SPORTS MEDIA - ANTI-CHRISTIAN, ANTI-GOD

Prayer After NFL Game

New York Giants - Detroit Lions

(Photo by Rick Osentoski, AP)

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 reveals 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 more 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 Philippines 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 (Un)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.

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service 

Sports Ramblings

Who Needs Brady?

Few would believe that coming into the season that the Patriots would be 3-0 without Tom Brady as quarterback. Will they make it 4-0 against the Bills? Whatever the results, the Patriots have already shoved it into the face of NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell for his ridiculous penalty of Brady sitting out 4 games.

Think about it. In the game in question the Patriots beat the Colts 45-7. Did Brady tell his equipment guy that he would like the ball a little softer? Maybe, and there is nothing wrong with that. But did he tell him to deflate it beyond league specifications? Fat chance, why would he do that? In addition the refs were handling the balls throughout the game. Did they question the softness of the balls? No ! This whole penalty thing against Brady and the Patriots is nothing more than a "gotcha" thing. Goodell and the NFL have already lost.

What a brilliant coaching job by Bill Belechick and his entire staff ! First an untested 2nd string quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Then a 3rd string quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, and now maybe an old college quarterback, Julian Edelman? You have to be kidding me. I predict Garoppolo will be the QB against the Bills in a last minute decision. I am voting for 4-0 with a win over the Bills to finish this whole "deflate-gate" fiasco off.

Oh No ! Tell Me It Isn't So, Frankie !

East Longmeadow, Mass native Frank Vatrano was all set to get his chance for a full year as a regular with the NHL Boston Bruins. Early reports had him slated as playing in the 3rd line with Ryan Spooner and Jimmy Hayes. Then in a recent practice while doing drills he tore some ligaments in his left foot. He was slated for surgery on September 16 at Mass General and is expected to be out for 3 months. Some say he may be back in action at the end of December. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Certainly a set back but somehow you know he will bounce back and turn this into a positive experience.

The Amazing Sox !

Even though they lost last night to the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox have been nothing but excitement as they completed 3 sweeps over the NY Yankees, the Baltimore Oriels, and the Tampa Bay Rays for 11 wins in a row. Not only that but most of these games have been exciting with timely home runs by David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez, and Mookie Betts...or a scrambling around home plate score by Pedroia in the 10th inning. Really exciting baseball and fun to watch. One step at a time, but could this team be headed for the World Series? Step 1 is to win the AL East with another win.

Bill Belisle into Hockey Hall of Fame

When you read about Bill Belisle's stunning record as the Hockey Coach at the Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, Rhode Island it is hard to believe. I am talking about ANY sport, not just hockey. His 990 wins over 41 years included 32 State Championships with 26 of them in a row. It also included national championships and over 20 players who went on to play in the NHL. When you enter the Adelard Arena where they play hockey it is almost like entering a museum. You can't help but be in awe of their banners, trophies, and news clippings. Bill Belisle not only taught hockey but turned out many fine young men. I don't know of anyone who deserves to be in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame than him...Class of 2016. What took so long ?!!

Local / Familiar Players to Play in Frozen Fenway 2017

I don't know of any hockey player...high school, college, or pro who wouldn't be thrilled, in their career, to play hockey outdoors in a famous venue like Fenway Park. Ask former Cathedral High players what a thrill it was to play in Fenway Park on January 2, 2012. In fact they played against the storied Mount Saint Charles Team in that game. Following are the Western Mass and other familiar players who will have this career remembrance and thrill to play in Fenway:

*East Longmeadow's Ryan Cloonan will be playing for Boston University on Saturday, January 7 at 1:30 PM vs. UMass Amherst in a Hockey East game. UMass will be off to a fresh start under new Coach Greg Carvel.

* Longmeadow's Tyler Kelleher will play at Fenway on Saturday, January 14 when his University of New Hampshire Team goes against Northeastern in a Hockey East match-up at 7:30 PM. Also playing for UNH will be freshman sensation Brendan van Riemsdyk who is kind of my adopted Western Mass player (He was a roommate with my grandson, Dominic Blad, for 2 years while playing with the Islanders Hockey Club.)

* Suffield CT / Chicopee, MA native, Dominic Blad will be playing his 2nd time at Fenway after his first experience with Cathedral High. He will be playing for UMass Boston in a game against Babson College at 7:30 PM on Thursday, January 12.

Below is the full line up and information for tickets for Frozen Fenway 2017. Fenway Park - quite an experience for both players and fans.

