|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Home of the 20 Time State Champion
I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win.
Arnold Palmer
All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.
Martin Luther
Our Prayers are with you Caleb
| | |
| | | | | by
posted 03/01/2010
|
2010-11 Tryout Schedule
|
|
LEVEL
|
BIRTH YEAR
|
WED
3/17/10
|
THU
3/18/10
|
FRI
3/19/09
|
SAT
3/20/10
|
SUN
3/21/10
|
|
Mites
|
2002 & later
|
5:25 pm
White Rink
|
|
5:50 pm
White Rink
|
|
|
|
Squirt Minor
|
2001
|
6:35 pm
White Rink
|
|
6:00 pm
Red Rink
|
|
|
|
Squirt Major
|
2000
|
|
5:50 pm
White Rink
|
7:00 pm
White Rink
|
|
|
|
P/W Minor
|
1999
|
7:45 pm
White Rink
|
|
7:10 pm
Red Rink
|
|
|
|
P/W Major
|
1998
|
|
7:00 pm
White Rink
|
8:10 pm
White Rink
|
|
|
|
Bantam Minor
|
1997
|
|
8:10 pm
Red Rink
|
8:20 pm
Red Rink
|
|
|
|
Bantam Major
|
1996
|
8:55 pm
White Rink
|
|
9:20 pm
White Rink
|
|
|
|
Midget Minor
|
1994 & 1995
|
|
|
|
5:00 pm
Red Rink
|
12:40 pm
Red Rink
|
|
Midget Major
|
1992 & 1993
|
|
|
|
6:45 pm
Red Rink
|
2:25 pm Red Rink
|
The Tryout package is available here 
| | | | by
posted 03/01/2010 The Dual State Huskies would like to welcome back to Gerry Sullivan to the coaching staff. Gerry will join Coach Dave Peduto on the Pee Wee Minor Coaching staff.
Gerry played his youth and High School Hockey in Arlington, helping Arlington become a power house in the 70’s.
Gerry went on to play at Framingham State and the East Coast League.
Jerry previously coached in Burlington and with the Huskies for 5 years, helping develop some of today’s top High School players.
The Huskies a very excited about having, what we consider one of the area’s top coaches back behind the bench.
| | | | by
posted 02/04/2010 Announced last night at the Select Meeting. The Springfield Pics and the Wmass Blades have merged.
Begining 2010-11 season the Blade will have teams at 2 levels with their best team competing in the Mass Select League.
| | | | by
posted 02/01/2010 To all:
It is terribly unfortunate that injuries such as the ones sustained recently by the Norwood High School hockey players
cause us to rethink our safety programs.
My heart goes out to the players (both injured and not injured,
the families of these players, the coaches, and the administrators.
A broken neck with the broken bone causing laceration of the spinal cord is a very different injury
than a blow to the head causing a concussion.
There is no repair of a lacerated spinal cord.
The fracture of a cervical vertebra can be caused by axial compression when the head is down (chin on the chest).
Keeping your head up allows for some spring in the cervical spine, and greatly decreases the risk for cervical spine fracture.
There is no equipment that will decrease the risk for cervical spine fracture.
HEADS UP, DON'T DUCK!!!! will decrease the risk for cervical spine fracture.
Concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury - mTBI) is caused by the brain stopping short in the skull after the head is abruptly stopped.
The helmet cushions the skull and attenuated the force, but it doesn't stop the brain inside the skull from sustaining the impact.
Going into the boards with your head down can cause cervical spine fracture and can also cause mTBI.
Going into the boards with your head up will probably not cause a cervical spine fracture, but can cause mTBI.
To decrease the risk for paralyzing cervical spinal cord injuries, HEADS UP, DON'T DUCK!!
To decrease the risk for concussions (mTBI),
- wear a tight fitting helmet that does not move on the head,
- keep your chin strap attached (with two fingers or less space.
- use a mouth guard fitted by a dentist or approved by a dentist
(although there is no data suggesting that a mouth guard decreases the risk for mTBI),
- hydrate (a hydrated player makes better decisions and can make better plays),
- and think ahead (a player should be aware of what is going on on the ice or on the field,
and should try to not put his or her head in a situation that may lead to a concussion).
Yes, we should emphasize the Head Up, Don't Duck Program.
We become complacent. We forget.
In my lectures to coaches in Massachusetts and other areas, and to individual teams and programs,
I find that at least half the coaches and players have never heard of the HUDD Program.
I suspect in other affiliates, it is even worse
That's disappointing, and indicates that we are just not getting the information out there.
