This I believe — Hockey is the Cure for What Ails America
By Joe Scatchell - 3/2/07
Failing test scores, ill-behaved day care children, gangs, drug use, the list goes on of the ills facing our country. We look for quick answers that many times end up creating new issues and the circle of problems grows wider in an ever-spiraling pattern. So how do we stop the momentum and hope to reverse its damage?
Play Hockey.
I know that most of you are calling up images of stick swinging, lights out punches and bench clearing brawls. You've been fed a lie. That those things occur is a fact. That they occur so rarely to have painted an entirely incorrect picture of the sport is also a fact. Thousands of games are played each week all around the world now and you can probably name 3 or 4 incidents of outlandish behavior, total.
Here's the truth. If you want society to be civil, its citizens polite, humble and respectful of one another get everyone involved in hockey. Hockey is above all else a family commitment that instills the values that our society holds dearest; that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, hard work has its reward, but most important, respect for others.
For the uninitiated, hockey starts at 6, both in age of player and time of morning practices! Moms and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts and Uncles load up the player and equipment and it's off to the rink. Many times the rides to and from the rink are lengthy giving parents and guardians and the children quality time to do the unusual; talk to one another. The conversations are not always deep or life altering but that they happen at all is becoming rarer. How did you sleep? Did you like that cereal? No, I never heard of "Take it Back Sunday", is it a song or a group?" It's all good because you are establishing lines of communication that may be used for much more important matters some day.
At the rink, you get to watch your child learn. The early progress is breathtaking. Remember how you marveled when they learned to walk? Use a fork? How many chances to you get to see something as wonderful? Try skating sometime to see how difficult it is for yourself. It's likely that in a short time, your child will be better at something than you are. Talk about a no lie dose of self-respect!
Teams often play in tournaments that take place over several days and far enough from home to require over night stays. Whole families attend these events providing yet another opportunity to do something that is vanishing from our American landscape; the family road trip. Again, conversation, whole discussions even, stops for meals and potty breaks, arguments over who is touching who and all the other things that those fortunate enough to have taken these trips in our youth, still remember fondly many years later. Siblings look forward to hanging with all the other siblings, the hotel pool, knee hockey in the halls, and yes, the excitement of the games themselves.
Coaches are more than hockey fanatics; they are coaches of life. Players are correctly taught that hockey is a team sport. Everyone on the team contributes. Most teams keep playing time evenly distributed among the players in all but the most competitive situations to instill this fact. Parents are encouraged to bring school and home issues to the coach so that both the parents and the Coach are consistent. For example, it’s not at all unusual for Johnny not to play if he isn't doing well in school or disobeying at home.
Hockey can be dangerous. Sharp blades, hard sticks and the speed of play demand that players maintain control and respect for themselves and their competitors. Players are taught to "play the body" and not go and "hurt 'em". Indeed, the intention of checking is to separate the puck from the player; take the puck not the player out.
The game's traditions reinforce the basic tenets of a civil society. Before each game, kids as young as 8 years old and already placed in leadership roles as Captains, introduce themselves to the opposing Coaches and Officials and shake their hands. The rules of the game support the development of leadership by allowing only the Captains, not the Coaches, to talk to the officials about game calls. When a player scores, all his teammates join in the celebration. The players who assisted on the goal get the same point the scorer received. Showboating does not occur in hockey. At the end of every game, all players and coaches line up and shake hands. The same occurs at every level and even at the end of the NHL season.
Lest you think my arguments are specious, I offer these observations. Look at the other professional major American sports and compare them to professional hockey. Most of the players in the NHL and supporting professional leagues have lived away from their families and with host families at some point. Most of us would not think of taking a strange teenager into our home. If you speak to just about any host family, they will tell you that the kid came in with all of the attributes I speak of. They were polite, respectful, humble and thankful for the hospitality shown. Lifelong relationships were made. You don't see professional hockey players being named in bar room shootings or taking steroids or other illegal drugs. Listen to the player interviews. Universally, they deflect any praise to their teammates and coaches. If they have a bad game or they're in a slump, they talk about needing to work harder and blame only themselves. When they receive awards, they start by thanking their parents and talk about those long car rides to rinks early in the morning. They are humble, thankful.
These same things happen at every hockey banquet I've had the honor of attending. I was privileged to spend as much time as I did with my daughter and 2 sons and have been paid back many times over for those cold mornings when I see them working at something hard, being polite, humble and respectful.
Thank you hockey!