Capital One Frozen Fenway 2017 | redsox.com

#17 Dominic Blad at Fenway Park

Cathedral High v Mount St. Charles

January 2, 2012

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

UMASS FOOTBALL THE RIGHT WAY

I believe the move up to the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) was the right move for UMass Football. Why not? The beautiful and spacious flagship campus of the State of Massachusetts University system in Amherst, MA with a very high population of students. In addition it has a record that has shown that UMass could potentially play on the big stage in football. The current head coach, Mark Whipple, is an excellent choice having previously taken UMass to a National Championship in Division I-AA, along with NFL coaching experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cleveland Browns. With Pittsburgh he coached quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, to a Super Bowl Championship. He also helped to put the offense back into Miami University as the offensive coordinator. In addition he has the prevailing attitude that in order to be the best, you play the best. This year alone he has shown the ability to be competitive against prominent teams such as Florida, Boston College, and Mississippi State. This will pay off in the long run.

So what is the problem and why is the football program constantly in question? I believe that the problem rests with the UMass Athletic Department Administration. There appears to be a deep seated culture that has remained over the years, even with changing Athletic Directors. Until this changes UMass will find it difficult to continually excel in any sport. The culture is one of arrogance and elitism and they seem to lord it over many of the fans and people who could help and support them. Oh, don't get me wrong, they treat the large donors and big organizations just fine...it is with the everyday fans where the problems lie and with the students. I had a business on the common in downtown Amherst for 8 1/2 years and believe me when I say that I heard an earful. This included UMass students, alumni, faculty members, other members of the UMass administration, local fans, small business owners and more. Suffice it to say that they weren't happy with the UMass Athletic Department Administration.

Nowhere is all of the above more exemplified than with the move of the football program to Division I FBS. Their arrogance and elitism showed through with the move to schedule their home games at Gillette Stadium, some 95 miles away. Some of their stated reasoning was that the biggest base of alumni lived in the Boston area. Only one problem, many of these alumni did not regularly attend and support UMass sports. In the meantime they deserted college football's biggest fan base...the students* who are the heart, soul, and spirit of any college sports program. (*The current UMass student population in Amherst is approaching 30,000.) They also deserted their local fan base that had supported them over the years and local businesses. One Boston newspaper referred to this as the longest home game distance of any college in the country. This was a sure recipe for failure. At the time of the decsion I relayed my thoughts and warnings as to what would happen to the Athletic Dept. Oh, another trait...they don't listen. (These thoughts, warnings, and predictions were published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and the Amherst Bulletin. Go back and look.)

So now where are we? Good and competitive football played on the field, a credit to Coach Mark Whipple, his staff, and the team. The rest has been an embarrassment specifically due to the plans of the Athletic Dept. Crowds at Gillette Stadium have been averaging about 13,000 in a stadium that holds over 67,000. (Attendance at nationally prominent Mississippi State was only 13,074.) As one sportswriter noted.."It is like playing in an echo chamber". In attempting to regain some sense of the whole thing the Athletic Dept. is trying to regroup and circle back to have home games played in Amherst and that is the right thing to do.

But what about games in Amherst? Instead of taking pride in the beautiful flagship campus and the massive 30,000 student population they seem embarrassed by it and their failure to do what is necessary with McGuirk Stadium. We should all be proud of it and do what is necessary with the stadium. There have been various reports that over $20 million has been spent, another that it received a $34.5 million "facelift". Let's look at what has been done...a brand new press box, and luxury sky box for the big donors, a new turf field (good), and a new Football Performance Center for the players, coaches, etc. (also good). But what about the fans, what about the students, what about the everyday people who support the team? The seating capacity is only 17,000...isn't that what it was before?

Enough ! Here is what needs to be done:

1) We need to bring all home games back to Amherst and be proud to do so, with perhaps an occasional game at Gillette.

2) A full commitment needs to be made for the football stadium to bring it up to Division I FBS standards for competing at the highest level. No more of a losing "toe in the water" approach.

3) The UMass Athletic Administration needs an "attitude makeover" that extends into the deep seated culture that currently exists.

* They have to listen and not take the approach that they already have all the answers.

* It is all how you treat people...from the big donor, all the way down to the everyday fan...including the students. Treat everyone with respect. Accommodate and help people instead of arrogantly trying to show authority, lording it over them, and rebuffing people.

*The Athletic Department needs to embrace the students, 30,000 strong...the heart, soul and spirit of the program.