As for concussions, we've had a lot of information in the media thanks to the NFL.
The CDC has a terrific program that's available at no cost to everyone. Order it on the CDC website.
Some simple points about concussions.
- We no longer grade concussions - If a player is concussed, he or she is out of that game or practice.
The reason that we don't grade concussions is that it does not help in guiding us in returning the player to contact.
A better measure of the seriousness of the concussion is the length of time that the symptoms last.
- A player does not have to be knocked unconscious to have sustained a concussion.
Furthermore, being knocked unconscious does not necessarily mean that the concussion is more severe
than one in which there is no loss of consciousness.
- While several new helmets are available, there are no studies to suggest that one helmet is better than another.
However, I have great hopes for these new helmets.
- If a player is still having symptoms and signs of a concussion, he (or she) does not return to play. (When in doubt, sit them out!!)
- When a player returns to play, this return is in a graded fashion.
- We may need to require a physician's note for a player to return to play.
However, these physicians must be trained in recognizing and treating concussions.
- In studies of college ice hockey players and soccer players, the incidence of concussions in females was greater than that in male players.
We don't know why. The important point is that females are not immune to concussions!
Doc
Alan B. Ashare, M.D.
| | | | by brian ferraro posted 12/31/2009 Must see Video
Max vs. Sid
| | | | by
posted 11/24/2009
| | | | by
posted 10/24/2009 Please make sure players follow guide lines below:
Guidelines regarding H1N1
October 23, 2009
USA Hockey, with guidance from its Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Stuart, has issued the following information regarding the H1N1 infection, including some basic recommendations to reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection.
USA Hockey recommends:
- Provide individual water bottles. Do not share water bottles.
- Regularly wash hands.
- Clean workout gear for each practice/competition.
- Keep gloves on during the traditional handshake with opponents.
Individuals with influenza may develop typical signs or symptoms of: fever (102°degrees F or greater), cough, muscle aches, runny nose, headache, or sore throat with the potential for more serious complications, including. pneumonia.
This year’s influenza virus strain has particularly targeted children and young adults. Transmission of influenza virus may occur from the day before the onset of symptoms and during the 5-7 days that these symptoms are present.
Infected individuals should stay home until signs and symptoms have resolved and they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours. The 24-hour no-fever timeline should be achieved naturally, without the aid of fever reducing medications.
Additional information regarding H1N1 is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1Flu/
| | | | by
posted 10/11/2009 The Huskie 2000 Team has picked up where it left off last year as the team has gone unbeaten, untied and unscored on in its first four league games. New additions Michael Ayles, Joe Russo, Brandon Garneau and Sean Lynch (now full time) have further strengthened the defending state champions. Jacob Perrin remains the team’s anchor in net surrendering no goals through the first twelve periods of action this season. Returning Huskies include Michael Hayes, Frankie Bonanno, and Kelley Browne from Burlington with Cam Stairs, Matthew Carroll, Blake Lacombe, Ryan Kosinski, and Liam McDonough all playing for Groton this season. Nathan Donaldsin is the team’s veteran player with this being his third season with the Huskies. In its first four games, the team is averaging over 100 passes per game (36 minute game) while surrendering no goals against.
| | | | by
posted 09/28/2009 the Huskies 02 development team is starting to come together, we have a few spots remaining. The 02 team is open to players born in 2002 or after. This will be a very low cost option for the 02 to receive some qualtiy coaching and a chance to play at a higher level than their current team.
We will have a practice a week and play in a few jamborees & some additional non-league games. If you would like to be considered for our team please contact
| | | | by
posted 08/19/2009 Great Article - Please re-read if you already have seen this!
It is official, all youth athletics are nuts. Hockey may have earned the right of getting there first, but every other sport has now fallen in place. They are all too organized, travel too much, too expensive and too time consuming. We place put too much emphasis on keeping score and winning and too little emphasis on having fun.
As another youth hockey season descends upon us I have some simple advice for parents to help make your hockey experience more enjoyable.
Skip tryouts. Leave the rink, go to a movie, have dinner with your spouse, just stay away. If your child makes the A team, be happy and humble. If your child makes the B team, be happy and calm. Next to skill, the most important quality of a good athlete is confidence. Benefit: Stress Reduction.
Every rink has a water fountain. Save time and money on the Gatorade, because I’m not certain that 10 year-olds even have electrolytes. And if they do, I bet they have a lot of them. We only start losing things when we get older. Savings: 80+ games & practices @ $2.00 = $160.