David A. Kapral,
July 2, 1989 - December 30, 2007
David was born and raised in Bensalem, PA. He was the oldest of four children of Lisa(nee Verducci) and Dave Kapral. His three siblings are Steven,16 - Nick,11 - Alyssa,6. Dave and the Kapral Family have been with the Blazers Family for seven seasons. Dave was currently on the Midget 18AA team as an Assistant Captain along with his brother Steven. Nick currently plays on the PWA team. Dave Kapral (father) is an Assistant Coach at M18AA. His mother is the Team Manager.
David was always looked at as a leader. He almost always was selected as either Assistant Captain or Captain of his teams even though he was usually the youngest player on a team of 88's even when he was eligible to play at the younger levels. David was also the Captain of the Father Judge High School program in his senior season 2006 - 2007. He was currently attending West Chester University. He came home on weekends to play hockey with his friends at the Blazers and also spend time with his girlfriend Ashley Feeley. David was always one to organize his social life uniting family, friends and teammates to his house on the Delaware River, often organizing paintball games with friends and teammates. If not paintball, it was 4 wheelin or jet skiing on the river. Anyone who knows David got the "Camp Kapral" experience.
His friendly spirit and his engaging smile will be missed by everyone.
USA Hockey Standard of
Play Initiative Set for Second Season Initiative to be Reemphasized for the
2007-08 Season
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey,
which successfully implemented its new Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement
initiative nationwide last season, is looking forward to the second campaign of
the initiative, according to Ron DeGregorio, president of USA
Hockey.
“The Standard of Play is one of the most significant initiatives
that has ever been implemented by USA Hockey,” said DeGregorio. “While not
without its challenges, the results have been highly successful and played to
positive reviews from players, coaches and fans alike. As we move forward, it is
important for everyone to realize that this initiative will continue in
earnest.”
The goal of the enforcement standard is to reduce restraining
infractions, while not removing legal body checking or body contact. The
initiative calls for strict enforcement in regard to holding, hooking, slashing,
tripping and interference. In short, the Standard of Play calls for enforcement
of rules already in place without adding anything new to the rulebook.
To help clarify certain on-ice situations relating to the Standard of
Play and Rules Enforcement initiative, a new supplemental video was produced by
USA Hockey over the summer, which features examples of actions that are
acceptable and also those that are not acceptable under the standard.
The initial video regarding the Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement
that was released in August of 2006, as well as the new supplemental piece
produced this summer, are both available for viewing at usahockey.com.
In addition, posters will be distributed to rinks across the country
later this fall that highlight the Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement
initiative.
For more information on USA Hockey’s Standard of Play and
Rules Enforcement, visit usahockey.com.
USA Hockey Board of Directors Makes
Few Changes to Playing Rules 2007 USA Hockey Annual Congress Proves Productive
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Hockey’s Annual Congress concluded last Saturday (June 9), and while this year’s legislative cycle provided the opportunity for the Board of Directors to modify the playing rules, little was ultimately changed.
The most spirited debate was in regard to the proposal to adopt the “tag up” offside rule in youth hockey. While the motion to adopt “tag up” failed, it will be allowed in high school hockey.
The Board did vote to eliminate the rule requiring mouth guards for girls under-10 in order to mirror the rule for boys.
New dimensions for goalkeeper’s equipment will be required beginning in 2009-10 and is strongly recommended for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. An appendix will be included in the new rulebook that includes the new dimensions.
One other highlight in regard to rule changes was the adoption of new ice markings that makes significant progress in the attempt to have one set of standardized markings across all levels of hockey. A complete overview of the new markings can be found at usahockey.com in the near future.
In other USA Hockey Annual Congress news:
• Dan Esdale (Hyde Park, Mass.) was voted as vice president and chair of the junior council, replacing Dave Tyler (Waterloo, Iowa), who retired from the position.
• USA Hockey’s Junior Player of the Year award has been re-named the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year. Tyler, who served on USA Hockey’s Board of Directors for 32 years, played an instrumental role in the development and growth of junior hockey in the United States. He was elected as a Director Emeritus by acclamation at the conclusion of the Board of Director’s meeting.
• Bill Hall (Coram, N.Y.) was unanimously re-elected to a new three-year term as USA Hockey’s secretary and Tony Rossi (Chicago, Ill.) was unanimously re-elected to a new three-year term as vice president and chair of the international council.
• Dave LaBuda (Chicago, Ill.) was confirmed by the Board as USA Hockey’s new referee-in-chief, while Tom Kehr (Holland, Mich.) was confirmed as the organization’s new Association Coaching and Education (ACE) national director.
