Frank Vatrano - Hitting Stride With Bruins?

Frank Vatrano

Hitting Stride With Bruins? 

Frank Vatrano was looking good and all set for his first full year with the Boston Bruins. He was in great shape.  Yet the East Longmeadow, MA native had a major set back in pre-season practice with torn ligaments in his left foot that required surgery. He came back earlier than expected and played 2 games with the AHL Providence Bruins Team, scored a goal in each game, and that was certainly a positive sign.

Yet NESN Bruin's Announcers, Billy Jafee and Andy Brickley, both warned that after missing pre-season and early games it wasn't going to be easy for Frank. You can be fully recovered and in shape, but being in "game shape" and having your legs ready is a different story and that happens only after actually playing in NHL games. They proved to be right.

The Boston Bruins were lingering around 3rd place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, but it was evident that they needed the type of scoring punch that Vatrano can bring. In his first game against the Florida Panthers on December 12 he didn't disappoint. He scored a goal in his first game with his patented quick release thunder shot from the front right side of the net. It ended up being a good 3-1 win for the Bruins. It was pretty amazing for him to do that in his first game and also be part of a win.

Yet in the first 3 games you could see the progression of game shape and experience that Jafee and Brickely talked about. Vatrano's movements out there on the ice began to become quicker / faster and more instinctive, but it took actual game playing to accomplish this. The Bruins lost the next 2 very close games...2-3 OT loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, and a 4-3 loss to a very good Columbus Blue Jacket Team that had won 12 games in a row. The Bruins came back after being down 0-3 in the first period, an exciting game to watch.

Last night Vatrano seemed to be fully back and hitting stride. He had 2 assists in a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres, but it was more than the assists. He appeared to very active around the net, as well as on the open ice..very involved in the play and contributing.

Let's see....4 games...a goal and 2 assists, for 3 points and a +2 rating. Not bad! We are talking about the NHL here!

Go Frank !

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Sports Media: Anti-Prayer, Anti-Christian, Anti-God

The proof, as always, is in their actions. Whether it be ESPN, ABC, NBC, HBO, or Fox Sports television. Or whether it be in the print sports media such as Sports Illustrated, USA Today Sports, ESPN the Magazine, Inside Sports, the Sporting News, and many others, they are all anti-Christian and really anti-God. In fact with Sports Illustrated pushing their "Swim Suit" edition is much more important to them. Now THERE is a positive influence on our young people involved in or interested in sports.

A major happening before and after games, related to sports, are prayers and religious services of all faiths that occur routinely. If nothing else one would think that this would be a very relevant human interest story...it is news. Yet any mention or coverage of this is avoided like the plague by the sports media. Athletes in Action is a highly regarded sports ministry where there is a player initiated tradition and practice of prayer before and after games. During this time of such division in our country this is a wonderful sign of unity of faith. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is still another organization promoting prayer before and after games. Often after a game players from both teams will hold hands in prayer...what a wonderful example for our young people! Yet the television cameras will quickly turn away, even though this is VERY relevant news related to sports.

Often after a game, or a boxing match, the star of the game or winner is interviewed. The athlete will begin the interview by thanking God...saying such things as "I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ"...or some other reference to God. You can tell that the interviewer is VERY uncomfortable with this and their body language revels this, as well as quickly moving on to another subject. I am sure that they are directed to be this way by their network management who pays their salaries.

Nowhere has the anti-Christian, anti-God bias been revealed than that related to Tim Tebow. Tebow was an up and coming football sensation at the University of Florida as a quarterback. He was a multiple All-American pick, Heisman Trophy winner, 2 time National Champion at Florida, 2 time Maxwell Trophy Winner, Davey O'Brien Award Winner, Manning Award Winner, multiple selections as the Player of the Year...and there was much more. Most importantly, he was a winner and any coach, any team looks for that. He was an up and coming star for sure. But two things started to happen. The first thing is it was obvious that the sports media were VERY uncomfortable with him kneeling and praying on the sidelines...and his references to God while being interviewed. The topper, however, is that a Christian group, Focus on the Family, put forth a Super Bowl ad that briefly indicated that his mother while doing missionary work in the Philistines contracted amoebic dysentery while pregnant and doctors suggested an abortion. She refused and the result was Tim Tebow! For the sports media and the far left this was intolerable and there were cries to boycott the Super Bowl. For the far left, make no mistake about it, abortion is their Holy Grail.

 

The whole attitude toward Tebow started to change. Suddenly well known sportscasters began criticizing his abilities. It was a constant barrage and flow of negativism about Tim Tebow...on television, in print...everywhere. This previously up and coming sensation was suddenly persona non grata with the media. In fact it was popular to criticize his abilities and they received a "star" if they did, it was career enhancing to do so. Don't get me wrong, like any player in the NFL there are pluses and minuses when it comes to Tim Tebow. Yet to poison the water about Tebow before he ever gets a chance, to stack the deck with negativism was a terrible thing to do...yet that is exactly what they did. Shame on ALL of them!

if I were an owner and head coach of an NFL Team, Tim Tebow would be on my team. He brings character to the team, something that seems increasingly absent in the NFL. He is a winner, and possesses that certain something that brings about a winning team. At 6' 4" and 245 lbs he is a major force...and he always stays in shape. He can run and he can throw. I would have devised an offense around his positive abilities, whether that be some kind of "wildcat" offense or other new innovative offense. If I were an owner or head coach, by now I would have won a Super Bowl with Tim Tebow.

Sports News in America IS anti-Christian and anti-God. And there is PLENTY proof of this...just open up your eyes and ears. 