They can carry their own bag and if they can’t it’s too big. You don’t carry your ki d’s backpack to school for them; you shouldn’t have to carry their hockey bag either. Donate your wheelie bag to a stewardess and get one that has to be carried. Benefit: Increased leg strength.
Kids can dress and undress themselves—go get a cup of coffee and relax. Once they have been through it a few times they can figure it out. And if they can’t, that is why they have teammates. Eventually they will get it on or off. Be patient. Benefit: Team Unity. (PS: Coffee is cheaper then Gatorade)
Teach them to tie their own skates as soon as possible—good skaters have loose skates, so let them get used to it early. As long as you keep tying them they are going to let you. Haven’t we learned this “helpless” lesson before? Benefit: Ankle strength.
New equipment is for Christmas, maybe a birthday—but should not be a birthright of every new season. Buy used equipmentE2a 58lb squirt doesn’t need the support of a $300 pair of skates. A $300 pair of skates could be worn by a 58lb squirt for ten years and still not be worn out—it’s basic physics. Today’s skates are as rigid as marine core training. Savings: $200+.
On the subject of skates, as soon as they are old enough to drive, they are old enough to get their own skates sharpened. If they tell you they don’t have time, compare your schedule to theirs, then hand the skates back to them. Benefit: Time for you & responsibility for them.
Buy wooden sticks. Force dealers to put them back on the stick rack; it is supply & demand economics. A 9 year old doesn’t need a composite stick unless he is 6’ and 200lbs, or you can buy a 10 flex. A wooden stick will do fine. Save me the sales pitch on response and feel. Until they can feel the difference between clean and dirty hair save your money. And like tying skates, they can learn to tape their stick much sooner than they would like you to believe. Savings: $200+. Benefit: Wrist stre ngth & eye-hand coordination.
Kids believe that the concession stand is an essential part of hockey—like their skates. If they go out and skate well, have fun and come off with a smile on their face—they don’t need a reward, except maybe a pat on the back. Walk past the concession stand a few times—I know we need to support the rink, but it shouldn’t be the place where you eat most of your meals.
They also don’t need breakfast at Perkins or lunch at Mc Donalds after every game or practice. Let them learn that the reward is hockey! It is a privilege to be able to play and if they don’t make their bed and feed the dog you will take it away. Benefit: Discipline, help around the house, more money for coffee.
Herb Brooks said it best, “The name on the front of the jersey is a heck of a lot more important than the name on the back”. This is a team sport; the sooner kids learn=2 0that, the better. Names on the back of jerseys are for when you get to the NHL. You should be able to figure out which one is yours without that visual aide. If you can’t, remember that is why we put numbers on the jerseys—those numbers aren’t a ranking system—they are for identification. Nobody wears two nametags at work, right? Benefit: Team Unity & Humility.
Don’t watch every practice—let them tell you about a few—they’ll enjoy it. Send them the message that you have more important things to do than watch the practice. This is not neglect, but common sense. If parents spent as much time helping kids with their homework as they do watching practice, our kids would all be getting straight A’s. This is their experience—not yours. Turn them loose. Benefit: Time.
Let your kids have fun. If their best friend calls on a Friday night and wants them to: a) go to a movie, b) go to the outdoor rink, c) go sledding, don’t say no because they have a game tomorrow, or in most cases three games. They are ki ds, if you haven’t noticed they don’t get tired. Do you ever remember being too tired as a kid? Let them go swimming at the motel, play football in the snow. AJ Hawk might need to sleep in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, but your kid doesn’t. Benefit: Balance, & a Happier Child.
Don’t try to coach—your team already has one. Pat them on the back after a tough loss and thank them for their time and effort. Buy them a cup of coffee and talk about anything, but hockey. Benefit: Respect.
Last, but not least, at an athletic contest you can be a player, a coach, a fan or an official—but you can only be one. For those parents who are confused, you are a fan. Cheer when your team does something well. Drink coffee the rest of the time, it tastes better than your foot. Benefit: More friends, fewer enemies.
Dan Bauer, head hockey coach at Wausau East High School in Wisconsin
| | | | by
posted 08/19/2009 The Boys of Winter
Wayne Coffey
One of the things Herb Brooks admired most about the Russians was their ability to
play at an elevated pace and sustain it for an entire game.
Sometimes sooner, sometimes later, that pace wouldcause opponents to break down,
shredding their comfort zone as if it had gone through a Zamboni.
To compete with them, Brooks knew his team could not merely move fast.
It had to think fast.
The way he wanted to play the Russians put tremendous demand on players to read plays, anticipate, move without the puck.