• Brad Bekkedahl (Williston, N.D.) was voted to a two-year term as director representative to the executive committee, while Chris Imes (Bensenville, Ill.) was voted to a three-year term as athlete director representative to the executive committee.
• USA Hockey adopted an official policy denouncing the practice of “locker boxing.”
• USA Hockey announced that the first-ever Hockey Weekend Across America is scheduled for Feb. 15-17, 2008.
Two Atlantic
District players at UVM!
The University of Vermont men's
hockey team's 4-0 preseason victory over Acadia of Nova Scotia was notable for a
number of reasons this past weekend at Gutterson Fieldhouse. Take for
instance, the presence of forward Chris Atkinson and defenseman Tim Geverd in a
Catamount lineup for the first time.
Atkinson missed all of the 2006-07
season recovering from a scary injury - a teammate's skate sliced into his
jugular the spring before he attended UVM. He's fiesty and skilled
forward, the likes of which a team can never have too many.
Geverd? He's a medical wonder
after losing an eye as a youth and undergoing heart surgery in his pre UVM
days. Once he got on campus, two falls ago, he sustained back to back
season ending injuries.
"The most impressive thing for me
was Chris Atkinson and Tim Geverd...being in the lineup" UVM coach Kevin Sneddon
said. "That sent chills up and down our spines to be able to see both guys
come back from such horrific injuries. I gave each of them a game
puck. We don't often do that but for those two athletes to come back from
what they've come from...we are very proud they were able to do what they did
tonight". (Story from Burlington Free Press.com)
USA Hockey Announces
2009 National Championship Sites
Indian Trail, NC will host the Tier I and Tier II 12 & Under
National Championships from April 1-5 at the Extreme Ice Center.
Frisco, Texas will conduct the Tier I and Tier II 14
& Under National Championships April 1-5 at the Dr. Pepper
StarCenter-Frisco.
Chesterfield, MO will be the site of the Tier I and Tier
II 16 & Under National Championships from April 1-5 at the Summit
Center.
Pittsburg, PA will conduct the Tier I and Tier II 18
& Under National Championships from April 1-5 at the Robert Morris
University Island Sports Center.
Rochester, NY will host all of the girls and womens
national championships at the ESL Sports Center. The Women's Championships
are set for March 27-29, All of the Girls National Championships will be
held April 1-5.
Annual Meeting Scheduled for June
23, 2007 AAHA Annual Meeting will be held June 23, 2007, beginning
at 9:00 AM, at the Crowne Plaza at Exit 8A of the NJ Turnpike in Jamesburg,
NJ.
All bylaws and nominations for AAHA Officers and
USA Hockey Directors are to be emailed to Tom
Koester no later than May 1, 2007.
AAHA Officers up for re-election are:
President
VP of Protests, Suspensions & Appeals
VP of Refereeing
VP of Women's Hockey
Treasurer
USA Hockey Directors up for re-election are:
Director #II (Joan Mariconda)
Director #IV (Robert Sullo)
Congratulations and good luck goes to our seven (7) Atlantic District players who are in the Central Scouting Final Rankings (April 2007) for possible placement on NHL teams.
The draft will be held June 22-23 so we will keep our fingers crossed!
James Van Riemsdyk, Forward (NTDP) #3
Colby Cohen, Defensemen (USHL) #25
TJ Brennan, Defensemen (OHL) #29
Kevin Shattenkirk, Defensemen (NTDP) #34
Ryan McKiernan, Defensemen (EJHL) #210
Eric Tangradi, Forward (OHL) #93
John Murray, Goaltender (OHL) #19
Congratulations goes to our Atlantic District player, George Parros (1979), a member of the Stanley Cup Champion Anahiem Ducks. George played in 34 games for the Ducks throughout the season.
Atlantic District Alumni Win
NCAA Championship
Chris Lawrence
Chris Snavely
Chris Lawrence
St. Louis, MI — The Atlantic District
was well represented at the NCAA Championship game on Saturday evening as Chris
Lawrence and Chris Snavely helped Michigan State University to their first Championship
since 1986.
Lawrence, a 5’10 185 pound center, and Captain of the Spartans,
is a 1982 birth-year from Havertown, PA. He played for the Jr. Flyers and Malvern
Prep before leaving home to play for the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) and
Pittsburgh Forge (NAHL), before heading to East Lansing as a walk-on in 2003.