* Fully embrace the Amherst community and small businesses, they can help. Remember that the Greater Springfield area are also fans...there is a new "campus" in Springfield.

* Be proud of and fully support the UMass Marching Band...one of the best marching bands in the country.

The football program at UMass has the opportunity to become second to none. All the elements are there. There needs to be a change in the way that the UMass Athletic Department Administration conducts itself.

There needs to be a final commitment by the University of Massachusetts to do what is necessary with the stadium.

Finally, what seems to be lost is that the University of Massachusetts is a taxpayer funded public university. This needs to be reminded and re-embedded into the minds of all UMass administrators.

UMass McGuirk Stadium

(Photo by Alfredo)

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

Western Mass Hockey on Fire !

Western Mass Hockey is alive and well. We have many local high school teams and they seem to continually get better. Then, of course, there is Cathedral High, now Pope Francis, our only Division I team in Western Mass. In the last several years they have been highly ranked in the state's top Division. Can't wait to see what kind of team Coach Brian Foley has this season.

We are also loaded with Junior Hockey and all the U's. You know, U-18, U16, U15, U14, etc. The Springfield Pics play in some of the best hockey played in the East, starting with the Premier Division of the USPHL. They also play against nationally ranked competition at the various levels. As do the Springfield Rifles who play U18 on down, and have been nationally ranked. By the way I have talked to parents in the last couple of weeks from far away places...like California, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Canada, and other including Riga, Latvia! These young boys, now young men, love hockey so much that they play in Western Mass and live in "billet" families while enrolling in local high schools. They do this to play in the Northeast where there is not only great hockey, but some of the best hockey colleges in the nation all concentrated in this region. Coaches and scouts at these colleges find it easy and convenient to scout locally, and this is what most players long for, to play college hockey. My hats off to the parents / caretakers and young men. We take all this for granted but this is a major sacrifice for all of them. The parents shell out big bucks and at times travel long distances to see them play. The love of hockey is infectious.

College Hockey is also strong in Western Mass led by two Division I schools, American International College (AIC) and UMass Amherst. At AIC Cathedral grad, Austin Orszulak, is a senior and has just been named Captain. Congratulations to him! AIC will be playing their home games at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield this year. UMass Amherst who plays in the powerful Hockey East Conference has a new Coach in Greg Carvel and we wish him the best toward bringing UMass back to hockey prominence. DIII Hockey colleges are represented by Western New England University and Westfield State University. Springfield College has a DII Club Hockey Program.

In addition to all of the above Western Mass has an exciting new AHL Professional Hockey Team, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds start their season on October 15 with an away game, followed by 2 more away games. Their first home game is on October 22. Mark that down on your calendar, we want to make sure we support Western Mass's professional hockey team.

As you can see from all of the above, Western Mass is Hockey Strong!

Janis Vizbelis Springfield Pics U18

Janis is From Riga, Latvia

Action This Weekend

Boston Jr. Bruins Shootout 

Photo by Alfredo

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

World Cup of Hockey Games Are Exciting !

Nathan MacKinnon

Scoring Winning Goal in Overtime

I am a fan of the North America Hockey Team in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey ! In a unique concept a wild card team was formed of NHL players 23 years of age and younger from the United States and Canada. They are exciting.

Some of the familiar names on the North America Team are Auston Matthews, #1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft who will be playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs; Massachusetts native Jack Eichel who played one year with Boston University and was the 2nd pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. He had 56 points for the Buffalo Sabres in his first NHL season, not bad! Then there is Connor McDavid who was the #1 pick in 2015 and is playing for the Edmonton Oilers. One of my favorites and a solid player is Shayne Gostisbehere who played for the South Kent Prep Selects Academy and then he led Union College to a National Championship. There are many more.

Talk about excitement and speed the North America Team shot down the ice like bullets and scored 2 goals in the first minute and 35 seconds of the 1st period for a stunning 2-0 lead. The first goal was scored by Eichel within the first 15 seconds of the game! Sweden, a seasoned older team, with a 2-0 record in the World Cup of Hockey games was too good to let that last. First they tried to get physical with the younger players, but to their credit the North America Team stood up to them and fought back. Sweden scored 2 goals and it ended up at 3-2 with the North American Team in the lead at the end of the 1st. Sweden scored a goal in the 2nd period for a 3-3 tie and that is how the game ended in regulation.

Overtime was exciting with a 3 on 3 player format and sudden death at stake for the win. Both teams had opportunities, but the puck broke loose to Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) for a break-a-way. He faked to the right, then came back on the left side and punched the puck in for the win. An exciting ending to an exciting game.

