As we close out final activities for our 2008 / 2009 season it is a time to look back and a time to look forward.  In this past season we had teams compete in the CGHL in all divisions as well as the non CGHL U10.  In all we had  teams compete in the CGHL which is among the most for any program in the state.

Our U14 andU19SS teams both were runner ups in the finals of the division 1 state tournament and all divisions competed  in the playoffs. Our Sandshark program continues to attract more young girls and boys to the sport of ice hockey and we officially launched yet another program called Sharks Hockey Development (SHD).  This program was headed by Ralph Russo the GHS boys varsity coach and offered older beginners a place to learn the basics of skating and hockey as well as an option for other individuals on our teams to work on specific skill development when they had a Sunday afternoon off of team play. Having a specific program to bring older beginners into the game is unique to our program and we are very proud to offer this option.  Many of the participants raved about their progress and we continued to attract new players right up to March. A number of those will join our U14 this coming season.

For the first time we offered a U19 FS (full season) team and thanks to the heroic efforts of Michelle DePalma the team played a full season and competed in the CGHL tournament. Starting a new team is a huge challenge and Michelle and Coach Mark Cunningham did a terrific job.  It was noted and appreciated by not only our players but by other teams competing in the league.  Special congratulations to the U19FS team for starting something that we hope will grow and offer others a "hockey home" for years to come.

During this past year there was a lot of activity off the ice as well as we were officially incorporated thanks to the generous donation of his time and skills by attorney Peter Gruen.  We thank him so much for his contributions.

While on the topic of thanking people, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all that helped with the program this past year.  Coaches, managers, parents, all who helped, thank you.  Our BOD (Board of Doers) consisted of Gary Drake (VP), Mitch Brown (Board Chair), Mary Ann Putney (Treasurer), Michelle Depalma (Registrar), Nancy Binasiak (Secretary), Pam Welch, Jon venter, Bill Rosadini, Jim Yue, Carl Moritz and Anna Raccuia who was our web master and so much more. Pete Occhiboi was the only non BOD  member parent who attended almost every BOD meeting and contributed in many decisions.  Sue Yue has again this year offered to collect, repair and order replacement jerseys as needed.  By providing jerseys, our club saves participants up to $150/yr!

A special thanks has to go out to Mary Ann Putney who has been our Treasurer for the past few years, Mary Ann has handed over the pencil to Bill Rosadini who will help us continue to stay in a financially sound position and allow us to provide one of the lowest cost hockey options in the state.

At the end of the season we decided to have a player evaluations in the spring to help us evaluate what we will have as far as players at different levels. Unfortunately we were not as prepared as we would have liked to sort out the results and notify players.  That is changing as we have appointed a committee to do just that and we will meet next week. We also will have another set of evaluations in the fall to allow those who could not attend to do so and those who might have progressed over the summer to be re-evaluated.  All players should feel assured that they will have a place next season and that we will try to place them in the most appropriate situation from a competitive and development position as possible.

There will be a lot of changes in the coaching ranks next season as well.  We know for sure that there will be changes at the U14 and U19SS levels.  We have had a few new coaches already approach us and are accepting requests for consideration now.  Anyone interested please contact me by email or phone.  We will ask all new applicants to submit a coaching resume and references.  We are confident that the new additions combined with the current coaches will help us to provide great leadership and development on a consistent basis to all in our program.

New for us also this past season was the addition of a questionnaire to all members.  All can be assured that we will take your suggestions and comments to heart and look towards continued improvement in our program.

Now as we move forward towards a new season we would like to call all of our members to action. We can spend money to advertise to continue to attract new players or we can ask you to help spread the word. Please take the opportunity to invite a friend.  Email our website or have those interested contact us.  We believe a personal recommendation and invitation will yield better results than spending money we can use for ice time on advertising.  Registration opened on May 1st and applications will limited to open spaces on our teams.

Have a great summer!

Best regards,