Western Mass Treasure Chest of Hockey Players

Western Mass Hockey Players Update - Professional, College, and College Bound

Danny Petrick - Outstanding defensive player who can also put up points. While still in high school Danny played, and played well, for the Springfield Pics in the USPHL Premier Division, a very fast and physical brand of East Coast Junior Hockey. Now in preparing for his college commitment at Northeastern University in the tough Hockey East Conference, he is playing for the Austin (Minnesota) Bruins in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He is continuing to put up points as a defensive player with 7 goals and 5 assists so far this season. He was selected as the NAHL - Bauer Defensive Player of the Month for his 4 goals and 2 assists in a single month.

Charlie Kelleher - One of the most impressive up and coming players. He is committed to the University of New Hampshire in following his brother, Tyler. My own opinion, he could be playing and starring for them now! He is currently playing for the Tri-City Storm in the USHL with 17 points in 21 games. That ain't easy to do in that league.

Tyler Kelleher - University of New Hampshire, burning up Hockey East and Division I College Hockey with 30 points in 16 games, including 12 goals and 18 assists. He is second in the nation in points, only 1 behind the leader. The NHL is nuts if they don't draft him!

Mickey Foley - Skidmore College, a solid player as a junior for Skidmore with a respectable 6-4-1 record with some impressive wins.

Ryan Cloonan - Boston University, a sophomore forward for BU in the tough Hockey East Conference with a record of 8-4-2. BU is 5th ranked nationally in DI Hockey.

Cullen Geary - Bowdoin College, a solid defensive player for the Polar Bears who now have a record of 3-4 so far this season. Cullen is a junior.

Dominic Blad - UMass Boston. A freshman on what could be a very good team with a lot of freshmen players on the roster. Last year UMass played in the D III Frozen Four at Lake Placid. There is little doubt that Coach Peter Belisle will have this nationally ranked team in the hunt for post season play by season's end.

Anthony Blad - Senior at Suffield High, playing with the Springfield Pics in the USPHL has now evolved to become a solid defensive player. In contact with several DI and DIII colleges for Engineering and hockey.

Peter Crinella - Holy Cross College, now a sophomore after being a rare true freshman with no Junior play. Scored goals recently against Notre Dame and the Air Force Academy. The Crusaders have a 6-5-3 record.

Matt Foley - Yale University, doing an amazing job with a lot of playing time as a freshman. He has 2 assists in 9 games as a freshman defensive player.

Sean Kavanagh - Tufts University, a solid defensive player as a senior for Tufts that has a very respectable record of 5-1-1 to date. Sean has 5 points in 7 games so far.

Jack Williams - Franklin Pierce University. The Ravens have a 6-6 record so far this year. Jack is a sophomore defensive player with 3 assists so far. A tragedy earlier this year with the sudden, unexpected passing of the head coach.

Bryce Peritz - Suffolk University. Bryce is a freshmen defensive player for Suffolk with a record of 3-6-3 so far this season.

Austin Orszulak - American International College. Austin is a senior, Captain of the Yellow Jackets, and has 5 goals and 2 assists thus far in the season.

Artie Potter - UMass Amherst Club, wanted to concentrate on his Engineering studies as a freshman, but now as a sophomore (no surprise) is a standout on the UMass Team.

Tanner Zacharewicz, Kyle Zacharewicz UMass Dartmouth. Tanner is a senior and Kyle a junior, both solid players for UMass. It was fun seeing the brothers play in the same line vs. UMass Boston.

Joe Mazza - Western New England University. Joe is a sophomore defensive player for the Golden Bears. He has 3 assists so far this season on a team with a 4-6-1 record.

Frank Vatrano - Boston Bruins. Injured, but will be back on the ice in December for the Bruins. The Bruins can definitely use his ability to score.

Barry Almeida* - A 2 time National Champion with Boston College, Barry now plays professional hockey with the Coventry Blaze, British Elite Hockey League. He has 2 goals and 5 assists in 6 games so far, not bad!

Willy Smith - playing hockey for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, he has 3 goals and 4 assists so far.

Johnny Leonard - Can't wait to see him play for UMass Amherst ! He is currently playing in the USHL for the Green Bay Gamblers where he has 8 goals and 4 assists in 23 games so far.

Keith Petruzzelli - In preparing for his college career at Quinnipiac he is currently playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. Definite NHL interest in Keith.

DJ Petruzzelli - DJ is currently playing for the Springfield Jr. Blues in the North American Hockey League. He also had some great experience last season playing in the British Columbia Hockey League, all in prep for his college career at Quinnipiac.

Jake Ryczek - Providence bound, drafted by the NHL Chicago Black Hawks, now playing with the Watererloo Black Hawks in the USHL.

TJ Syner* - Former UMass star, pro hockey with the Coventry Blaze, British Elite Hockey League. A teammate of Barry Almeida.

Coaches / Scouts - RECRUIT Western Mass ! A smart move. 

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* It would be nice to see Barry Almeida and TJ Syner be considered for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. Both excellent players and a good marketing move to have Western Mass players on the team.

Most all of the above players play in the Olympia Ice Center's (West Springfield, MA) Summer A League, one of the best off season hockey leagues in the nation. Look at the talent !

It is also fun to see many of the above players compete against each other in the USHL and in college. Recently Peter Crinella (Holy Cross) played against Matt Foley (Yale) in the Shillelagh Tournament at Notre Dame. (Sounds a little Irish to me!)

Many of the above players played for Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA


Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

IS ICE HOCKEY THE BEST SPORT? It May Be

NHL's Nick Bonino

Playing With Foley's Insurance

Olympia Ice Center Summer League

Photo by Alfredo

Ice hockey is Canada's #1 sport as it is in some European countries. It continues to grow in participation and with fans in the United States. There is a good reason for this.

One of the first things that you notice is that players from the NHL on down are regular down to earth people and they act like it. It is not like many other professional sports where players act like prima donnas and are stand offish to fans and the public, and seldom intermingle with people publicly. Too good for us regular folks. They may be 6' 3" and 240 lbs but they are afraid we might harm them, I guess. Not so with hockey.