For anyone who loves hockey the World Cup of Hockey games represent a very good and fun to watch brand of hockey with familiar NHL names sprinkled across various national teams, representing their country. My favorite, however, is the North American Team. I love watching those young guys play and they are exciting.

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Rifles Hockey Tournament a Huge Success

Springfield Pics Goalie Owen Mastroianni

Good Play Helped Bring Pics to Semi-Finals

(Photo by Alfredo)

The Springfield Rifles East West Invitational Hockey Tournament over the weekend featured some of the best teams and players in New England participating at the U18, U16, U15 and U14 levels. Games were played at UMass Amherst and at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield, MA.

It was a very well organized Tournament, congratulations to Tournament Directors Kevin Kervick and Brian Foley...and to all those who worked to make it successful. It takes a lot of organization and effort to pull off such a Tournament. Not only great and exciting hockey was played but full information on teams, schedules, and players was available to fans.

Rifles East West Invitational - Tournament Schedule

Congratulations to the Division Champions: (Note the excitement and competitiveness of the Tournament was exemplified by the two shootouts in the U18 Divisions.)

U18 West: Yale Bulldogs Showcase with a 3-2 win over Boston Jr. Bruins in a shootout

U18 East: River Rats Neponset Valley 1 with a 3-2 win over Yale Bulldogs National in a shootout

U16: Mid Fairfield v. River Rats Neponset Valley *

U15: Springfield Riffles 3-1 win over Yale Bulldogs

U14: Springfield Rifles v. Yale Bulldogs *

* Results not listed 

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

GET READY FOR SOME GREAT D-3 HOCKEY !

There is a fine line between the top D3 Men's Hockey colleges and D1 hockey. In fact I am convinced that many of the top D3 schools could give many D1 schools a run for their money, if not beat them. Just an opinion. In D3 Men's Hockey the final rankings for the 2015-16 Season were as follows:

1) University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (2016 National Champions)

2) St. Norbert

3) UMass - Boston

4) Adrian

5) SUNY Geneseo

6) Hobart

7) Trinity

8) Williams

9) Plattsburgh State

10) Babson

The D3 hockey powerhouses over the last 11 years have been St. Norbert's with 4 National Championships and 3 Runner-Ups; Wisconsin - Stevens Pont with 1 National Championship and 2 Runner-Ups; Oswego State with 1 National Championship and 2 Runner-Ups; and Middlebury with 1 National Championship and 1 Runner-Up. (Runner-Up means they finished 2nd in the nation, losing to the winner in the Frozen Four National Championship)

I am sure that all the ranked teams and those mentioned above will be in the hunt for a National Championship at the conclusion of the 2016 - 17 Season, but the competition will be keen and it won't be easy. There will be other very good teams pushing for a National Title, as well. If you look at the regular seasons of the teams above, many were challenged and beaten by good teams within their conference. Last season, a team on the rise that provided some surprises and excitement was UMass Boston. In fact their Frozen Four semi-final game against St. Norbert has been called the "wildest game in D3 NCAA history". We will get to this in a moment.

UMass Boston is coached by Peter Belisle, who will be entering his 11th season this year. He won a couple of prestigious coaching awards last year and he has UMass on a steady path of improvement. In the post season last year UMass entered the NCAA Tournament by winning their New England Hockey Conference Tournament by defeating Southern Maine 4-0; University of New England 6-3, and then a tough overtime 3-2 win over Babson. It didn't get any easier in the NCAA Tournament. Their first game out of the gate was against a very good Trinity team, who won the National Championship the previous year and were heavily favored. I had the opportunity to see this game in Hartford, CT and I would call the game a shocker. To win was one thing, but to win 4-0 against the National Champion was a "statement"...UMass was pretty darn good! The 2nd game was against the 2nd ranked team in the nation, Hobart. They won this one 2-0 to propel themselves into the Frozen Four at Lake Placid.

The semi-final game was against St. Norbert...look above. Four (4) National Championships and 3 Runner-Ups over the last 11 years. No way! UMass jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period...a mini shocker! St. Norbert came roaring back to score a goal at the very end with less than a second left in the first period, and then 6 straight goals in the 2nd period for a 7-3 lead going into the final period. Game over ! ...so everybody thought (including me). But wait a minute, what we didn't count on is that UMass was a very good team, they don't quit, and they were in great shape. They came back with 4 goals for a 7-7 tie at end of regulation. You could hardly catch your breath...again...shocking! First overtime no score, still 7-7. Second overtime and with 3:49 into the OT, St. Norbert scored on a break-away for the win on a somewhat controversial goal, but a win. This is why this game has been called the "wildest game in D3 NCAA history".

