Northeastern Midget Hockey League

NEMHL News

 

Updated 8-November-2008

Update on Ryan Greeley

 

The doctors have given the OK for Ryan to go back to school for half days at most.  However, there's a catch....  no taking notes (they must provide them for him), no quizzes, no test, no exams, no homework, no school projects.... he is there only to participate in classes.  No workouts or exercise of any kind, not even raking leaves.  His next evaluation is Nov 25th...  if things continue well, maybe they will start ading some light weight stuff.  No driving, minimal TV and video games (he has been over doing that).

We're hopeful that the symptoms will leave soon....  getting better, but still gets headaches etc.  I'm hope for his sake he gets back into action this season, if it is in the cards and he has completely recovered.  I know how much he lives and breaths hockey...  as any parent, I want him to be happy, but healthy first.
 
I feel the need to echo what Coach Tondera mentioned regarding head  injuries, and expand on it.  I am not sure whether this mailing list is for parents, players or both...  my hopes are that you will share this message with everyone... players and parents alike.   I'm not a medical person, just a proud parent of some outstanding athletics, one of which is a member of his Buccaneer organization.  Ryan suffered a grade 2 concussion at practice on October 6th.  No one on the ice was aware of it or that he was injured....  and until yesterday, listening to Ryan describe what happen to staff at Elite Sports Medicine in Connecticut and hearing him say things like "ya, I was dazed, but just kept right on with the drill, that's what we do" did the seriousness of playing injured hit me.  In his case, the symptoms did not really start to manifest until 30 minutes or so after the hit that dazed him, and eventually put him in the hospital for a week.  Even more important are the moments when Ryan seems like he is "feeling better" or "acting like the old Ryan".  It really is not time for him to be doing anything, let alone playing hockey.  As one person at Elite said, we can cast a broken bone, we can't cast the brain.  The scary part is second impact syndrome - something I had never heard of - getting a second concussion on top of one that is still in the healing process.   Playing on after a hit that makes you see stars can be worse than the original injury.  Returning to play at any time when you are still feeling the effects of any hit..  ANY symptom at all...  slight head aches, dazed feelings, still seeing the stars, nausea, light headed, not feeling yourself 100% and the list goes on are all times to stay seated.  Second impact syndrome can change a players life forever, or take it away.
 
To the players: only you know if you have the symptoms, don't cheat yourself and don't cut yourself short and try to play through it because you are a tough guy (or gal) or other players are calling you a wimp.  After all, IT IS a game, quality of life is not a game.  You might miss a few games, you might miss the rest of the season....  your health is more important than anything.  From a New York Daily News story about Ryne Dougherty:  "Varsity coach Ed Lebida told the Daily News on Wednesday that Dougherty, who had suffered a concussion in practice Sept. 18, had been "cleared medically" to resume playing, although classmates indicated the player had told friends he was "obsessed with football" and had insisted on playing Monday despite experiencing blurred vision and headaches".  Ryne died October 15th because he came back too soon.  I urge you to read these articles: 
 
Lacrosse Injuries: "Second-Impact Syndrome"

Concussions Can Lead to Coma or Death

New Post-Concussion Management Recommendations
 
Repeat concussions can lead to coma   High Price to Pay for Concussions

 I could list dozens of more articles.  The important message to kids, parents and coaches alike is...  don't play through the pain.  Don't hide a head injury, it just isn't worth it.  There is no game, no team, no one moment that makes it worth the risk.  Lastly, I am gathering more information on ImPACT testing that EVERY player, in any sport, should have done.  It's too late for Ryan to have that done now (for this injury), the testing has to be done before an injury.  I will share with everyone once I have gathered more information. Finally, I again want to thank Coach Tondera for his amazing support and encouragement to Ryan during this whole ordeal.  Our many, many thanks Erik.
 
Dan Greeley

Updated 24-October-2008

Saratoga Midget Tournament

Saratoga Blue Knights announce a Midget Tournament to be held on February 6 - 8, 2009 at the Weible Avenue and Vernon Rinks, Saratoga Springs, NY.  Please refer to the following hyperlink

http://www.saratogahockey.org/tournaments.php

for more information on this exciting opportunity for your team.