Snavely, a 5’8’’ 172 pound skilled defenseman,
who hails from Lancaster, PA, is also 1982 who played his youth hockey for the
Central Penn Panthers before leaving home as a sixteen year old to play four
seasons in for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (USHL). The diminutive defenseman
played 105 games for the Spartans during his four year career, scoring 5 goals
and adding 27 assists.
Both Lawrence and Snavely were three year participants in the
Atlantic District Player Development Program. Their 1982 class is one of the
most successful groups in our programs history as they earned the first ever
Atlantic District playoff birth at the National ’16’ Festival in
1998 before bowing to eventual champion Minnesota. The following summer, the
team, led by current UVM Assistant John Michelletto, won the Bronze Medal at
the National ‘17’ Festival. This was the first medal for the Atlantic
District in any National Festival. Both Snavely and Lawrence, ironically, were
asked to represent Team USA at the U17 World Championships later that summer
following that venue.
The Player Development Program would like to congratulate Lawrence
and Snavely on a tremendous season and college career.
Additional congratulations go to Joe Pearce, a Bricktown, NJ native,
and another AAHA Alum who was the back-up goaltender for Boston College, who
the Spartans defeated 3-1.
New Bylaw: 2007-08 Evaluation
Dates Below is the bylaw that was approved at the AAHA annual
meeting involving the "evaluation" dates for the 2007-08 season.
ARTICLE XII - TRYOUTS
109. No Tier I or Tier II team may hold tryouts for the upcoming
season prior to 48 hours after the USA Hockey National Championships end.
Tryout dates amended as follows for Tier I and Tier II for
the 2007-08 season only: Midget 16&U, Midget 18&U Tier I April 2 5:00 PM
Midget 16&U, Midget 18&U Tier II April 6 5:00 PM
14&U, 12&U, 10&U Tier I April 16 5:00 PM
14&U, 12&U, 10&U, 8&U Tier II April 23 5:00 PM
110. No team (s), organizations (s) or program (s) may hold tryouts,
evaluations, training camps, skills sessions, or any other program that has
players who were not registered with that team, organization or program the
previous season, prior to 48 hours after the end of USA Hockey's National Championships
without being in violation of this bylaw.
111. Team (s), organization (s), or program (s) found in violation
of these bylaws, may lose their privilege of being eligible to compete at Districts
and toward a national championship for a period of up to three (3) years. Coaches
found in violation may be suspended up to five (5) years.
Hockey Director program presented by USA Hockey
@ NARCE
USA Hockey will be presenting the only ‘Hockey Director’
certification program in existence from May 14th to 16th at the North American
RINK Conference and Expo (NARCE) in Chicago. This program is specifically designed
for hockey directors and hockey program administrators that strive to run the
best program possible. The Hockey Director track will explain, in great detail,
how to use USA Hockey programs to create the most successful youth programs
for all coaches, players and parents in your association.
The course will also provide a road map to help an administrator
navigate the various hockey programs and options offered through USA Hockey.
This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for any professional
in the youth hockey business.
Monday May 14th
USAH Structure / Organization Detailed discussion about the structure of the National
Governing Body, the Districts, Affiliates and local associations…as well
as Councils, Committees and Sections
Role of the Hockey Director
How to select coaches, run tryouts, train your coaches, help your players get
better, communicate w/ parents, etc.
Recruiting New Players
We’ll present suggestions and specific examples to get more kids to play
hockey; how to transition players from LTS / LTP to becoming an member of your
association
Age Appropriate Habits & Concepts vs.
Systems
Recommendations from USA Hockey about team play at the different age groups…
Parent Education & Spectator Behavior
Steps to educate and avoid problems with parents in your association…and
how to deal with them if there is a problem
Tuesday May 15th
Teaching Skating
If you can’t skate it’s a tough game to play! – we’ll
identify and suggest the best ways to teach skating to the coaches and players
in your association
Developing Goal Scorers
Goal scoring is the object of the game – our staff will discuss ways for
your coaches to develop this vital skill in their players
Developing Goalies
Goaltending is THE most important position in hockey! – you’ll hear
what you and your association can do to improve the goalies in your association
Developing Defensemen
Every team needs more good defensemen…learn ways to improve the defensive
and offensive ability of young defensemen
Planning Your Season and Designing Practice
Do you have a plan for developing your coaches? Do your coaches have a season
plan for their team and their individual players? We’ll give you ideas
to get this done.