UMass Boston Sr. Frankie DeAugustine

NCAA Game v. Trinity in 4-0 Win
(Photo by Alfredo)

Looking forward to a great D3 hockey season this year with all the teams above participating and many more very good teams. 

Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service

    

RIFLES EAST-WEST HOCKEY TOURNAMENT THIS WEEKEND

Action From Previous Rifles Tournament

(Photo by Alfredo)

Get ready for some great local hockey as the Rifles East - West Invitational Hockey Tournament will be held this coming weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18. This Tournament will feature some of the best teams in New England and all games are being held locally. The U-18 games will be held at UMass at the Mullins Center or at the UMass Practice Facility. All the U-14, U-15, and the U-16 games will be held at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield, MA.

Tournament Director, Kevin Kervick, tells us that this year's lineup is the premier showcase of talent and that the very best of U-18, U-16, U-15, and U-14 talent will be competing this weekend.

Click on the following for the Tournament Schedule and relevant information:

Rifles East West Invitational - Tournament Schedule

Two local teams will be participating, The Springfield Rifles, and the Springfield Pics. Get out there and see some good hockey at these levels and support our local teams.

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

D1 College Hockey: Which Teams & Conferences Are Best?

Anthony Florentino - Hockey East

Member of Providence College 2015 National Championship Team

(Photo by Alfredo)

Men's D1 College Top 10 Hockey Final 2015-16 Rankings

(Conferences Listed)

North Dakota....... NCHC

Quinnipiac.............ECAC

St. Cloud State.....NCHC

Boston College......Hockey East

Denver..................NCHC

Providence............Hockey East

Michigan...............Big Ten

UMass Lowell.......Hockey East

Boston University...Hockey East

Harvard.................ECAC

Last season National Champion, North Dakota, along with 3rd ranked St. Cloud State and 5th ranked Denver showed the strength of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). Although Hockey East is generally considered the premier college hockey conference, with 4 teams in the top 10, the power base seems to have shifted somewhat West, or perhaps it has always been there! We must also consider the strength of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) with 2nd ranked Quinnipiac,10th ranked Harvard, and the fact that ECAC Teams Union and Yale have won recent National Championships. Providence College in the Hockey East Conference won the National Championship in 2015. Seventh ranked Michigan also shows that the Big Ten Conference appears to be gaining strength although they will have to add teams to the Conference with only 6 teams presently.

The team that I have an interest in that is known for big time sports is Arizona State. Having announced in 2014 their intent to move from D2 hockey to D1, I highly admire how coach Greg Powers is taking on all comers in the 2016-17 season. ASU and Alabama-Huntsville are the only two D1 hockey colleges (that I know of) in the Southern part of the nation. Powers knows that in order to get better he will have to take on the best; he also knows that in order to do so he will have to come East. As a consequence Arizona State has one of the toughest schedules in the nation right out of the gate. In a grueling schedule ASU has away games against Notre Dame, Northeastern, New Hampshire, Boston College, Penn State, AIC (at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA), UMass Amherst, Quinnipiac, and more. Can you imagine? There have been rumors that ASU might get into the Big Ten Conference, or the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (WCHC), but for now they are playing as an Independent. By the way, helping to propel ASU into D1 was a gift $32 million from a pool of donors. With the ASU Hockey Team in D1, the NHL Arizona Coyotes Team, and the former AHL Springfield Falcons now playing in Tucson, maybe the sport of hockey is alive and well in the Southwest!

Folks in Western Mass are looking forward to see if new Coach, Greg Carvel, can bring UMass Amherst back to prominence in Hockey East. He has a good reputation, let's see what happens. Fans long to see a winning team and there is little doubt that they will pack the Mullins Center if it happens.

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

(Look for a continuing stream of articles on this new Blog.)

Rebecca Lobo - Time for NAISMITH Hall of Fame

Rebecca Lobo, While With WNBA Connecticut Sun

(Photo by Alfredo)

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is the pride of Springfield, Mass and they do a great job. But one glaring oversight is their failure to induct women's player, Rebecca Lobo, into the Naismith Hall of Fame. It should have been done years ago.