Updated 12-October-2008

A player and his coach

 

Back in April, my wife and I experienced a surreal moment: when Coach Erik Tondera took time from his day to join us for a presentation of the NEMHL scholarship to his Buccaneers forward, Ethan Sobel.  Due to a mix-up in paper work, Ethan was not recognized at the banquet for his scholarship.  However, this was rectified with an in-person awarding of the scholarship in Springfield on a chilly April Sunday.  Coach Erik was in attendance to support his player. 
 
 Thus, it is no surprise to me that Erik was in attendance for when one of his players was injured.  On the breakdown lane of I-91 last Monday, Ryan Greeley succumbed to the adverse effects of a grade 2 concussion with throbbing pain and loss of short-term memory.  Coach Tondera was the first to arrive at the scene and immediately called for medical backup.  Ryan has been hospitalized since then, 7 days, and Erik has been at his side, day and night, throughout this lengthy hospital stay.  To quote Dan Greeley, Ryan's Dad: "When these kids become Buccaneers, they become part of his [Erik's] family.  There isn't anything he wouldn’t do for his players.  His actions go so far beyond the call of duty, it's hard to find the words to describe our gratitude."  Well, I know the words ... Coach Erik Tondera is one of those rare individuals who sees the greater value in players beyond wins and losses and that his moral responsibility is to their maturity and intellectual growth.  Thank you Coach Erik Tondera of the Bay State Buccaneers - you truly embody the ideals of the NEMHL and life in general.  You are a great American.

Updated 13-September-2008

Season begins

 

In a rematch from last season's Division 1 championship game, the season started with Bay State hosting the Watertown Redwings on Saturday night.  They proved to be inhospitable hosts as the Bucs shut-out the Redwings, 3-0, in a great game from start to finish.  Watch the schedule as it unfolds for more exciting games in the next few weeks of this season.  To highlight the schedule which will be be produced by John Leimonas in the very near future, November 1st is the next milestone as teams are divided into Divisions 1 and 2.  The playoffs have been set for March 13-15 in Saratoga Springs, NY.  For more information on the playoffs, please contact Scott Springli (fcescott@nycap.rr.com).

Updated 30-August-2008

First Game of the Season

 

The first game of the 2008-2009 season of the NEMHL has been scheduled!  In a repeat of the Division 1 finals from last season, Division 1 Champion Bay State Buccaneers will be facing off against Division 1 Regular Season Champion Watertown Redwings at Olympia 2 on Saturday, September 6 at 4:30 PM, following the NEMHL Annual Meeting in West Springfield.  

Updated 17-August-2008

Upcoming Season

 

Welcome to the 2008-2009 season of the NorthEastern Midget Hockey League!  We celebrated a highly successful 2007-2008 season with 17 teams competing in the end-of-season playoffs.  Bay State Buccaneers, Griffin Flames, and Wallingford Hawks took the hardware for the Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 championships, respectively, at the culmination of our 10th season as a League.  We now have challenges from Connecticut as they have started their own League as well as consideration of gasoline prices and travel commitments.  These issues were addressed at our Executive Board meeting in April and changes have been made to accommodate travel costs (please refer to the Executive Board minutes posted on the website). 
 
We have our Annual Meeting scheduled for September 6th in West Springfield, of which all of you should have received an invitation from Joan Maxam, VP and Secretary of the League.  We have many teams returning and some new teams entering into the League,  including a second team from the founding organization, Saratoga Blue Knights, as well as the CT Chiefs and the returning NE Falcons.  We regret the loss of 3-4 Connecticut-based teams from the League but we celebrate the arrival of new teams who will clearly augment the quality of play for competitive teams and improve on the great product we put on the ice each and every weekend.   Good luck to those teams not returning to our League and a hearty welcome to the new and returning teams as we enter into our 11th season of the NorthEastern Midget Hockey League with enthusiasm and continued development of midget hockey in the Northeast US.

 

Updated 12-June-2008

Midget Showcase Tournament

Bay State Buccaneers announce a Midget Showcase Tournament to be held over the Christmas holidays.  Please refer to the following hyperlink

http://www.baystatebuccaneers.com/tournament.htm

for more information on this exciting opportunity for your team.

Updated 6-April-2008

CT Chiefs

 

The League is proud to welcome the addition of the CT Chiefs - two teams to play in two divisions for the 2008-2009 season.  They will boast the best logo in all of professional sports - the Chicago Black Hawks jersey logo.  GM/Head Coach Brandon Johnson continues his relationship with the NEMHL through this partnership.  More information on the new teams can be found at http://www.connecticutchiefs.com/. 