It is not unusual to see an NHL player at a youth hockey or Junior game, or strolling the halls of the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass. I happened to see and talk to NHL and Bruins legend, Bobby Orr, there last season. How about NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier coaching a Mid Fairfield Connecticut Junior Team with his father. When passing by before a game he smiled and extended his hand for a handshake, You hardly ever see that with other pro athletes. It is not unusual to see Boston Bruin players mingle with youth, high school, and college players out on the ice during the off season..and pose for photos with them.

Locally in Western Mass current NHL player with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nick Bonino, played in the Olympia Ice Center's Summer A League with the Foley Insurance Team. Current Boston Bruins player, Frank Vatrano, plays in this very same Summer League with Milano's Restaurant. He is not "too good" to play with and against his old friends. I was applying for Photo Credentials for an event at the Boston Garden. I couldn't get through and my messages went unanswered...so I thought that I would try to connect some REAL people so I called the Boston Bruins office. Within minutes the lady helped me to make the proper contact and I had my Credentials. Hockey people are REAL people!

One of the first things you notice about hockey are the great dedication and sacrifices of the parents (or caretakers). They essentially sacrifice up to 12 years of their lives taking their kids to games and tournaments all over the Northeast (on this coast) and Canada, some even go to Europe. I talked to one woman from California who regularly took her son many miles just to have him practice, let alone the games, where rinks are not as plentiful and some far away. Also, playing hockey is expensive and the parents pay out a ton of money over their careers, many parents who are working class people make major sacrifices for their kids.

Anther positive thing about hockey is the growing number of girl / women hockey players and there are some good ones! At many off season hockey camps the girls participate right along with the boys and you can't take anything away form them....they are good! I had the opportunity to photograph several Springfield, MA Cathedral High's Girls games and my mouth dropped open on how good they were. I swear that a few could have played on the boys team.

The other thing that is so great about hockey is how families of team members AND competing teams become such good, and sometimes lasting, friends. You see the same people over and over, at times their are long delays between tournament games. This occurs over a number of years as the players progress in hockey and in age. The players battle like crazy out there on the ice and sometimes even fight. But the families seem to have all that in perspective. The players themselves form great relationships with team members and opponents over the years. As they grow older in their play it is not unusual to know some of the opposing players on the other teams. Even with fights, it is not unusual to see the two players come off the ice together, smiling and talking...they have the game in perspective.

I vote for Ice Hockey as being one of the very BEST sports! How about you?  

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Hockey: Skidmore Upsets UMass Boston !

Skidmore's Mickey Foley in Action

Western Mass, Former Cathedral High Player

Second Ranked Nationally, UMass Boston Hockey went into yesterday's game vs. Skidmore College with incredible statistics. They even had 4 first place votes for the National Ranking. In the NEHC Conference they were first in Scoring Offense, Scoring Defense, Power Play, Penalty Kill, and Special Teams Net...you can't get any better than that! In addition UMass was fresh off an impressive 7-1 win on Friday night in their first Conference game vs. Castleton University in which Junior Forward Colin Larkin scored a hat trick.

Yet fresh off a hard fought battle, a 2-1 loss against a very good 15th Ranked Babson College on Friday night, Skidmore College was determined. I kind of knew that UMass was going to be tested since I saw Skidmore tie them at last season's end in the UMass run to the Frozen Four at Lake Placid. The prediction turned out to be true.

The battle started in the first period with aggressive play by both teams and ended 0-0, no score. If you blinked at the start of the 2nd period you missed 2 goals! One by UMass Senior Captain Albee Daley at 44 seconds into the period but this was answered with an unassisted goal by Skidmore's Senior Captain Anthony Bird at 55 seconds...that battle was still on!  A 1-1 tie.  At the end of the 2nd period Assistant Captain Colin Larkin continued with his amazing scoring with a goal at the end of the period to give UMass a 2-1 lead going into the final period.

UMass was hustling and playing aggressive but you could sense the momentum swing toward Skidmore who were not only determined, but seemed to want it more. Two goals were scored by Skidmore's Anthony Bird that gave him a hat trick and a Skidmore 4-2 win. The final goal was with an open net.

UMass now at 3-1 plays Daniel Webster College next Friday, followed by the University of Southern Maine on Saturday; both home games.

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Footnotes:

Western Mass and Springfield's Cathedral High School were well represented at the game yesterday. Junior Mickey Foley is on the Skidmore Hockey Team and Freshman Dominic Blad is on the UMass Team. In attendance were also the Boston Bruins, Frank Vatrano, and Baltimore Oriel, Frankie Crinella. All former Cathedral-ites!

Although a nice facility, the Beacons Ice Arena has some of the worst lighting in the Northeast, way below NCAA guidelines. I brought this to the attention of the UMass Administration over 2 years ago after a Cathedral game v. BC High. New LED lighting has been installed at UMass Amherst and at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield. The pay back on new LED lighting is a year or less...what I call a "no-brainier". Good hockey is being played by both the Men's and Women's Teams at UMass. Still waiting for a response, and more importantly, action to correct this. (Sorry, Alfredo speaks up!) 

BIG WIN FOR AIC HOCKEY OVER HOLY CROSS !

#17 Senior AIC Captain Austin Orszulak

1st Period Action Last Night 

American International College Hockey started off slow in the first period, with most of the play down at their end of the ice, defending their net. Nonetheless they held off a very good Holy Cross Team that has received Honorable Mention as one of the best teams in the nation after some impressive wins over nationally ranked Providence and Union Colleges. The score was 0-0 at the end of the first.

In the 2nd period it was all AIC as they pretty much dominated play. AIC moved ahead with goals by impressive freshman, forward Dominik Florian from the Czech Republic who already is showing signs of stardom early in the season. This was followed by a goal by ex-Cathedral High player and Springfield, MA native, senior Captain, Austin Orszulak. The period ended with a 2-0 AIC lead and they looked like they would finish with a sure win, the momentum was in their favor.