One of Tarasov's favorite sayings was,
“Speed of hand, speed of foot, & speed of mind, Teach it.”
Brooks taught it, and he had “Cardiac” Jack Blatherwick…to help him.
Brooks and Blatherwick were hockey soul mates, spending countless hours studying the Russians on film, constructing drills, creating practice plans that were scripted to the minute, the pace fast, the emphasis on quick movement and quick reaction.
| | | | by
posted 04/13/2009 Paul Jenkin's recently released his Skating Dynamics Spring \ Summer programs. go to the Documents link for more information
| | | | by
posted 04/04/2009
| MacDonald continues hockey tradition with Dual State 14-U Tier II team |
March 30, 2009
By Lok-Tin Yao
Special to USAHockey.com
In the case of the MacDonald family, several apples will not be falling from their hockey tree any time soon.
This hockey family resides in Westford, Mass. Blaise MacDonald is currently the head men’s hockey coach at UMass-Lowell. His wife, Carol, is the “hockey cheerleader” of the family, which is how she met her husband. Their younger two sons have also developed a love for the rink. Joseph, 9, mans the net at goalie and Jake, 7, is just starting in the Mite division. Even their youngest, daughter Carly, 5, is starting to skate.
In March, their eldest son Cam, 13, contributed a crucial Dual State Huskies goal in a 2-1 victory over the Middlesex Braves in the USA Hockey Massachusetts District 14-Under Tier II championship game. Dual State will continue its postseason at the USA Hockey National Tournament presented by Easton and McDonald's April 1-5 in Frisco, Texas.
Cam, a Buffalo Sabres fan, first laced up the skates at the age of 4.
“[My dad] used to coach at Niagara University, so I would skate out on that rink,” Cam said.
The right winger’s love for hockey would grow from there, and he became a natural scorer. He tallied four goals and two assists in four games during the Mass District Tournament.
Cam likely picked up his scoring touch, if not his quiet demeanor, from his dad. During his collegiate career at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Blaise set previous records for career assists (109) and points (119) by a defenseman. In 1983 and 1985, he led the Tigers to the NCAA Division II championship.
As a proud father, Blaise makes an effort to balance his work at UMass-Lowell with staying proactive in his son life. He still remembers when his son’s team won the state championship to qualify for the USA Hockey National Tournament two years ago. The nationals were held in Buffalo, N.Y., Cam’s birthplace and home for five years. Blaise would take his child through a trip of nostalgia, reuniting with old friends.
An experienced coach and player as a father can bring some tough love when it comes to hockey.
“He’s very grateful that I don’t coach him. I’m more of a yeller and demonstrative,” Blaise says.
Even so, Cam is always glad to get some tips and pointers from his dad.
“He is always supporting me, and telling me what I could work on,” Cam said.
Coach George Pop of the Huskies has reaped the benefits of Cam’s quick development as an athlete.
“I’ve coached him through some youth hockey and now the Dual State Huskies. He’s got some great skills, great work ethic, and he really works his tail off. He gives it his all,” Pop said of his experience with Cam.
Cam fits in perfectly with the Huskies.
“He’s a lot like much of our team, in that we have 17 guys that work really hard to play as a team. It’s really been the way our team has played all year long. And that’s just to give it 110 percent and work as a team,” Pop said.
After the seventh-grader finishes the hockey season, in the spring he grabs his mitt and cleats. Cam debates he’s “alright” on the baseball diamond, but Pop attests that “he is being modest.”
Blaise and Carol have instilled their experiences into their son, turning Cam into a special young man on and off the ice.
“Be kind to others,” and “there are people who win and people that don’t, and you can learn from both” are some of life’s lessons they have reiterated to their son.
Although Carol admits making sure that Cam does homework can be “tough at times,” both parents have seen their messages shine through Cam. As Pop confirms, “Cam is a great kid.”