 

Updated 9-March-2008

NEMHL Championships

Wallingford Hawks take the inaugural Division 3 championship with a 9-7 win over the Clifton Park Eagles II in only their second season in the NEMHL.  Griffin Flames lift the Division 2 trophy after defeating hometown Saratoga Blue Knights, 3-2, for their second divisional title in 4 years.  Bay State Buccaneers won their second consecutive Division 1 title, 4-3, in an exciting 5-shooter sudden death shoot-out over season champion Watertown Redwings.  This is the first time since 1999-2000 when the Seahawks repeated for the Division 1 title.  Congratulations to Head Coaches Bob Vitale, Dave Gaudreau, and Erik Tondera, respectively, for leading their teams to victories.  Importantly, there were no losers in these championship games as all 3 games were highly competitive and undecided until the very end of regulation play or in overtime, as verified by the high heart rates of all 6 Head Coaches and parents.  Coupled with an exciting All-Star game and an emotional banquet, we enjoyed a great weekend to end our 10th anniversary season.  Congratulations to all players, coaches, and parents who participated in this historic season.

 

Bay State Buccaneers - Division 1 champions

Griffin Flames - Division 2 champions

Wallingford Hawks - Division 3 champions

 

 

Updated 29-February-2008

All-Stars announced

The All-Star game will be played at 9:30 PM this Friday.  Special rules apply:

  1. No hitting
  2. No slapshots 
  3. All penalties result in penalty shots
  4. Everyone must have fun!
CT All-Stars    
Head Coach: Carl Bard    
Assistant Coaches: All CT Head Coaches  
No. Player   Team Position
29 Matt Giuffre Watertown Goalie
31 Sean Fayer Watertown Goalie
54 Max Kneeland Seahawks Goalie
2 Sean Herlihy S Windsor Forward
2 Dan Radke CT Riptide Defense
4 Chris Buckman Hamden Defense
4 Ryan Kessler Wallingford Forward
4 Sean O'Brien S Windsor Defense
5 Evan Lavoie Bridgeport Forward
6 Shane Makowicki Bridgeport Forward
6 James Marsh Middlesex Forward
9 Greg Olschan CT Riptide Forward
11 Colton Craig SEC Seahawks Forward
12 David Newton Hamden Forward
17 Nevan Bard Watertown Forward
18 Jesse Kanaple W Hartford Forward
18 Marc Haschak Watertown Forward
19 Matt Schafer SEC Seawawks Forward
19 John Vlahos Wallingford Forward
20 Tim Johnson W Hartford Defense
21 Chris Smith Middlesex Defense
21 Tim Demaio CT Riptide Forward
24 Tony Cerino Seahawks Forward

 

NY/MA All-Stars    
Head Coach: Don Torrico    
Assistant Coaches: All NY & MA Head Coaches
No. Player   Team Position
3 Shane Conklin Saratoga Goalie
30 Ned Torrico Albany Goalie
34 Todd Pescetta Bay State Goalie
2 Ethan Sobel Bay State Defense
4 Shane Mitchum CD Comets Defense
4 Jeff Finkel Albany Defense
5 Kyle Geraci TAYHA Forward
11 James Richau Saratoga Defense
15 Jay McCarthy CD Comets Defense
16 Matt Drescher CP-2 F/D
16 Kyle Breen Albany Defense
18 TJ Abbott TAYHA  Defense
19 Tom Bennett TAYHA Forward
20 Mike Valente CP-2 Forward
21 Austin LaPierre Bay State Forward
23 Mark Mastin Albany Forward
25 Mitch Croce CP-1 Defense
26 Chris VanAlstyne CP-1 Forward
26 Tyler Gaudreau Griffin Forward
33 Ryan Lynch Saratoga Defense
60 Matt Hill Griffin Defense
73 Ben Olszewski Saratoga Forward
96 Michael Aitken Saratoga Forward

Updated 23-February-2008

Upcoming playoffs

 

To All Member Teams,

As we head into the final weekend of regular season play before starting an exciting playoff weekend in Saratoga NY, I would like to review a few items.  The weekend represents great games, an All-Star game which is always a premier event, and a League banquet to recognize last season's champions and this season's regular season champions.  Our annual scholarships will also be presented as well as many other League-related programs.  That being said, especially for our newer teams, the following will take place all weekend.