Why? She has all the credentials, but even more than that she IS Women's Basketball ! The current rein and domination of women's college basketball by UConn started with heavily recruited Rebecca Lobo...she was the beginning that culminated with their first National Title in 1995 ending up with an undefeated 35-0 record. She was a major factor in starting it all where now they have an unbelievable record of 11 National Titles. She was heavily recruited out of Southwick - Tolland, MA High School where she held the state scoring title that lasted for 18 years. In 1995 she was an All American in both academics and basketball. She was the Player of the Year and also received the Honda Broderick Cup. The Women's Sports Foundation declared her the Sportswoman of the Year.

But a key here is much more than just records, awards and accomplishments, it is what she said and did with her notoriety that I remember clearly to this day. She raised the question as why she, as an American, should HAVE to go the Europe to play professional basketball. She said that she should be able to play in America, in her own country. People listened. She became, in a sense, the spark and founder that caused the formation and creation of the Women's National Basketball Association, the WNBA. She was a pioneer who not only pushed them to create the WNBA, but she pushed the sport of women's basketball to the forefront and to higher levels. For this alone she should be in the Hall ! Oh, she went ahead to play on the Olympics USA Gold Medal Team, and accomplish some great things in the WNBA, then on further as an ESPN sportscaster for women's basketball.

She was featured in an article on Top Women in Basketball History in "About Education" written by Jone Johnson Lewis, Women's History Expert. Lobo was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame (note: not Naismith) deservedly in 2010. At the induction the following was said by her famed UConn Coach, Geno Auriemma.

"No one in all the years that I've been there, has had the impact on the court and off the court, that Rebecca has had and has continued both in the WNBA, as being one of the founders, both as a representative of our university, as a member of the board of trustees, continuing to promote the game on ESPN, and all the other things that Rebecca has done to further the role model that she is, for all the young people that looked up to her, emulated what she has always been, a great student, a great athlete, a great person, someone that I’ve cherished to have had the opportunity to work with, and to call my friend, and now to call my boss."

When watching a men's basketball game on television one of her daughters asked her mother, Rebecca Lobo, "Do boys play basketball too?"

Rebecca Lobo IS the face of women's basketball, not only in America, but across the world. She deserves to be in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Over due. 

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service  

September 11 - For One Brief Moment

(Photo by Alfredo - Time of UMass Final Four at Meadowlands in 1996)

For one brief moment on September 11, 2001 time seemed to stand still. People sought family members and recognized the importance of family. Parents gathered their children with a self-protecting love. Helping and caring for other people occurred. Acts of charity were plentiful and strong. There was an assessment of life and what is really important.

News media, and many others, invoked the name of God. Churches and places of worship were full. People unashamedly prayed. There was a strong feeling of patriotism, a pride in being American, and a desire to show the flag.

Crime, and even the thought of it, was absent. We were all in support of our President. Congress and all elected leadership worked together for the good of our country instead of partisan politics. Nations across the world expressed concern, sadness, and unity with the United States.

For one brief moment.....



Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service 

2016 Basketball Hall of Fame Inductions

Allen Iverson, "The Answer"

Red Carpet, Springfield Symphony Hall, Last Night

Springfield, MA is fortunate to have the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame located within the city. Area residents should be very proud of this and do everything possible to support it and bring visiting friends and relatives for a tour. Not too long ago, before the new Hall of Fame was built, there was talk of moving it to another location, including the possibility of Orlando, Florida. Last night's Enshrinement Ceremonies were gala events with basketball's star studded visitors to the city.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in the 2016 class were NBA standouts Shaquille O.Neal, Yao Ming, and Allen Iverson; Sheryl Swoopes who led Texas Tech to a national title, then starred for the WNBA Houston Comets; Michigan Sate Coach, Tom Izzo; and Chicago Bulls owner, Jerry Reinsdorf. Also elected, posthumously, were player, Zelmo Beaty; Coach, John Mclenon; and referee, Darrell Garretson. The events yesterday included a VIP Gala Reception at the Hall of Fame; a "Red Carpet" event on the steps of Springfield's Symphony Hall; and the Enshrinement Ceremonies inside Symphony Hall. (The Hall looked great, by the way!)

In addition to the inductees, wow ! ; the star studded list of visitors to the city was mind boggling. This is just a small sampling, can't remember them all: Celtics great Bill Russell, UMass and NBA great, Julius (Dr. J) Erving, Georgetown Coach John Thompson, NBA great and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Hall of Famer, Bill Walton, sports journalist Stephen A. Smith, 3 time Hall of Famer as a player, a coach, and as an assistant coach with the USA "Dream Team", Lenny Wilkins and so many more.