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.
|
| | | | by
posted 03/27/2009 The 2009-10 Dual State Huskies Mite Team (2001) is looking for a second goaltender, if you are interested please contact
| | | | | | | | by
posted 03/16/2009 
| | 2008-09 Undefeated State Champions! | | | Huskie Mites Go Unbeaten – Win State Championship in OT
The DS Huskies 2000 team finished the season with a 3 – 2 overtime win against the NV River Rats capping a spectacular undefeated season that saw the team go 28 – 0 – 1 and win the State Championship. The team was anchored by its star goalie Jacob Perrin who shut down the River Rats after surrendering two first period goals. The team’s defense of Cullen Young, Michael Hayes, Matthew Carroll, Tim Kapetanakis and Mark Gallant were on their collective best all game limiting the opposing forwards and surrendering no break aways. Every player on the Huskie team seemed to have a chance to get the crucial third goal with point blank chances by Liam McDonough, Cameron Stairs, Frankie Bonnano, and Ryan Kosiniski and an assortment of chances from Kelley Browne, Ryan Leblanc, Kat Nikopoulous, Clare Conway and Blake Lacombe all being turned away in the second, third and overtime periods. In the end, it was Mark Gallant’s third goal of the game with 15 seconds left in overtime which sent the kids sticks and gloves flying in the air. Congratulations to the 2008/2009 Dual State Huskie Mite Team for an unprecedented season.
| | | | by
posted 03/15/2009 The Dual State Huskies sent two teams to the State Champoinships and came home with two titles!
The DS Huskie 2000 team finished the season with a 3 – 2 overtime win against the NV River Rats capping a spectacular undefeated season that saw the team go 28 – 0 – 1 and win the State Championship. The team was anchored by its star goalie Jacob Perrin who shut down the River Rats after surrendering two first period goals. The team’s defense of Cullen Young, Michael Hayes, Matthew Carroll, Tim Kapetanakis and Mark Gallant were on their collective best all game limiting the opposing forwards and surrendering no break aways. Every player on the Huskie team seemed to have a chance to get the crucial third goal with point blank chances by Liam McDonough, Cameron Stairs, Frankie Bonnano, and Ryan Kosiniski and an assortment of chances from Kelley Browne, Ryan Leblanc, Kat Nikopoulous, Clare Conway and Blake Lacombe all being turned away in the second, third and overtime periods. In the end, it was Mark Gallant’s third goal of the game with 15 seconds left in overtime which sent the kids sticks and gloves flying in the air. Congratulations to the 2008/2009 Dual State Huskie Mite Team for an unprecedented season.
| | | | by
posted 02/26/2009 The Dual State Huskies Provide the Opportunity to play at the Elite level in the Mass State Select League (Tier I & Tier II levels) from Mites thru Midgets. The Youth Hockey Player in Districts 2, 8, 9 & 10 and any player who's hometown program participates in the Dual State Hockey Leagues is eligible to tryout ( there is roster exemptions for players outside the geographical area). Bantam Majors and Midgets are open enrollment (anyone can troyut out).
We hope to see you at tryouts. For additional information contact
| | | | by
posted 01/23/2009 For the Second Year in a row the Dual State Huskies will be the host of the Mass Teir I State Playoffs. The top four Mass Hockey programs in the Select league will play for the state title and for the p\w's and Bantams, the winner will advance to the National Champoinships held in
Indian Trail, N.C., will host the Tier I and Tier II 12 & Under National Championships from April 1-5 at the Extreme Ice Center. The Charlotte Youth Hockey Association, Team Carolina Hockey Association and Extreme Ice Center will serve as the hosts for the event.
Frisco, Texas, will conduct the Tier I and Tier II 14 & Under National Championships from April 1-5 at the Dr Pepper StarCenter-Frisco. The Alliance Youth Hockey Association will be the host association.
| | | | by
posted 01/21/2009 2009-2010 Tryouts, will begin on March 18th - more info to follow
| | | | | | | | by
posted 01/08/2009 On Monday January 5, 2009 Mass Hockey voted in favor of the Squirt Major division in the Mass select League to become a "Full - TIme" Program emulating the P\W minor through Bantam Minor divisions, except the off-ice conditioning will be considered optional.
More info will follow when it becomes available
| | | | by
posted 12/04/2008 Hockey Helmets Recalled
02 Dec 2008
Hockey helmets have been recalled by Reebok due to head and neck injury hazard.
Click here for detailed information (PDF)
| | | | by brian ferraro posted 11/28/2008 Looking for Dual State Huskeis Apparel - It can be found here
FYI - Huskies Apparel is not a fundraiser you pay what we pay. feel free to contact Roy Directly (info on order form) or give your order form with either cash or a check made out to Roy Petersen.
they inturn will get the order(s) to me and I will get them to Roy For you.