- All players will need a picture ID and it must be presented at check-in for each game.
- Attire for the banquet should be collared shirts and slacks.  No jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are allowed.
- Any penalties incurred during the final weekend, as needed, will carryover into the playoffs.  Play smart and everyone will be available to their teams for all playoff games.
- Any League business that needs to be conducted at the playoffs will be by the appropriate committees.  Any game-related issues must be reported to me at the conclusion of that game.

Let's make this the best playoff weekend yet on our 10th anniversary as a League.  Play hard, respect everyone, and most of all, Have Fun!  Let the games begin.

See you in Saratoga!

Lee Barsom
Sr. VP-NEMHL

Updated 23-January-2008

NEMHL playoff program

To all team managers, coaches, parents, and players:

The playoff program book is in need of advertisements, team photos, and rosters. This information must be in immediately to be able to have this book complete by the start of the playoffs.  Please forward all team photos to Raymond Schmitz along with advertisements via e-mail. Please contact Ray Schmitz if there are any questions. It is urgent to get this information in so the book can be laid out and begin publishing and ready for the upcoming playoffs.  Advertisements that are provided halp defray your team plyoffs costs and support the scholarship fund.

Ray Schmitz

Updated 10-December-2007

 

NEMHL partners with Harrow Sports

 

The NEMHL is partnering with Harrow/Christian Sports.  As part of the sponsorship program, Harrow/Christian offers a 20% team discount on all of their products, the full line of apparel, as well as any custom items (i.e., uniforms, sticks, bags, etc).  Harrow will also extend a 50% coach’s discount on any product sold as a one-time coach’s demo. 

 

After a team has placed an order with Harrow Sports, you will then have the option of creating a Virtual Team Store (VTS).  The VTS allows for parents, fans, and players to order your team’s custom apparel and/or equipment directly from your team store website. 

CT Riptide have already formed a VTS and benefited from the quality of Harrow products.  You can view their VTS at http://www.harrowsports.com/stores/riptide.
 

To better understand Harrow products and organization of Harrow Sports, visit their website by clicking on the Harrow logo located above.  The League is honored to partner with Harrow as we share the same values: character, integrity, and tradition.  

 

Updated 1-December-2007

Paul Beaudry 


A service was held today to celebrate the life of Paul Beaudry, former outstanding hockey player for Schenectady Chargers.  Paul led his team in goals, assists, and points and ranked amongst the top 10 scorers in the League during its inaugural season (1998-1999), despite fighting cystic fibrosis which left him frequently hospitalized after a weekend of hockey games.  Because of his perseverence without allowing his disease to slow him down, Paul was named the first recipient of the Cleary Award of Courage.  I think a couple of emails from that season highlight Paul and his courage:

From: "Paul Beaudry" <beaudry@superior.net>
To: <davidrluke@email.msn.com>
Subject: THANKS
Date: Thursday, February 25, 1999 3:55 PM

DR. LUKE,

THANK YOU FOR THE FLOWERS THEY WERE GREAT. I GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ON 2-19 AND PLAYED ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. A REPRESENTATIVE ALSO CAME TO SEE HOW I WAS DOING.  I WAS ALL SET THOUGH. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS LEAGUE.

PAUL BEAUDRY #23 SCHENECATDY TEAM

and (from Maryanne Reidy, Team Manager of Schenectady)...

From: <Jjdmom@aol.com>
To: <DavidRLuke@email.msn.com>
Subject: Re: Paul
Date: Thursday, February 18, 1999 6:05 PM

Paul B. is going to be on TV.  Apparently channel 13 is doing a human interest story and interviewed him at the hospital. They may be at our game on Sat. Al said he will try to get a copy of the tape for you . Bye, Maryanne

Below is part of the speech I gave when awarding Paul the Cleary Award along with Caitlyn Cleary's parents, Don and Patty Cleary.  Paul had a double lung transplant in 2006 but succumbed to complications last week.  His parents informed the League of his passing on the day of his passing - there is no greater tribute to what we are achieving than the memory of Paul and his parents.  He will be remembered by his family, friends, and the entire NEMHL family, as the Cleary Award for Courage will now be named the Cleary/Beaudry Award for Courage.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Beaudry family as we fondly remember Paul's life.  He is an icon of excellence that we all strive to achieve.