Just a few side stories...while at UMass students and fans used to come to games at the "Cage" (prior to the Mullins Center) an hour early just to watch Dr. J warm up. At that time dunking was not allowed in games, but Dr J put on a show before the games. He packed the house just for that! Lenny Wilkins, one of my all time favorites, was not only a great player and coach, but a great guy. It was so nice to see him being gracious to fans in posing for photos, talking to them, and signing autographs. In college he played for Providence. A person that I met at VIP Gala Reception was "Mr. Rip City", Bill Schonley. He is the play by play guy for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is currently 87 years old and still doing the play by play announcing after 46 years! We talked about the days when Bill Walton led the Trail Blazers to the NBA Championship and what a great player he was. He also reminded me that the Celtics General Manager, Danny Ainge played for the Trail Blazers before playing for the Celtics. All interesting stuff.

The most interesting highlight of the Enshrinement Ceremonies to me was that surrounding inductee, Allen Iverson. Here is a guy that is only 6 feet tall (some say 5' 10" or 5' 11") weighing only 165 lbs, and what he was able to accomplish. Many don't know this but in addition to basketball he was a sensational football player in high school as a quarterback, running back, kick-off returner, and as a defensive player. In fact he was named Associated Press Player of the Year in BOTH basketball and football. Don't know whether that has ever been done before. Unfortunately he gained a "thug" reputation for a bowling alley brawl while in high school where he was accused of striking a woman with a chair. I believe he was falsely accused, but he ended up spending time in jail. That incident erased all his many opportunities for college scholarships for basketball and football, nobody wanted him. During the induction ceremony Iverson stated "Coach Thompson (Georgetown) saved my life". There is a great television documentary entitled Iverson that reveals what happened during this era and more. It is an eye opener and places everything into perspective.

Iverson, while he was "growing up" made a lot of mistakes, that's for sure. He will be the first to admit that. But underneath it all, I believe that there is a good guy...and a sensational basketball player...and I mean sensational. I watch sports out of interest and to be entertained. There wasn't one game that I can remember that when I watched Allen Iverson play where he didn't do something in the game that brought me right out of my chair by doing something amazing. A guy 6 foot tall and 165 lbs, playing against giants, yet he accomplished some dramatic and amazing things out there on the court. He entertained me. During the Enshrinement, in the balcony at Symphony Hall, there was a large and cheering crowd of fans from Philadelphia, just everyday folks,...there to show their appreciation to Allen.

Iverson was interviewed on the Red Carpet before the Enshrinement Ceremonies and was asked what stood out in making him accomplish what he did. His response was "My faith in God and believing in myself".

Every aspiring athlete should remember those words.

A great night in Springfield,

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

Frank Vatrano - A Boston Bruins Regular ?

Bruins Frank Vatrano - A Thunderous Quick Release

The Boston Bruins must make it happen this year and be in contention for the Stanley Cup. This is the expectation. More than an expectation. One thing they have to do is shore up the defense, but they also have to work on a more potent offense. One player that they seem to be counting on is Frank Vatrano from East Longmeadow, MA. Last season he scored his first goal in the NHL in his debut with the Bruins in Montreal....pretty impressive. He made an impression, but was sent back down to the Providence Bruins where he led the AHL in goal scoring and won the Willie Marshall Award for the 2015-16 season. You could sense that the Bruins had future plans for him. When he was called up at season's end it was evident that he was more comfortable and confident in playing in the NHL. He knew his strengths and he knew where he had to improve. He played well.

After last season Vatrano played for the USA Team in the IHF World Championships in Russia. He played in the same line with the sensational young player, Auston Matthews, the first draft pick of the NHL who will be playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vatrano had a very respectable goal and 2 assists in 4 games in the World Championships. An indicator to me on how much Vatrano loves and is dedicated to hockey is that no sooner did he get off the plane from Russia, he showed up at the first Summer League game at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield, MA ! Most players would rest for a week or two, not Vatrano. Even though only a local "Summer League", he used the opportunity to practice and work on his game in leading the 14-0 Milano's Team to the League Championship. In doing so he led the league in scoring with something like an outrageous 60 points in only 14 games, and much of the competition was pretty darn good.

The Bruins are now engaged in a "Captains" Camp, a pre-season informal camp led by the players (captains). Their work-outs have been at Boston University but hey will soon move over to their brand new Bruins Warrior Ice Arena Practice Facility at Boston Landing in Brighton, MA that officially opens today. For 25 years they had previously practiced, pre-season, at the Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington, MA. The new practice facility seats 650 people. The formal training camp of the Boston Bruins begins on September 23.

