Eric and Krista Toole, along with their three children, Alayna (22), Owen (21), and Nolan (17), have called Rocky River home since 2012, with a brief two-year move to Washington, D.C., before returning to the neighborhood they had grown to love. Their family also includes Alice, a 13-year-old rescue dog who has been a loyal companion through it all.

 

Although the Tooles have roots in different parts of the country, Eric grew up in Boston, while Krista was raised in both Chicago and North Olmsted. Their children were all born in Boston and raised in nearby Norwood, Massachusetts. It was there that the family’s lifelong passion for hockey began.

 

"The Toole kids are addicted to and love the game of ice hockey," Krista says with a smile. All three children first stepped onto the ice at around two years old, and hockey has remained a central part of their lives ever since.

 

Their oldest daughter, Alayna, recently graduated from Elmira College in New York after a standout four-year NCAA Division III women's hockey career. A three-year team captain for the Soaring Eagles, she also enjoys golf, tennis, and lacrosse.

 

Son Owen is entering his senior year at Ohio University, where he plays ACHA Division II hockey and will serve as team captain this season. When he isn't on the ice, he enjoys golfing and spending time in the gym.

 

Youngest son Nolan is a senior this year at Rocky River High School, where he has earned four varsity letters in both hockey and golf. He was also selected as captain of the Pirates hockey team for the upcoming season. Like his siblings, Nolan enjoys golf and tennis in addition to hockey.

 

Athletics continue to bring the family together, whether they're cheering from the stands or participating themselves. They enjoy playing tennis at the Rocky River Middle School courts, biking through the neighborhood, golfing at Big Met or Valley of the Eagles, working out at the recently renovated Rocky River Recreation Center, and, of course, watching and playing hockey.

 

The family's commitment to hockey extends beyond their own children. Eric, who has worked in law enforcement for 26 years, volunteers as an assistant coach for the Rocky River High School varsity hockey team, helping mentor the next generation of players.

 

Krista recently retired after a 25-year career in law enforcement and launched her own investigative consulting firm. While she's enjoying this new chapter, she still stays active by working out, reading, tending to the yard, and planning family adventures.

 

Travel is another shared passion. The Tooles' favorite destination is Banff, Alberta, but this summer they're looking forward to exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks together.

 

When they're staying close to home, you'll often find them enjoying some of their favorite local restaurants, including Swinging Door, Gather, Market, Wine Bar, and Salmon Dave's.

 

One family tradition Eric especially looks forward to is their standing Sunday evening golf tee time at Big Met. "It's great family time," he says. "Whether we're golfing or watching NHL games together, we always enjoy being together."

 

Asked what they appreciate most about living in Rocky River, the answer comes easily. "Our amazing neighbors and access to beautiful Lake Erie," Krista says.

 

For more than a decade, the Toole family has called Aberdeen home. Through careers in public service, involvement in their children's academic and athletic pursuits, and an active role in the community, they've become a familiar part of neighborhood life. Their story is one of putting down roots, staying involved, and contributing to what makes Rocky River a strong community.