In the 3rd period it looked like Holy Cross woke up and were playing at the level of a nationally prominent team. (Sorry, but that is the way that it appeared.) The game then became a battle. A goal by Holy Cross junior, Danny Lopez. made it 2-1. Then followed by a discounted goal, Holy Cross scored another goal by junior, TJ Moore, to make it a 2-2 tie. For awhile it looked like it was going to stay that way.

Suddenly AIC caught on fire. At 3:49 left in the game a goal by freshman defensive player, Janis Jaks from Latvia, made it 3-2 AIC. The finishing touch to solidify the AIC win came at 1:42 left in the game with a goal by junior forward, Johno May, for the 4-2 AIC win! This was an impressive win for AIC, but the rematch is tonight in Worcester, MA at the College of the Holy Cross. It should be a great game.

Footnotes:

* The venue at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield is great, it couldn't be better. Both AIC students and college people, and local residents have to support the team by attending games. I KNOW Western Mass loves hockey...this is a chance to see some very good D1 Hockey played right in Springfield. As a fan it was a very entertaining game last night.

* What happened to the AIC Rally Band to help get the crowd going? I missed them.

* It was nice to see Billy Vizzo out there on the ice for AIC. A very good player, I saw him play for the P.A.L. Junior Islanders in the USPHL Premier Division for 2 years.

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Western Mass Sports Ramblings

Pope Francis High Baseball

2016 Fall League Champions

Congratulations to the Pope Francis 2016 Varsity Baseball Champions in the Fall League. They beat Minnechaug 1-0 in the Final.

Great start for former Cathedral hockey player, Matt Foley, in his first game for Yale University. They were ranked 17th in the nation in the pre-season poll for D1 Men's Ice Hockey. Matt had an assist and had 4 shots on goal as a defensive player. I always say, take the shot ! They beat Sacred Heart 4-1. Also congratulations to my grandson, Dominic Blad's UMass Boston Hockey Team for an impressive 5-1 win over Curry College. Matt and Dominic were teammates for 4 years at Cathedral High. UMass Boston went to the Frozen Four last year in Lake Placid and were ranked 3rd and 4th in the nation in pre-season D3 Hockey polls. UMass Boston's next game will be against UMass Dartmouth where Tanner and Kyle Zacharewicz play. Tanner is a senior, Kyle a junior....the brothers are from Ludlow, MA.

Good local game this Thursday. Holy Cross will be playing American International College at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA at 7:00 PM. Former Cathedral players, Peter Crinella, now a sophomore at Holy Cross and Senior Captain Austin Orszulak will be playing for AIC.  I have what I call "adopted Western Mass players" and Billy Vizzo at AIC is one of them. He is a freshman and I hope to see him play. Image News Service will be covering the game. Hope to see you there for some good D1 Hockey right in Springfield!

Tyler Kelleher from Longmeadow, MA is off to a good start for UNH  Hockey. He has 4 goals and 5 assists in only 6 games...pretty impressive. He had an assist in a recent UNH 4-1 win over UMass, Amherst. Another "adopted" player that I follow is freshman Brendan van Riemsdyk for UNH. He also had an assist against UMass and has 3 assists so far for UNH.

Hope to see you at the Holy Cross vs. AIC game Thursday !

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

RED SOX "ALUMNI" DOMINATE WORLD SERIES

Terry Francona, Manager - Theo Epstein GM

The Good Old Days With the Red Sox !

Boston Red Sox fans were hoping that their team would be in the World Series and it sure seemed that they were headed that way. But then they got distracted....I call it "Ortiz Mania'. It was appropriate to honor David Ortiz, "Big Pappi" for being one of the best Designated Hitters in Baseball ever, but it seemed a bit much. He was honored at Yankee Stadium, Tampa Bay, then 3 days in a row at Fenway Park! I believe that they lost focus and In the meantime the Red Sox lost their last 8 games after being wiped out by the Cleveland Indians in the play-offs. Further, in the midst of battling for home field advantage in post season play, Red Sox Manager, John Farrell, rested many of his prime players...what? Needless to say they lost that game and lost a chance for home field.

One thing that is evident, however, is that the World Series comes close to being a Red Sox Alumni Series. Let's look at the those who are ex-Red Sox participants:

Cleveland Indians - Formerly With Red Sox

Terry Francona, Manager

Brad Mills, Bench Coach

Scott Anderson, Pitcher

Andrew Miller, Pitcher

Mike Napoli, First Baseman

Coco Crisp, Outfielder

Jason Bere, Grew up 20 minutes from Fenway

Chicago Cubs - Formerly With Red Sox

Jon Lester, Pitcher Co - MVP of National League CS

Jon Lackey, Pitcher

Anthony Rizzo, First Baseman

David Ross, Catcher

Quintin Berry, Outfielder

Theo Epstein, Former GM of Red Sox, now President of Baseball Operations for Cubs, a  masterful architect of a 5 year program to bring the Cubs to a World Series. 

Did I leave anybody out? Probably. Well us Red Sox fans can at least watch some ex-Red Soxers participate in the World Series this year !

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

A Good Weekend for Springfield Pics Hockey

An exciting game for the Springfield Pics Premier Hockey Team at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield MA this afternoon. The Pics scored 2 goals in the 2nd period one by Nicolas Bondra, the other by Scott Swanson, to take a 2-1 lead into the final 3rd period. A good South Shore Kings Team came back to tie it at 2-2 until 4:44 left in the game. With a battle at the net the Pics Brett Mercrones was able to push the puck in for a score in what proved to be the winning goal.