Dave Luke

President/Founder, NEMHL

Award speech (truncated):

It is with this sentiment that I am proud to announce the first recipient of the Cleary award.  Playing through personal hardships, Mr. Paul Beaudry has consistently displayed the high ideals of the game of hockey – tough, gritty play while leading his team in goals, assists, and total points.  Amazingly, Mr. Beaudry has a chronic illness that would typically obviate the ability to play hockey.  Indeed, he was hospitalized for a week, and then the next day after release from the hospital, played in two games and was the leading point-getter for the Schenectady team.  Never boasting of his accomplishments, Mr. Beaudry also does not complain of his chronic illness – obviously a worthy candidate for the Cleary award.

 

Updated 17-November-2007

 

Scholarships for seniors 
 

 

Attention Seniors and Parents thereof:

 

It’s time to start the Application process for the NEMHL Scholarship Program. The NEMHL awards 4 scholarships of $500 each to those players attending post secondary studies. The Scholarship Committee evaluates the following criteria in determining award recipients (not limited to): personal essay, recommendation letters from coaches, teachers and others, sportsmanship (penalty minutes and type), community service including employment and volunteer activities and academics. Regarding academics, an applicant does not have to be an A or B student. All information requested on the application is considered to choose award recipients. The Application and information can be found on the League website: http://www.nemhl.net/ScholarshipApplication.htm. Any questions may be directed to John Mishoe, Director of Scholarships, e-mail dehns@aol.com.  Phone (518) 583-4403.

 

Sincerely,

John Mishoe

 

Updated 14-November-2007

 

Bethlehem Eagles withdraw from NEMHL 


Bethlehem Eagles announced to the League today that they no longer will be participating in League play.  This will result in a schedule change for all remaining teams.  We apologize for any disruption in your plans and hope that you demonstrate patience as we set a new schedule for games played until 31-Dec, whereupon we shall split teams into divisions for primarily intra-divisional games.

Updated 31-October-2007

Tournament update and divisional breakouts 
 

Two items of interest:

  1. The Pilgrim Classic Tournament is closing out the registration and putting together the brackets and schedule on Sunday.  The organizers (Joel Jolles and Brandon Johnson) still have a spot available, but not after Sunday 11/4. If any team wants information, please log onto the CT Riptide website (www.eteamz.active.com/ctriptde) and review the "Pilgrim Classic" and/or "Tournament" pages. Also, the discounted ticket offers for the AHL games that weekend are detailed in the "AHL Tickets" page on the site (information sent by email to all Team Managers).
  2. In particular, this message is directed to those teams new to the League:  As typically occurs at the start of each season, we have a number of 8-0 blow-outs as no one really knows the capabilities of their team relative to the strengths and weaknesses of other League teams.  This is most obvious with new Midget teams or those teams who have lost a significant number of players from last season to the current season.  And, with only one exception, there has been adherence to the 8-goal differential rule – and the one exception was completely by accident and the offending coach rendered an apology immediately following the game.  For those players getting discouraged by the blow-outs, it is important to note that several years ago, we instituted a policy to divide teams into equal-strength divisions on January 1st.  With rare exception, teams of equal strength will play all of their 2nd half games against each other.  In so doing, we have significantly reduced the number of blow-outs for the second half of the season.  Also, please participate in the ongoing poll as we are unclear whether a 2-division or 3-division split should occur on January 1st.  Watch the standings and vote on the natural split into 2 or 3 divisions of equal-strength teams.

Thus, the message to players, coaches, and parents is to hang in there and inequity of play will be diminished for all of you on January 1st.

Updated 25-August-2007

10th anniversary 


On August 30, 1998, representatives of seven Midget teams met at the Quality Inn & Suites in Brattleboro VT to discuss an opportunity with Dave Luke.  Representing the teams were Al Dannes and Maryanne Reidy of Schenectady, Mark Dumais of Newington CT, Toni and Ron Ciccone of Rutland, Kim White and Tom Clark of Saratoga, Kent Porter of Essex VT, Barb and Fred Wengrzynek of Columbia CT, and Waneta Lenk, Dick Bernardo, and Todd Machnik of the SEC Seahawks.  The NorthEastern Midget Hockey League was born from this meeting and 2500 players and 2500 games later, we are celebrating our 10th anniversary in the upcoming 2007-2008 season.  To recognize this milestone, all players (and if desired coaches) will wear the new anniversary patch.  The new patch will be handed out at the Annual Meeting.