Wednesday May 16th
Teaching Body Contact and Body Checking
Help your players (& parents) gain ‘contact confidence’ and
overcome any fears about body checking…train your coaches on the physical
side of the game…what is age appropriate; what are the proper skill progressions;
the proper techniques and some great drill examples that can be utilized to
teach clean, physical body contact
Closing Exercise – building a model program / planning
your season If you were given a clean-slate to start your own association,
what would it look like? The total number of players in your association? The
number of teams at each age group and level? The number of players on each team?
Start and end time to your season? How would you select your teams? The number
of ice touches per week? Length of these ice touches? Number of teams on each
ice session? How would you handle your coaches? Volunteer v paid? Selection
process? Training process? Evaluation process? How much would it cost each player?
In addition to these topics, we’ll have an Open Discussion
at the conclusion of each day to address any particular topic that interests
you and the other participants in the course. There is also an outstanding trade
show with more than 85 exhibitors.
The cost of this program is just $150, and
includes breakfast and lunch each day, as well as a pass to the trade show.
This is an outstanding opportunity to continue your education as a professional
hockey director. Be sure to register soon because space is very limited.
Congratulations to all of our Atlantic District
Winners!
AAA Level
First Place
Second Place
12&U
NJ Colonials
NJ Avalanche
14&U
NJ Avalanche
Phila Little Flyers
16&U
NJ Devils
Team Comcast
18&U
Phila Jr. Flyers
Mercer Chiefs
AA Level
First Place
Second Place
12&U
Ice Dogs
NJ Colonials
14&U
Quakers
Delaware Ducks
16&U
Brick
Jr. Phantoms
18&U
York
Wilmington
A Level
First Place
Second Place
12&U
Bethlehem Blast
Hershey
14&U
Quakers
Tom's River
16&U
Lancaster
LeHigh Comets
18&U
Wissahickon
Delco Phantoms
B Level
First Place
Second Place
12&U
Bethlehem Blast
Grundy Senators
14&U
Vineland Patriots
Grundy Senators
In house
First Place
Second Place
10&U American
Kinnelon
Face Off
10&U National
Ice Vault
Hatfield
12&U American
Face Off
Kinnelon
12&U National
Montclair
Ice Vault
Sled Hockey
First Place
Second Place
Vineland Sled Stars
Virtua Wings of Steel
Girls
First Place
Second Place
12&U
NJ Colonials
Red Tiger Lilies
14&U
Tiger Lilies
Team Comcast
16&U
Quakers
NJ Colonials
19&U
NJ Rockets
Tiger Lilies
Women's C
First Place
Second Place
Concord Flames
Bridgewater Wings
Last game for Jimmy Doyle Tuesday, March 13, 2007
By Ian Walsh, NHL Referee From
NHLOA News
This upcoming St. Patrick's Day the long and illustrious
officiating career of Jim Doyle's will come to an end. Jim, a native New Yorker,
American League Linesman and former member of the NHL trainee staff will put
the whistle away after March 17 in Hershey. He will work his final professional
game that night with fellow AHL linesman Leo Boylan and NHL/AHL referee Dean
Morton after 30 years in the business. His family, wife Susan, daughter Melissa,
Meghan and Miranda will be in Hershey to help celebrate his wonderful career
with him.
Jim began officiating amateur hockey in northern New Jersey under
AHAUS (pre USA Hockey) and quickly rose to the professional ranks. He began
doing games in the old NAHL then moved on to the AHL as a linesman. After being
noticed in the AHL by former NHL Director of Officiating Scotty Morrison he
was hired to be a member of the NHL trainee program in 1980. As a trainee he
worked major junior and minor leagues all over Canada and the United States.
The list of the leagues he worked include AHL, CHL, IHL, EHL, OHL and WHL. Among
his career highlights he was selected to work three Calder Cup Finals and one
AHL All-Star game. He was also assigned to work the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid,
representing the US as a linesman. In 1982 he was sent to Helsinki Finland to
work the World Championships, there he was selected to referee the championship
game.
His career has allowed him to work with all but two of the current
NHL referees and several of the linesmen. While he looks forward to working
his last game he can't help but remember his longtime partner, travel companion
and friend, Mike Condon who sadly passed away in 2001. Jim's longevity in the
business is a testament to his hard work, dedication and great respect for officiating.
Jim plans on staying involved in the officiating world. He recently
began supervising games in the ECHL and continues his role as video goal judge
for the NHL in Philadelphia. On behalf of the NHLOA we salute a great official
and longtime friend on his outstanding career.