Christmas orders should be turned in before December 10th
| | | | by brian ferraro posted 11/10/2008 The Dual State Huskie Mite Team improved to 13 – 0 – 1 with an impressive 10 – 3 win over the Valley Junior Warriors. Sparked by its four captains - Kelley Browne (2 goals, 2 assists), Frankie Bonanno (goal), Michael Hayes and Katerina Nikolopoulos – the Huskies soundly defeated the previously unbeaten Warriors. Clare Conway got the team off to a great start netting the game’s first goal 3 minutes into the game. Two Huskies – Mark Gallant and Cullen Young – both completed hat tricks with the line of Clare Conway, Kelley Browne and Cullen Young providing 6 of the team’s 10 goals. Jacob Perrin remains the team’s anchor making several key stops throughout the game.
| | | | by brian ferraro posted 11/03/2008 The Dual State Huskie Mite Team (12 – 0 -1) kept its unbeaten streak alive playing to a 2 – 2 tie with the Minuteman Flames AAA 2000 Team. Those who witnessed the game between the two division leaders – the Huskies in the Mass Select League and the Minuteman Flames in the Eastern Hockey Federation – saw a terrific exhibition of youth hockey highlighted by outstanding goaltending by Peyton Durand of the Flames and Jacob Perrin of the Huskies. Each goalie was called upon to make several spectacular saves as the two teams raced up and down the ice in a very exciting game. Patrick Borella started the scoring off for the Flames in the first period with a “top shelf” wrist shot with an assist from Jordon Harris. Cullen Young wristed home the second goal of the game off a pass from Peter Belbin making the game 2 – 0 midway through the second period. The Huskies came to life with Mark Gallant netting his first of two goals with 16 seconds left in the second period with an assist from Blake Lacombe and followed up with his second with 4 minutes remaining in the game on a feed from Cameron Stairs.
| | | | by
posted 10/23/2008 Long time Husky, Brodie Stone of Concord\Carlisle won the Dual County League's Individual Medalist in golf yesterday at Quail Ridge Golf Course.
Brodie and two others ties at 77 went to the Sudden death play-off and on the 2nd extra hole Brodie's Birdie was enough to pull out a victiry over Steve Winslow ,(who had a brief stint with the Huskies) of Cocord\Carlisle and Keith Webber of Acton\Boxboro.
You can read more at http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_10793052
Congratulations Brodie!
| | | | by
posted 10/10/2008
Copyright 2008 The Globe and Mail, a division of CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc.
All Rights Reserved
The Globe and Mail (Canada)
September 26, 2008 Friday
YOUTH-HOCKEY BURNOUT;
Pg. A3
The Great One's message to parents: Let your kids have fun;
It's important for children to play other sports,
says Gretzky after a spate of young stars have lost their desire for hockey
BYLINE: ERIC DUHATSCHEK
DATELINE: CALGARY
He doesn't pretend to have all the answers about youth-hockey burnout, but Wayne Gretzky knows what worked for him - and what works for his kids.
Mr. Gretzky reiterated yesterday a gospel that many Canadian parents have ignored - that too often, young hockey players can get burned out by the pressure and the time commitment.
"First of all, I think every kid is different," said Mr. Gretzky, a Hall Of Fame player and currently the coach of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes. "Some kids can play every day, all year long, like Gordie Howe - until they made him take his skates off( Gordie did not play summer hockey, there was no summer hockey in the 1940's). But that's a rarity, I really believe that.
"In youth hockey, in most cases,
it's really important for kids to play other sports
- whether it's indoor lacrosse or soccer or baseball.
I think what that does is two things. One, each sport helps the other sport. And then I think taking time off in the off-season - that three- or four-month window - really rejuvenates kids so when they come back at the end of August, they're more excited. They think, 'All right, hockey's back, I'm ready to go.' "
Mr. Gretzky's comments came after a handful of recent examples of young athletes who, for whatever reason, lost their desire for their sport.
Stefan Legein, a Columbus Blue Jackets' draft choice and a member of Canada's world junior championship squad, notified the team last month that he wouldn't be attending training camp, reportedly because he'd lost his passion for the game. Brandon Regier, a 16-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., passed on a chance to play for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League this year (he was the team's first-round choice in the bantam draft) because he wasn't interested any more. Colorado Avalanche prospect Victor Oreskovich, a second-round pick in 2004, retired last October and returned to school to complete a business degree.
Mr. Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leading scorer,
spent much of his youth as a multi-sport athlete and became good at both baseball and tennis as a youngster.
Winters, he'd spend hours skating on the backyard rink that his father, Walter, flooded every year in Brantford, Ont., once the weather got cold enough. But once hockey ended - and in that era, hockey usually ended in April - he was ready for something else.
Today, many young athletes, seeking to achieve an elite level in a single sport, often devote all their energies toward that pursuit.
Summer hockey camps are so common that many parents fear their children will be left behind if they don't participate in them.