#17 Pics (Premier) Brett Mercrones

Shown Scoring Winning Goal

Photo by Alfredo

Skidmore College's Assistant Coach, Mike Zannella, was there scouting the game. It was great to see Skidmore represented since Western Mass has a treasure chest of upcoming hockey talent proven by the MANY currently playing in D1 and D3 hockey and the pros, as well as those on the way. I talked to Mike briefly about Skidmore player, Mickey Foley, well known in Western Mass who played for Cathedral High and the Pics. He said Mickey was an excellent player and an even better person...a great guy! Always nice to hear.

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Earlier this season Pics U18 Coach, Rob Bonneau, mentioned that he had the type of team this year that would steadily improve. Recently this has shown to be true with 5 wins over the last 6 games, with a 2-1 showing this weekend at the Olympia Ice Center. The Pics have recruited well with players from Florida, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Minnesota, California, and of course various towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts. They also have a player from Canada, and one from Riga, Latvia who is the leading point getter on the team and an excellent hockey player.

Pics U-18 Janis Vizabelis

Top Point Getter

From Riga, Latvia

Photo by Alfredo

The Pics U-18 is fun to watch since they are a very scrappy, never quit bunch of players. This was exemplified Friday night where the Rochester Monarchs kept taking the lead but the Pics fought back and were down 4-3 with only 9.4 seconds to play. Then the Pics scored to tie it at 4-4 ! They went into a 3 on 3 sudden death Over Time with nobody scoring . Then a Shoot Out. The Pics scored 2 goals in the Shoot Out to none for the Monarchs (Good goalie play by Pics Mike Adorno) to win the game 5-4 ! It was an exciting and fun game to watch.

I encourage you to follow and watch the Springfield Pics for some very good Junior level of hockey in the USPHL a league that is providing more and more players in both D1 and D3 college hockey in the Northeast.

Al DiLascia

Image News Service

Footnote: Congratulations to the Springfield Thunderbirds, Springfield's new AHL Hockey Team that won their home opener before a sold out Mass Mutual Center packed with over 6,700 fans. Exciting it was as the game went into OT.   

TYLER KELLEHER HOCKEY EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Tyler Kelleher, UNH

A Prior Game vs. UMass Amherst

Photo by Alfredo

University of New Hampshire Hockey Player, and Longmeadow, MA  native, Tyler Kelleher, was named the Warrior Player of the Week this past week by the Hockey East Association. He had 5 points in 2 games that included 3 goals and 2 assists. On Friday the 14th he had a goal against St. Lawrence University while on Saturday against Clarkson he had 4 points that included 2 goals and 2 assists, tying a career high. He scored the winning goal against Clarkson with just 32 seconds left in the game.

Tonight, October 22, they have a home game at UNH vs. Colorado College. The UNH record stands at 2-2 thus far this year. They will play at UMass Amherst on October 28. 

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

EDDIE NEILSON SPORTS AND WAR HERO - AGAWAM HIGH HALL OF FAME

Eddie Neilson Receiving Hall of Fame Induction

Shown With His Daughter, Nancy

Today at a Dinner and Ceremony at Agawam High, Eddie Neilson, as the lone surviving member of the Agawam High School Football Team of 1940 received, for the team, a Certificate and Plaque for Induction into the Agawam High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Eddie, now 93 years old, was the star quarterback for the team that went 8-0 during the regular season and was the Western Mass Champion. He also starred for the Agawam High basketball and track teams.

He went on to become a World War II hero having fought in the decisive Battle of the Bulge. His unit snuck through German lines who had the 101st Airborne and two other units surrounded without supplies. This enabled these American units to be saved that would have otherwise been defeated and most probably killed. This was a famous World War II battle that helped decide the fate of Europe for the American and Allied Forces fighting against the Germans. Eddie is a true hero in all respects.

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

Is College Club Hockey a Better Alternative?

Hockey is a great sport and there are thousands, upon thousands of young players that participate, most from a very young age. It is a huge commitment for parents and the young players, and like in any other sport they love playing it. But as they get older, near the high school level, something else begins to creep in....PRESSURE.

There are those players who stand out as exceptional, the excellent players that you know are going to be very good college players in Division I and maybe beyond. Then there are the many thousands of very good players. It is within this group where the pressure begins since every time they hit the ice they are competing not only against their opponent but for an opportunity to be noticed by colleges, with many having aspirations to play "Division I" . There is also keen competition for Division III College Hockey. The desire and enjoyment to play is still there, but the PRESSURE on these young athletes is also evident. Too much pressure and stress on young players in my opinion. NCAA Research has shown that only 4.6% of high school hockey players end up as Division I College players...or 95.4% don't ! Only 6.3% of high school players play Division III College Hockey ...or 93.7% don't. You begin to see from these numbers why there is so much pressure on these young players. There is also pressure on the parents as they continue to spend huge sums of money as well as make major time commitments. Let's put this aside for a moment and consider something else.

In most sports student athletes who play in high school, if they are good enough and desire to do so, go directly to play in college right out of high school. Not in hockey...or if they do it is rare. The unwritten, but implied route, to get to play college hockey is "Junior" play, with some playing post graduate Prep school play before that. This usually amounts to a 2 or 3 year commitment prior to college. So what in effect happens is that college hockey is essentially like a semi-pro level of hockey. The typical age level of freshmen hockey players is 21, and it not unusual to see players on college teams with ages from 23 to 25. In any other sport this would be semi-pro...or even pro! This all costs parents a ton of money...and the quest for education takes 2nd place. The PRESSURE on the players continues at a very high level, as well as pressure on the parents. In addition, a lot of Junior play is away from home...in many cases in God forsaken places in the Mid West and Canada...or elsewhere. Do the players REALLY enjoy all of this? Maybe, but I am not so sure. The fact is that Junior hockey is a huge business. Let alone the games themselves, there are Tournaments drawing in teams from all over the nation...and money, money, money is at the core. I did one estimate (and I'll bet that I am not that far off) where the host rink venue most likely pulled in $300,000 over a weekend tournament.