The scuttlebutt around the Boston area and the media, is that the Bruins will be counting on Vatrano to help improve their offensive punch. But it won't be easy and he will have to earn it. In addition to his hockey skills a major positive with Vatrano is his attitude. He knows that he has to continue work on his all around game, and he welcomes and is ready for competition as far as earning a spot. His greatest asset is his quick release, thunderous, and accurate shot at the goal. It almost makes you shudder when he releases it and I saw it plenty of times during Summer League play.

Let's look at the Bruin's offense. With Loui Eriksson gone to Vancouver, this certainly opens up an opportunity for Vatrano. Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron are solid parts of the offense. But then there are David Pastrnak, David Krejci (recovering form surgery), David Backes, Matt Beleskey, Jimmy Hayes, and Ryan Spooner. In addition the Bruins have acquired Dominic Moore, and veteran player, Peter Mueller, who has recently spent 3 years playing in Europe. So it won't be easy for Vatrano to break into the Bruins line up as a regular.

I personally think that Vatrano WILL become a Bruins regular for several reasons. First and foremost is his scoring punch which the Bruins definitely need. In addition he has been working on his all around game and has improved in this area significantly. Further is his attitude...to keep learning and improving his game, and his willingness to take on all competition in a positive way to play. Still further is his age, he is only 22 with a great future in front of him where he will only get better. Another major factor is that Bruce Cassidy, his coach at the Providence Bruins, will be on Boston's coaching staff this season. Cassidy helped develop Vatrano further and is fully aware of what he is capable of doing out there on the ice. A final and very important factor is the line that they place Vatrano on. When you have a guy who can definitely score you need to get him the puck. It is simple as that!

With the experience that he gained in the NHL last season. With his continuing dedication to improve his all around game. I believe that Frank Vatrano with not only break into the Boston Bruins line up as a regular, but he will become a star, not only this season, but for many years to come. 

Go Frank !

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service

(Note: Image News Service will be covering the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies this weekend.) 

UNH HOCKEY - TWO PLAYERS TO WATCH

University of New Hampshire Hockey

Two Players to Watch

Last season the University of New Hampshire Wildcats Men's Hockey Team posted an 11-20-6 record. Look for an improvement as Tyler Kelleher from Longmeadow, MA enters into his senior year. Last season for UNH Tyler posted 42 points in the tough Hockey East Conference in 39 games, including 18 goals and 24 assists. He looked very good in summer play at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield, MA that conducts one of the best off season summer hockey leagues in the nation. Tyler's younger brother, UNH commit, Charlie Kelleher, looked equally impressive in summer league play after outstanding season's with the Junior Bruins in the USPHL Premier Division. Many feel, myself included, that Charlie is ready to play for UNH now, but he will be playing for the Tri City Storm in the USHL for another year of high level Junior play. It would have been great to see the two brothers play together at UNH, but that is the way it goes!

(Photographs by Alfredo)

Another familiar player who will bolster UNH Hockey this season is Freshman, Brendan van Riemsdyk. Brendan hails from Middletown, New Jersey where he played for the hockey powerhouse, Christian Brothers Academy. For the last two seasons he played for a strong Islanders Hockey Club Team in the USPHL Premier Division. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2014-15 and last season he helped lead the Islanders to a 36-8 record and the Founders Cup Championship in the USPHL. In 49 games he had 53 points, including 21 goals and 32 assists. USA Junior Hockey Magazine called the USPHL the "Backyard of College Hockey" and "The Nations's Premier Hockey League".

Having witnessed Brendan play over many games he is a very good finesse player. Yet last season he clearly demonstrated the ability to combine finesse with strong physical play. He should be fully ready to play for UNH in the Hockey East Conference. He has good size at 6' 3" and 200 lbs. Brendan's two brothers, James and Trevor, now in the NHL,  followed the same path in playing for the Islanders Hockey Club and UNH before being drafted by the NHL.  

We will look for some exciting play by both Senior, Tyler Kelleher, and Freshman, Brendan van Riemsdyk, and a good season for UNH Hockey. They play nearby at the Mullins Center on October 28 vs. UMass Amherst, and at the Hartford XL Center on February 25 vs. UConn. They also have a career "cherish-able" moment in playing at Fenway Park against Northeastern on January 14. (Ask the players from Cathedral High School what a great thrill that was.)

Alfredo DiLascia

Image News Service