"It's a fine line," Mr. Gretzky said.
"I know, for myself, when the hockey season was over,
I couldn't wait to play baseball.
I had no interest in playing ice hockey until September.
Then you get a guy like Gordie Howe, he couldn't skate enough. I don't have the answer, other than I think it's good for kids to participate in all sports."
Mr. Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones-Gretzky, have five children - and the three oldest have chosen different paths athletically. His oldest daughter, Paulina, was mostly a dancer. Ty spent a year playing hockey for Shattuck St. Mary's, a prep school in Minnesota, but is now devoting more time to golf. Trevor is a two-sport athlete at Westlake Village Oaks Christian - high-school quarterback on the same team as Trey Smith, son of Will Smith, and Nick Montana, son of Joe. Trevor is also the catcher on the school's baseball team.
Mr. Gretzky said he encouraged all his children to sample a variety of sports.
"I always tell them, at a young age, you should just go out and play, just enjoy it," he said.
"As you go along and you get better, then you can start thinking, 'Okay, I can go to school' or 'I've got a chance to maybe get a scholarship.' But at a young age, 12 or 13, 14, 15 - just play and enjoy it. Learn what it's like to be around your teammates - the highs of winning and the lows of losing. Just enjoy it - and my kids do that."
The year after he retired from the NHL, Mr. Gretzky coached his son Trevor's little-league team.
Over the years, one of the most frequent questions he's been asked by parents seeking his advice was to assess the chances of their children playing professionally.
According to Mr. Gretzky, there is a neighbouring town close by his Los Angeles residence that he described as "a baseball factory."
"But not one kid has ever made it to major-league baseball from there," Mr. Gretzky said.
"It's a tremendous program; a lot of them get scholarships and play Division 1, but to actually play major-league baseball, not one.
"But everybody asks the same thing, 'Do you think my son can make pro?' The answer is, he's 15, just enjoy it. Just let them have fun."
| | | | by
posted 09/29/2008 Please view the following video
http://www.nfhslearn.com/Resources.aspx
It is recomended that each player bring his or her own water bottle to each game, practice, Skill and off-ice training seesions.
| | | | by
posted 09/29/2008
Grin and Wear It®
More than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year through sports injury, accident, or play. Just as helmets, shoulder pads, and kneepads are worn to protect against sports-related injuries, mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, are an equally important piece of protective gear.
Grin and Wear It is a program sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society that educates parents and children on the importance of wearing mouthguards during contact sports.
|
|
|
.jpg "Soccer Kids") |
We Can Help You Avoid Putting A Lot of Money Where Your Mouth Is!
As part of the Grin and Wear It program, the Massachusetts Dental Society has enlisted the help of our member dentists across the state.
These dentists have volunteered to fit school-aged children with custom-made mouthguards at a discount or nominal fee. The amount of the discount is up to each dentist.
To find a dentist participating in this program, use the Find a Dentist search, or call the MDS at (800) 342-8747. And be sure to mention the Grin and Wear It mouthguard program when contacting participating dental offices.
|
What Are Mouthguards?
As the name implies, mouthguards help prevent injury to the mouth area, especially to the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue. Even athletes who use helmets or face masks should wear mouthguards, since they also protect against head and neck injuries by cushioning blows that could otherwise cause concussions or jaw fractures.
In Massachusetts, mouthguards are required in football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling.
The MDS recommends that adults and children wear mouthguards during all sports in which injury to the mouth may occur.
|
- Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a mouthguard.
- Mouthguard use prevents approximately 200,000 oral-facial injuries each year.
- The cost to repair a knocked out tooth and follow-up dental treatment can cost thousands of dollars—many times greater than the price of a mouthguard.
|
 |
Types and Care of Mouthguards
There are three different kinds of mouthguards. Each one is different in comfort, fit, and cost. Be sure to consult with your dentist to determine which mouthguard is best for you. However, because they offer the best protection and are considered the most comfortable to wear, the MDS recommends that athletes wear custom-made mouthguards when participating in contact sports.
|
Custom-Made Mouthguard:
This type of mouthguard is by far the best mouthguard in terms of its fit, comfort, and protection. It is made by a dental lab from a dentist's impression of the teeth. By pressure-laminating the mouthguard during its fabrication, the final product is designed to fit the athlete's mouth exactly.
Boil and Bite Mouthguard:
The boil and bite is a thermoplastic mouth-formed protector and is usually softened by immersing it in hot water. It is then shaped to the teeth by using finger, tongue, and biting pressure. This type of mouthguard, however, may not fit as well as the custom-made version.