I have communicated with Commissioners of major hockey conferences, as well with a coach of a major hockey college, and the President of that school. There have also been some articles about the subject in the Boston newspapers with interviews with Hockey East Coaches. What comes through all this is that I sense that underneath it all that they feel a bit guilty. They rationalize it all off by saying that everybody is doing it and if we didn't we would be non competitive. (Sure who wouldn't want a semi-pro on their college team?) They also said that most players right out of high school aren't physically ready to play college hockey. (I am sure that this is true if you are running a semi-pro program, which they essentially are !) I don't buy all this since high school players go directly to college to play the very physical sports of football, basketball and others. The college President that I talked to said that the decision to play Juniors was that of the player and his parents, not the school. I then asked him how is it then that every single player on his college's team roster has played Junior hockey. Is this just by chance?? I never received an answer. I also communicated to a sportswriter from the Boston Globe on this subject on the implied requirement to play Junior hockey. His response to me was, "That ship has sailed long ago". (Note: After my persistent questioning on this subject I have noticed that several colleges have been loosening up a bit and taking in true freshmen. Not saying it was due to me...but it does seem like it is happening somewhat. I also contacted and questioned the NCAA on this subject.)

Bottom line on this whole subject is that I think there is far too much pressure on these young players who should be enjoying their participation in the great sport of hockey. The pressure is also on the parents and caretakers. My own personal feeling (isn't it obvious) is that hockey should be like any other sport, student athletes should be able to go directly to college to play. But, as the sportswriter said "That ship may have already sailed".

Is College Club Hockey a Better Alternative?

I was standing in line for a cup of coffee at Merrimack College in Andover, MA while attending a hockey game. I asked a young man in back of me if he ever played hockey and he said "Yes" in high school. Then he proceeded to tell me that he was playing Club Hockey for Merrimack College. When I asked him how it was he said it was absolutely great! He was having FUN playing, a great relationship with teammates, they played against some big name schools, traveled...it was a blast. He also said it was a pretty darn good and competitive brand of hockey. I sensed immediately that there was NO PRESSURE on him, he was just playing the sport that he loves and was having FUN in doing so. Isn't that the way it is supposed to be for a college person his age? By the way he looked "college age", not like the 40 year old look I see on many college hockey players faces. (OK I am exaggerating...but not by much !)

Tonight I went to watch a Club Hockey game at UMass in Amherst. A player that I know who is a very good player is on the team. He most probably could have played college DI or DIII hockey, I don't know. But what he did is focus on his education, first and foremost. As I watched the game I could see that he and his teammates were playing hard, but they were having fun in doing so. Yet it still is a very good and competitive brand of hockey. At the game I talked to a parent of a player who also said that his son really loved playing Club Hockey and was having fun in doing so. He also said that his son could have gone the "Junior" route but the money was ridiculous for his family and education was most important to them. His son gets the best of both worlds by attending college at a "normal" age AND playing hockey. By the way, most college Club Hockey games are on the weekend...allowing students to concentrate on their studies during the week...education first.

Former Cathedral Star Artie Potter

#4 UMass Amherst Club Hockey

Two Assists in 4-3 Win Over UNH

Having Fun Playing Club Hockey

My recommendation to many good players who do not want to spend years, a ton of money, and are feeling too much pressure...is to consider playing Club Hockey. It is a great alternative...and it is FUN!

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

AIC Hockey a New Era, VERY Impressive

Crowd of Approximately 2,000

Union vs. AIC

October 14, 2016

#22 AIC Freshman Dominik Florian

Shown Scoring His 2nd Goal

First, I would like to state that American International College (AIC) Hockey has done a FIRST CLASS JOB in their new home venue at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA.

Parking is convenient.* The Admission fee is very fair and reasonable for fans. The Mass Mutual Center is a very comfortable place to watch a hockey game. An impressive, center ice, large AIC scoreboard and video screen is present. The AIC "greeters" as you enter the arena are very organized, friendly, and helpful. They have a Rally AIC Band present.* (I love to see that!). The Yellow Jacket Mascot is present. The broadcast and play by play people are excellent and very professional. The "DJ" played music is inspiring for the fans and the team.* They even have a Yellow Jacket Zamboni! AIC Hockey also has an excellent, fan friendly website. The Star Spangled Banner was excellently sung by a young woman. The first home crowd was close to 2,000 fans...what a great start! Many other high level hockey programs could learn from AIC on how to do it right!

In addition to their new home they have a new Head Coach in alumnus, Eric Lang. His impact was immediately shown in the game. I had seen AIC play over the last couple of years and this is a vastly improved team with a lot of young talent. I love their style of play. Lang was an Assistant at Army and I had seen Army play against Holy Cross last year. Army was one of the toughest and most physical teams I have ever seen on the ice. That style of play was evident with AIC last night. I loved seeing it, but they have to be careful not to get into continual penalty situations and there was a bit of that last night and it hurt them in a close game. A certain balance has to be achieved with tough physical play.

Union College, the 2014 National Champion, is a very good hockey team. They just came off an impressive 7-4 win over Minnesota in their first game. Yet AIC played Union tough all throughout the game. It was a close back and forth game with Union pulling out a 5-4 win. Nonetheless, AIC looked very good out there with some excellent play from their underclassmen and well as seniors like Captain (Cathedral High Grad), Austin Orszulak. One such player is Freshman Dominik Florian from the Czech Republic who scored 2 goals with accurate, rocket shots from the outside. AIC goals were also scored by Freshman Blake Christensen, and Junior Jackson Dudley.

There were periods of time where AIC definitely outplayed Union, although I believe the penalties hurt. Although I have to admit that AIC had some EXCELLENT penalty kills. In fact in the 2nd period AIC was playing in a double penalty situation, 3 against 5 and they held Union off for a minute and 57 seconds! I have always said if you can't score with 5 against 3 you should go home.