 

Updated 12-March-2007

 

We are the Champions 
 



BAY STATE BUCCANEERS WIN DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP!

ADIRONDACK BLACK BEARS WIN DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONSHIP!

 

Updated 2-March-2007

 

ALL-STARS for Friday night's game.  Congratulations to everyone.

 

Connecticut                                The World

 

Goalies                                            Goalies

31   Shawn Fayer (Watertown)           1  Crockett Pack (Clifton Park)

35   Nick Albert (Watertown)              3  Shane Conklin (Saratoga)

54   Max Kneeland (Seahawks)        33  Ryan Lynch (Adirondack)

 

Skaters                                            Skaters

6    James Stewart (Griffin)                 2  Chris Cowan (Albany)

11   Mark Bartolomeo (Watertown)      4  Sean Kanaly (Adirondack)

14   Chris Buckman (Hamden)            6  Chris VanAlstyne (Clifton)

15   Sean Kelly (W Hartford)               7  Rylee Merrill (CD Comets)

16   Chris Belli (W Hartford)                9  David Aitken (Adirondack)

17   AJ Silberman (CT Clippers)         12  Bobby Rash (Bucs)

17   Nevan Bard (Watertown)             13  TJ Ouelette (Bethlehem)

19   Matt Schafer (Seahawks)            13  Paul Ketchum (Braves)

20   Brian Mauhs (Hamden)               14  Kevin Syrotynski (Comets)

22   Scott St Germain (Watertown)     15 Sean Beard (Adirondack)

26   Tyler Gaudreau (Griffin)                15 Steve Nieminski (Saratoga)

26   Troy Miller (CT Clippers)              16  Kyle Breen (Albany)

28   Ethan Clarke (Seahawks)            17  Niles Hartley (Bethlehem)

29   Zach Mordenti (Watertown)          18   Steve Reese (Clifton)

41   Ryan Kessler (Wallingford)           18   Bill Casey (Adirondack)

49   Dean Thibodeau (S Windsor)        19   Derek Belisle (Bucs)

51   John Potrzeba (Griffin)                  22   Nick Rainville (Comets)

51   Don Munson (S Windsor)             73   Ben Olszewski (Saratoga)

51   Matt Gnatowski (Seahawks)         77   Ryan Greeley (Braves)

77   Bobby Vitale (Wallingford)            77   Garrison Gamble (Bucs)

 

Updated 19-February-2007

 

Bird watchers: Hawk and Dragon soar to new heights 
 

For all of you craving good news in our League, check out the box scores for the following two games and the efforts of the goaltenders:

Clifton Park Eagles - Wallingford Hawks game on Sunday, February 18, 2007.  Two birds, one Division 1 (Eagles) and one Division 2 (Hawks), battled to a 5-1 victory for the Eagles.  Of importance, however, is not the D1 win over a D2 team, rather, the magnitude of Eagle dominance and the outstanding, stand on your ear, performance of the Hawk goalie, Zack Newirth.  Starting with a short bench, the Hawks valiantly held off the Eagles until the third period, whereupon the Eagles pocketed 2 goals to win 5-1.  Hawk Zack Newirth faced 77 shots in the game, stopping all but 5.  These numbers are staggering; he faced 26, 26, and 25 shots in the first, second, and third periods, respectively. 

Watertown Redwings – Hamden Dragons game on Sunday, February 18, 2007.  The Redwings of Division 1 beat the Dragons, 6-0, at Taft School.  The Dragons were badly outshot by the Redwings, 82 – 11, as Carlos Santos, Hamden netminder, dealt with more rubber than Goodyear.  The red light only lit 6 times when it could have burnt out if not for the valiant efforts of Mr. Santos.  Of importance in this game is that it was an AWAY game for the Dragons, so no one should be able to accuse the scorekeeper of being biased towards his own goaltender.  Like Mr. Newirth of the Hawks, Mr. Santos faced 27, 39, and 16 shots in the first, second, and third periods, respectively.

Congratulations go to both goaltenders.

