From The Editor: Florida gets involved with Try Hockey For Free Day
M
ore than 11,000 kids across the United States tried hockey for the first time on Saturday,
Nov. 5, as part of Try Hockey For Free Day. The event was part of USA Hockey and the NHL’s
first-ever Come Play Hockey Month initiative that took place throughout November. “We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout,”
said USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean, executive director. “So many people helped make this such a success and it’s events like this that play a major role in helping get new families engaged in our sport.”
Some 430 locations in 47 states across the coun- Matt Mackinder
try were part of Try Hockey for Free Day and the Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning 16U Midget AA team put Florida on the map at Clearwater Ice Arena.
Team members Hunter Hart, Luke Gibb, Tanner Frankich, Richie Foy, Davis Mullins, Joseph Pergolizzi and Shawn O’Meara sorted donated hockey gear and helped the arena staff set up the dressing area for the more than 30 participants. The Jr. Lightning players sized skates for the new players and also laced skates and helped the players find gloves, helmets and sticks that were just the right size for their first trip onto the ice. During the event, the players helped novice skaters master their skates, lead skating and passing drills, and taught the rookies how to get up after a fall. The players worked one-on-one with the participants on puck handling skills. (See photos from the Clearwater event on Page 10 in this issue of Florida Rub- ber Magazine.) “We’re excited with the results and know that we’ll have some new young
hockey players as a result of the efforts (during Try Hockey For Free Day),” said USA Hockey assistant executive director of membership development Pat Kelle- her. “Without the terrific support of the NHL, its member clubs and our unbeliev- able network of volunteers across the country, events like this wouldn’t be possible. There were many smiles on the faces of kids in communities across the U.S. and in the end, having fun is what it’s all about.” The next nationwide Try Hockey For Free Day will come in conjunction with the fifth annual Hockey Weekend Across America on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jacksonville native Brian Ferlin has made the preliminary roster for the United States’ entry into the World Junior Championship to be held later this month in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Team USA will try for a medal for the third consecutive year after winning gold in 2010 and bronze last year. Ferlin, a freshman forward at Cornell University (ECAC), went to the Team USA
junior evaluation camp last summer in Lake Placid, N.Y., after being drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For the week of Nov. 16, Wilton Manors native Ryan Kelly was named one of the Combat Hockey 3 Stars of the Week for the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL). The 19-year-old Kelly helped Toledo win two games the week prior to widen the
Cherokee’s lead in the NA3HL’s North Division, where as of Dec. 5, Toledo was up 15 points on the second-place Michigan Mountain Cats. “I thought Ryan had a great weekend and really gelled well with his new line- mates and that really helped him get back on track,” said Toledo head coach Scott Syring. “I think he is taking advantage of his opportunities and is proving that he is a legitimate NCAA Division III prospect.” Kelly also wears the ‘C’ for Toledo this season.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Florida Panthers Foundation will be involved in several major fundraising
initiatives during the month of December. Panthers players and staff will be out and about at the IOA Ice & Dice Casino Night on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Harbor Beach in Ft. Lauder- dale, the Holiday Hangout (with players Ed Jovanovski, Scottie Upshall, Jason Garrison and Mike Weaver) on Monday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital’s pediatric oncology unit in Ft. Lauderdale, as well as participat- ing in the Toys For Tots U.S. Marines Toy Drive during Panthers home games on Dec. 13, 16, 18 and 20.
Reach Matt Mackinder at
matt@rubberhockey.com 4
The Florida Alliance Bantam Minor AAA squad traveled to Chicago the beginning of November to play in the prestigious Bauer International In- vite tournament. After seven games in three days, the Alliance came out victorious in the finals. Co-head coach Tad O’Had raves about the team on Page 9. Photo/Hockey Weekly Action Photos
Florida Rubber Magazine is published by: Good Sport Media, Inc.
P.O. Box 24024 Edina, MN 55424
10 times a year, once monthly September through May and once in the summer.
Postmaster: send address changes to: P.O. Box 24024 Edina, MN 55424
Phone: (612) 929-2171 • Fax: (612) 920-8326 Email:
info@rubberhockey.com
Subscription Rates: $29.95 USD • Single Copy: $3.95 USD Mail subscriptions to: P.O. Box 24024 Edina, MN 55424,
Subscriptions are non-refundable. REPORT AN ERROR IMMEDIATELY. Florida Rubber Magazine will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.
Visit our website!
www.RUBBERHOCKEY.com
Publisher: Brian McDonough,
brian@rubberhockey.com Managing Editor: Matt Mackinder,
matt@rubberhockey.com Senior Designer: Chris Lagasse,
chrisl@rubberhockey.com
Florida Rubber Magazine is a production of:
Players from the various programs offered at the Space Coast Iceplex. Top Row (from left) – Jacob Kinsman (Space Coast Hurricanes/Empire Junior Hockey League) and Lee Hathaway (Adult League D Level “ Daley Law”). Bottom Row (from left) – Sophie Szymula (Tim’s Kids), Tyler Ray (Space Coast Hurricanes Squirt) and Shane O’Neil (Space Coast Hurri- canes 16U). Photo/Terri Marlett/Cocoa, Florida
On the Cover Inside This Issue
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20