It was a great, exciting and fun game to watch. AIC is an excellent team and will win a lot of games this year. Two thousand fans (2,000) was a great start but we need to fill the Mass Mutual Center with local hockey fans from the community. A chance to see some great Division I Hockey!

* I have a couple of suggestions below for AIC that should be easy to implement...that will make AIC Hockey even more perfect!

1) AIC playing hockey at the Mass Mutual Center is a big plus for Springfield. Some sort of deal should be worked out with the City of Springfield for vastly reduced parking fees. I am copying in the President of the City Council and a couple of Council members. AIC should also contact Mayor Domenic Sarno.

2) The AIC Rally Band is a big plus at games. First it should be centered in the midst of the fans, not off to the side. Secondly, there is a conflict betweem the DJ music and the band where the band has no opportunity to play. NOT GOOD ! The Rally Band should be allowed to intermittently, during the game,  get the fans riled up by playing and leading a chant of "Let's Go Yellow Jackets", "Let's Go Yellow Jackets" !!!  This will bring the arena alive and inspire the fans and players even more. It will be a much more fun experience for everyone. Coordinate this!  It is an easy fix. 

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

Joe Brosseau Impresses at Holy Cross

Joe Brosseau

Cathedral / Pope Francis Hockey

Super 8 Game 2016

Still another ex-Cathedral player at Holy Cross, Joe Brosseau is a walk-on for the Crusader's Division I Golf Team. He joins ex- Cathedral Hockey player, Peter Crinella, at Holy Cross who will be a sophomore this year after completing a successful year as a rare true freshman in Division I Hockey.

Joe, starred in Golf, helping to bring a Western Mass Championship to Cathedral, and was also a solid performer in Lacrosse and Hockey. Golf may be his best game. He got off to a great start by tying for First Place on October 8 in the Worcester City Golf Championships with a score of 75.

Great job, Joe. I am sure that we will be hearing more about you at the College of the Holy Cross!

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service 

AIC Hockey Opens Friday at Mass Mutual Center

#17 AIC Captain Austin Orszulak

(Cathedral High Grad)

Game Against Air Force Academy 

(Photo by Alfredo)

American International College Men's Hockey is stepping up their program, it is time for us to step up our support. They have a new Coach in Eric Lang and will be playing their home games at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA. Their opening game is this Friday against Union College at the Mass Mutual Center, a very good team who won a National Championship in 2014. Union's star player that year was Shane Gostisbehere who played for the South Kent Prep's Selects Academy Team prior to Union, and is now plying in the NHL.

The AIC Yellow Jackets are led by Cathedral High School grad, Senior AIC Captain, Austin Orszulak, a Springfield, native. He played Junior Hockey with the Springfield Pics prior to AIC. I also have a special interest in AIC freshman forward, Billy Vizzo, who I saw play for 2 years in the USPHL Premier Division, a real good player.

AIC, the only Division I College Hockey Program in the Springfield area, gives fans an opportunity to see some high level college hockey played locally. Some of the home games at the Mass Mutual Center that I have highlighted are the opening game against Union; 2 games vs. Holy Cross with former Cathedral sensation sophomore, Peter Crinella; an up and coming Arizona Sate Team;  2 games vs. my alma mater, RIT;   and a game vs. Army, one of the toughest teams I have seen on ice!

The game Friday, October 14 vs. Union College is at 7:05 PM at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Hope to see all of you there in support of our local Division I Team !

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Westfield State University Hall of Fame Inducts Five

Kevin Piecuch
(Cathedral High School Grad)

Inducted Into Westfield State University Hall of Fame

The Westfield State University Athletic Hall of Fame inducted five new members at the 21st induction ceremony, on Friday, September 30 at the Scanlon Banquet Hall on campus in conjunction with the University's homecoming and family weekend.

The 2016 induction class included golfer Kevin Piecuch '89;  women's swimmer Vanessa Morton '06;  softball and women's basketball player and longtime coach Cheryl Condon '79,   track and field athlete Ken Bakstran '95  and longtime athletic administrator Mickey Curtis.

Piecuch, an East Longmeadow resident and graduate of Springfield Cathedral High School is currently the head golf professional at the Country Club of Greenfield. As a student-athlete he was a two-time NCAA qualifier and a NEIGA All-New England selection, as well as three time All-District choice. Professionally, he has had a 23- year career as a golf professional, serving at CCG since 1992. He is a past president of the Western Mass PGA chapter and holds the course record at Greenfield with a 61.

Condon was a standout student-athlete in both softball and basketball for the Owls, pitching the softball team to the 1978 MAIAW title. She has had a long and successful tenure as the head women's softball coach at the Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. where her teams have made four NCAA tournament appearances and she is an eight-time conference coach of the year while winning more than 400 games in her coaching career. She has previously been inducted into the Rockland High School Hall of Fame, the Massasoit Community College Hall of Fame and the Elms College Hall of Fame.

Morton, a Wellfleet, Mass., native, is one of the most successful swimmers in school history, setting school records in five swimming events and winning a NEISDA New England championship in the 100 freestyle in 2006. She was a 10-time all-New England performer in freestyle, backstroke and individual medley events.

Bakstran, a native of Ashland who now resides in Framingham, won four MASCAC individual titles and was a member of six title winning relay units while at Westfield State. Primarily a 400-meter runner, won three New England Division III titles in that event, and was part of a 4x400 relay group that set an ECAC Division III Indoor meet record time of 3:18.56.

A Punxsutawney, Pa., native, Curtis served for 27 years as sports information director and an associate athletics director at Westfield State. He has been a member of the Hall of Fame committee since its inception and was a key organizer of the Hall of Fame induction dinner for many years. He helped launch the professional career of numerous interns and student workers, and coordinated team schedules, maintained data, records and archives and managed events for the school's 21 varsity intercollegiate programs.

