The Peewee Rec team had a great season. We began a little later since we had to divide the pee wee team into two separate teams. After the split, I was chosen to coach the Rec team, and my assistant coaches were Bob Davis, Mitchell Davis, Kevin Schumacher and Paul Brabant. The team manager was Cary Schumacher, and the selected team babysitter was Lynn Brabant.
As mentioned, we started a little later as a team. The 10 players possessed several ability levels. There were only two skaters who had ever been on skates before. The other eight skaters were new to hockey and were really excited about learning the game. These kids are the heart and soul of hockey. They brought forward a love for the game that as adults, or even seasoned players, we sometimes lose. They didn’t play for stats or for MVP trophies, they played because they wanted to have fun and learn a new game. These 10 players played from the heart, and it showed no matter who we played.
Other coaches watched our little squad play and wondered how we did it game after game. With only having 10 team members, and playing against teams with 15 to 20 players, the team really had pick it up. Some of the matchups were against teams with players that had years of experience, but that never slowed us down. Win or lose, these kids were always smiling and laughing. Someone walking into our locker room would have never been able to tell if we had just won or lost a game. The kids on the team were happy no matter what.
Our season consisted of about two practices a week and usually a game or tournament each weekend. We played 18 games and won two. Some of the better players that had been selected as alternates during the split also practiced and played some games with the competitive team.
The team consisted of two goalies and eight skaters. Both of the goalies were first-year skaters and had never played hockey before. They volunteered for the goalie positions knowing they had a lot of work and a huge responsibility.
Taylor Shumacher turned out to be a goalie to contend with. She worked hard and really brought forward a fun sense of the game. As the only female on the team, she worked hard to show her skills. After a few practices and a game, she showed the boys she could lead the team to success.
Ethan Kidd had a great start, but due to illness he missed about half the season. But after working hard to get better, he came back to finish the season and be part of the fun.
Our leading scorers were Jean-luc Brabant, with seven goals and one assist. Following him was Hunter Sullivan with six; Scott Rhynold and Ross Harris aided the team with goals and assists of their own.
Though the other four skaters, Colby Sullivan, Brandon Simpson, Patrick Burnett and Mustafa (Moose) Azab, didn’t score any goals, they proved to be an integral part of the plays that allowed the others to score.
When our schedules allowed time for it, we recieved help from the Atoms affiliates on the ice. Though they were younger than our players and at a skill level below us, they still came and played with our team. They also brought some talent that we needed to motivate us. The five affiliated players also helped with the score board by adding points of their own.
In closing, I would like to thank all of the players that played for me. We had a terrific season and it was a joy to work with everyone. I would also like to say thank you to all the parents for running around to practices and games, and for all the help off the ice.
To the members of the team, good luck in all your future hockey endeavors and I hope to see you all in the fall.