Boys and
Girls Chicago Showcase Tournament
The Chicago Showcase Tournament will be held from April 18th-22rd in the Chicago
area. There will be all star teams from more than 35 states across the country.
Chicago Showcase typically attracts between 200 and 300 scouts from Junior,
Division I, Division III, and Professional Hockey. There is no other event in
this country or abroad that will give these players the kind of exposure to
the scouts at these levels. At the same time, these players will compete against
the very best in the country.
Team Philadelphia ELIGIBILITY Current high school juniors and seniors attending Eastern PA & Delaware
high schools, PLUS NJ Schools that compete in the Flyers Cup.
Tryout Fee
$75, $50 if received by March 9
All tryouts held on Sundays
Tryouts
March 25 5:00-6:30 PM Regency Rink, Lancaster
(recommended, not mandatory)
*Please note this date was recently changed to accomodate attendants of the
CPIHL Allstar Games. Lancaster tryout will be held on March 25th, NOT March
11th as previously posted.
March 18 4:40-6:40 PM
Flyers Skate Zone - NE Phila. (mandatory)
April 1 7:00-9:00 PM
Final tryout scrimmage
Ice Line - West Chester (mandatory)
For questions or further information, please contact Kenny Haas, GM 215-341-1488
khaas77@comcast.net or Coach Gump Whiteside
215-247-1759 x17
Team NJ ELIGIBILITY
Current high school juniors and seniors attending NJ high schools.
EXCEPT for NJ Schools that compete in the Flyers Cup (these players are eligible
for Team Philadelphia).
Tryout fee
$75, $50 if received by March 16
Tryouts
All tryouts held at Ice Vault - Wayne
Tues. March 20
6:30 to 7:30 PM - Goalies only
7:45 to 9:45 PM - All
Wednesday, March 21 7:30-9:30 PM
Due to the rescheduling of the March 16 high school playoffs, the final tryout
will now be in the evening on Sunday, March 25.
Sunday, March 25 7:30-9:30 PM
Final tryout scrimmage
Sledge Hockey
Junior World Cup, April 5-8, 2007 Flyers Skate Zone, Voorhees, NJ
We are pleased to announce the formation of the 1st annual sledge
hockey “Junior World Cup”
The Cup will take place on Thursday, April 5 to Sunday,
April 8, 2007. The Flyers Skate Zone, Voorhees, NJ will serve as the host site
for the tournament. Teams from Germany, Holland, Sweden, Canada and the US will
participate. Admission is free. Please mark your calendars and join us.
Atlantic District
Holds Its 2006 Annual Meeting! On Saturday, August 12, the 2006 annual meeting was held
in Monroe Township, NJ. We would like to congratulate the following for the
following awards: Shane Hanlon, Pottstown, PA, Referee of the Year; Jon Schwartz,
Glen Rock, NJ for Coach of the Year and Don Kutter, West Chester, PA for Volunteer
of the Year Award.
In 2004, USA Hockey started the "Leader of the Year"
award to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that a person has given to
a District. This year's Atlantic District Leader of the Year is Tom Pitoscia,
of Edison, NJ. Without people like Tom, the District would not be able to continue
and grow to allow our players the opportunity of a lifetime by playing ice hockey.
For the first time this year, the Atlantic District has initiated
the AAHA Hall of Fame. This award will be presented annually to an individual
who has made an outstanding contribution to the AAHA during many years of service
as a volunteer. The recipient will have been a grassroots leader in the development
of ice hockey and will have provided dedicated service throughout his/her career
as a member of the hockey community. We are proud to announce our 2006 AAHA
Hall of Fame Inductees: Dr. Earl Hoerner, Lou Manzione, Dick Trimble, John Bernard,
Ken Gesner and Jim Plunkett.
The Lou Manzione Scholarship Awards of $1,000 each was given to
New Jersey High School Senior, Jerry Malanga of Lavallette, NJ. The scholarship
for PA/DE was given to Domenick Casale of Landenberg, PA.
We wish to congratulate all of our award winners!
Three
Players Chosen for Three Nations Tournament USA Hockey has announced the roster for the "2006 United
States Under 17 Select Teams. The Atlantic District is proud to announce that
three of our players were chosen to play on the team that will participate in
the Three Nations Tournament against Germany and Switzerland. Congratulations
to Alex Velischek of Kinnelon, NJ; Garrett Beckwith of Parsippany, NJ and to
Josh Watson of Lititz, PA.
Chris Snavely