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

* (Above information from the Westfield State University Website)

Western New England University Inducts 6 Into Hall of Fame

Nicole Poli

Lacrosse and Soccer Star

Western New England University inducted 6 new members into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame class, the 18^th in school history.

Mike Flynn '82 (contributor), Laurie Matochik Devaney '86 (softball/volleyball), Scott Thornton '05 (men's soccer), Mark Bergey '06 (men's lacrosse), Jennifer Dabrowski Hover '08 (women's basketball), and Nicole Poli '11 (women's lacrosse/women's soccer), were honored for their contributions to Western New England athletics at an induction ceremony and dinner event during homecoming weekend on Friday, September 23^rd.

The WNEU Athletic Hall of Fame was named in honor of Arthur William "Red" Downes, a member of the Western New England coaching staff and faculty for 45 years who was inducted in the inaugural 1999 class.

The 2016 Class:

Mark Bergey

Mark Bergey, a defenseman for the men's lacrosse program from 2003-06, was an integral member of Western New England teams that captured consecutive Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Championships and emerged as a national contender in Division III.

Jennifer Dabrowski Hover

Jennifer Dabrowski Hover, a guard for the women's basketball team from 2004-08, was one of the most prolific scorers and top overall players in program history. A two-time Western New England Coca-Cola Female Athlete of the Year award winner, Dabrowski was a three-time All-Conference performer, collecting Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Player of the Year accolades as a senior in 2007-08. The Plainville, Conn. native currently ranks fourth on Western New England's all-time scoring list with 1,545 points.

Mike Flynn

Mike Flynn, who earned both his undergraduate (1982) and graduate ('83) degrees from Western New England, is being inducted into the Downes Hall of Fame as a contributor.

The Wilbraham, Mass. native and owner/CEO of Hampden Engineering Corporation in nearby East Longmeadow has been a longtime supporter of Western New England athletics and is a member of the University's Board of Trustees. Flynn's support has been essential in the development of both the outdoor athletic facilities and the Alumni Healthful Living Center. Most recently, his contributions were instrumental in the opening of the Flynn Family Golden Bear Pavilion last fall, which is named in his honor.

Laurie Matochik Devaney

Laurie Matochik Devaney, a centerfielder with the softball program from 1983-86, was a three-time All-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 5 selection. She graduated as the program's single-season record holder for triples (ten), home runs (four) and runs batted in (32). The Port Chester, N.Y. native was a member of Western New England teams that posted a combined 82-36 (.695) record over her four-year career.

Nicole Poli

Nicole Poli, a two-sport standout with the women's lacrosse and women's soccer teams from 2007-11, was an All-Region and All-Conference performer for both programs and a two-time Western New England Coca-Cola Female Athlete of the Year (2008-09, 2009-10).

Also a defender for the women's soccer team, Poli was a three-time All-CCC second team selection, garnering New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) All-New England third team honors as a junior in 2009 and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-New England second team recognition as a senior in 2010. She started all 85 games that she appeared in over the course of her career, compiling eight points on three goals and two assists.

Scott Thornton

Scott Thornton, a midfielder with the men's soccer team from 2001-04, is the only three-year captain in the 50-year history of the program. The two-time All-GNAC first team selection, who was elected as the program's youngest captain in history as a sophomore in 2002, finished his career with 51 points on 18 goals and 15 assists.

Thornton's sister, Kristin Thornton Hensinger '07, a former women's soccer standout and current assistant coach at Western New England, was inducted into the Downes Hall of Fame last fall, making the duo just the second pair of siblings to be enshrined.

Congratulations to the 6 new members of the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame at Western New England University, one of our fine colleges in the Western Mass area.

For more complete information: Western New England Announces 2016 Hall of Fame Class - Western New England University

* (Information above from the WNEU Website)

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

RED SOX WON THE WORLD SERIES !

Pedroia Dances For a Score !

(AP Photo)

The Red Sox won the World Series before they got there. What the heck do I mean by that ? They had a great end of season with 3 sweeps and 11 wins in a row; exciting younger players combined with veterans who were playing well; and a number of impressive batting averages. Pitching was also coming together at the right time. They swept 4 games against the Yankees, 4 against the Oriels, and 3 against the Rays. The excitement was growing in Boston. To top it off David Ortiz was having a great end of career season, Bob Costas declared him the Best DH in Major League history...and of course, Big Pappi had to be honored.

The Rays honored Big Pappi, followed by the Yankees, followed by 3 nights in a row at Fenway Park. Headlines, media coverage, 2 documentaries, and a bridge in Boston was named after him. Looking back, a bit much wouldn't you say? Not only all this but NESN kept showing the Red Sox World Series victories, over and over and over. The atmosphere in Beantown was this is the year AGAIN, they are going to win it all and become World Champions in 2016.

In the meantime, I think they took their eye off the ball with all the celebration, Ortiz mania, and hoopla. Suddenly they lost 3 games in a row to the Yankees, that included a devastating grand slam walk off home run by Mark Teixeira that took the wind right out of their sails. It was so bad that they had to force a celebration for backing into the AL East Championship, the whole thing was kind of flat. They then ended the season with 2 losses against the Blue Jays for 5 losses in a row. Oh well, the Red Sox were ordained to win it all.

The Cleveland Indians, who had been playing steady winning baseball weren't ready to give in to the Red Sox. Former Manager, Terry Francona, knows the Red Sox culture well and had his team fully prepared...no celebration, no hoopla...just good fundamental baseball.

I think that the Red Sox peaked a little too early and got all caught up with all the excitement and Ortiz mania. They were ready to ride the Big Pappi horse and win it all. The only problem is that the Big Pappi horse is 40 years old...and guess what? He's human.

They blew it...maybe next year....

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

PS: I hope you criticize me with a Red Sox comeback......but I don't think so!