 

Updated 7-February-2007

Conduct unbecoming a League

 

To: All Players, Coaches, and Parents in the NEMHL

 

In my position in the League, I see lots of e-mail. Monday's are always a busy day especially after a full weekend of games.  I hear about players receiving penalties that they didn't deserve, about players deserving penalties they didn't receive, about poor officiating, about obnoxious parents, about obnoxious players, about obnoxious coaches, and about obnoxious Officials.  I can supply answers to the majority of these e-mails by going to the USA Hockey Rules, the NEMHL Rules, or by consulting with other board members for their input and opinions.  These answers are not always what the initiator of the e-mail may have hoped to hear and I figure for every person I satisfy, there will be one that I anger.  I have resigned myself to making 50% of the people happy 50% of the time; it's the nature of the job that I volunteered to accept.

 

With that as a backdrop, I have an issue that I wish to address with everyone associated with the NEMHL. This one may anger more than it pleases, but I'll take that chance as I feel strongly about what I'm about to say and I feel strongly that I've earned the right to say it.  I want to address the issue of Respect: Respect for the game of hockey, respect for the opposing player, respect for your coach, respect for the Officials, respect for your parents, respect for your kids, respect for your fellow parents, and so on.  My concern is the total lack of respect I see at some the NEMHL games of which I have attended.  I see players looking foolish as they use more energy to run their mouths than that they do to skate for a loose puck. I see coaches who've forgotten who the adults are as they rant and rave about the officials or humiliate one of their own players for a mistake that was made.  I see parents setting a horrible example for their children as they scream negatively at each other or people on the ice.  I look back, as a hockey Dad for 14 years, and see me doing some of those same exact things and realize now how wrong they were.  Now that I have no personal attachment to a player or even to a particular team, it's clear to me how this negative behavior takes away from what should be a positive experience for everyone involved. I wish someone had told me that a few years ago and I'm hoping that this message will make some of you see the need to change this type of behavior.

 

To the players: Plain and simple: hockey can be a tough game and things will happen in the course of a game that will have you bumping heads with someone. At the split second this happens, you and only you can decide how to handle it.  Sometimes penalties will occur; that's part of the game. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I love to watch a fast-paced, hard-hitting game of hockey.  I understand that in a game like that, there will be times that situations will arise that have to run their course.  What I cannot understand and cannot tolerate is the trash-talking garbage that I see at too many games.  I'm concerned that some players get this behavior confused with being tough; the two are miles apart.  I have a lot of respect for a good, hard-nosed hockey player that can play within the rules and I have no respect for a "punk'".  I'm happy to report that the "punks" are in the minority but they're still out there nonetheless and I can pick them out in the first 10 minutes of any game I attend.  I can also pick out the good skaters, big hitters, the slick passers and awesome goalies and those are the guys I want to watch.  I don't want that ruined by a couple of clowns running around yapping and trying to convince everyone how cool or how tough they are.  The best way to show your opponent up is to go around him and score a goal or rock him with a good, clean check.  If all you've got for somebody is running your mouth, you're in the wrong sport and are not welcome in this League.  You all are lucky to be playing this great game at an advanced level as many players quit before they hit Midgets.  Enjoy the moment and go out and do something people will talk about because it was so good, not because it was so stupid.

 

To the coaches: You guys may or may not even realize how important your position is. Teaching your players the game of hockey is one thing but there's so much more that they learn from being around a team and understanding those dynamics and from observing how you handle situations before, during, and after the game.  Screaming at an Official or at one of your own players may be considered by some a coaching "style", but at this age and ability level, it's garbage.  None of the players or coaches in this League are headed for the NHL or any other professional league for that matter.  You have made the sacrifice of your time and offered it to help these kids and you should use every minute of that time in a positive manner. Sure there's discipline and explaining to a player when he makes a mistake but it can all be a positive learning experience or a negative one.  I have noticed that many times a team takes on the personality of it's coach and I suspect this is a normal thing.  Take a minute and think about that as the power you have to influence your team is tremendous and with that power comes responsibility. Use it wisely for the kids’ sake.

 

To the Parents: This game is about the kids and nothing else. It's not about having to win every game, it's not about being the champions, it's about the kids having fun in an environment that encourages them to be the best they can be and reaching to see where that point actually is. They should be encouraged and game-day should be a fun day for the family and not one that ends with arguments and hard feelings with the opposing parents or players.  Until your last child has played his/her last game, you cannot possibly understand how much you will miss the madness that we as hockey parents have learned to take for granted.  It is such a wonderful time of your child's and your lives that you deserve to enjoy each and every minute of it and not allow negative behavior to steal any of that time away from you – it will be gone soon enough.