Condon will meet his new teammates, at their first practice session in Pittsburgh. Future practices in Toronto, Chicago, and close to home in Voorhees will provide Condon and Team PA Brick not only vital time to develop skills and chemistry, but even play exhibition games against some of their upcoming competition.
The squads that join the team in the tournament, include the BC Junior Canucks; the Connecticut Junior Rangers; the Saskatchewan Junior Pats; and Minnesota Blades.
Current NHL stars that have played in the Brick Tournament since its inception in 1990 include Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (Connecticut Yankees, 2011), and Olympic hero and New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (Toronto Bulldogs, 2011).
Condon is ready for this showcase, and knows what it takes.
“A good goalie needs good hand-eye coordination, needs to be flexible, and should stand tall, and cover the net,” he said.
To that end, Bobby’s been spending extra time on the ice, and working with a trainer, to keep himself sharp.
“I’ve done the work, and it’s paying off. Now I’m going to work harder, to be the best,” he said.
Condon’s parents see that commitment every day, and are ready to keep the family road trips and plane flights going.
“To say I’m proud, is an understatement. I’m blown away” by his dedication, Robert said.
“He has a natural gift from God,” Ashley added.
“I hope he never takes it for granted.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