Stock Mouthguard:
The ready-made or stock mouthguard is found at most sporting good stores. It comes in several shapes and is constructed of rubber or polyvinyl material. However, because little can be done to adjust its fit, it may be uncomfortable and can interfere with breathing and speaking.
|
|
Like other sports equipment, mouthguards can wear out, become lost, or deteriorate over time. After each use, clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
Check the condition of the mouthguard from time to time to see if it needs replacement. Tears and perforations can irritate the teeth and mouth tissues. These conditions also diminish the amount of protection the mouthguard can provide on the playing field.
As athletes grow, changes in tooth position and jaw size will also require changes in the mouthguard. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to have the fit of your mouthguard checked.
|
Special News for Orthodontic Patients
A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for those athletes who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.
Although mouthguards typically cover only the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard on your bottom teeth, as well, if you also have braces on your lower teeth.
(And remember, do not wear a retainer or other removable appliances while participating in any contact sports.)
|
| | | | by
posted 08/26/2008 Congratulations to the Dual State Huskies Mite team winning 6 games in three days while losing none in the Central Mass Outlaws Select Tournament. The team scored 39 goals while allowing only 9 against in its successful defense of the Mite Division Title.
The Dual State Huskies have now one the Mite Division at the Central Mass Outlaw's Labor Day Classic the last the years. Current Head Coach Gallent (last years assitant head coach) continued with the tradition Coach Peduto set the last two years by taking the Labor day Classic. Hopefully this is just the begining for a very tallented group and of players and coaches.
| | | | by
posted 08/26/2008 The Squirt Minor team (99) is still looking for 1 goalie & 2 position players. IF oyu are interested in joining the Huskies Contact
| | | | by
posted 08/21/2008 The Practice & Skill Sessions have been posted on each teams Schedule thru Nov. 6th.
The Goalie schedule will be added ASAP
For the P\W's & Bantam Minors -- All players are required to have Black Helmets, Gloves ( Black with White good) & Black Hockey Pants. Off-ice training is mandatory ( MassHockey Player development) .
I will post the remainder of the practice schedule ASAP
Hope every has a great season!
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me
Brian
| | | | by
posted 06/05/2008
We are currently looking for two players for the Tier II U-18 Midget team. If you are interested please contact me ASAP at
| | | | | | | | by brian ferraro posted 03/17/2008 The Bantam Minor team won the State Tournament on Sunday & will head to the National Tournament in New Jersey April 2nd thru 6th.
The Huskies went into this weekend on a 7 game winning streak and having only lost 2 games since the end of November.
On Friday night the Huskies took on the 2nd place west. Mass Blades and scored the first four goals to roll to a 4-1 win. On Saturday the Huskies had 2 games to play and first up the 4th place NV River Rats. Huskies came out a little flat and ended up on the wrong side of 3-1 game. On the second game of the day the Huskies new they needed a win to make it to the finals and came out flying, scoring the game first 5 goals and rolled to a 7-3 win. This was a great win as they had 7 different goal scorers and dominated the game from the time the puck was dropped to the final buzzer. The Win put the Huskies in the finals and a chance to represent Mass Hockey at the Nationals!
Having to go all out on Saturday night and being down 3 players (2 to injuries) the Huskies new it would be a tough game against the 4th place River Rats.
The Huskies jumped to an early 1-0 lead and it held up to the Huskies gave up a power play goal a third of the way though the second period. The game was going back and forth with both teams coming up empty on their chance until the Rats scored with 3:14 to go in the second period. The Lead held up until 9:44 of the third when the Huskies tied it up. mid way through the third period the Rats to a penalty and the huskies put on a show moving the puck around and finally took the lead, though the ref missed the puck going into the net and with the Huskies celebrating in the corner the play continued & the Huskies had to regroup and held their poise as the play continued to what seemed like a "forever" with 5:50 left in the third period the play finally stop and the Ref could check with his linesman to see if they saw the goal. After about a minute of discussion the referee awarded the goal to the Huskies. After explaining to both teams the decision the play continued and at 4:01 the pesky Rats stormed back to tie the game. Both teams continued to get their chances the teams ended the third tied at 3.
The overtime started and both teams went right back to work, and both goalies continued to come up big for their respected teams. at 8:05 of the overtime the Huskies took a penalty. for the next minute the Rats pressured the Huskies and the penalty unit kept them outside to limit their scoring chances. Though the next 20 seconds turned the game around for the Huskies. They managed to get the puck into the neutral zone and took position of the puck bringing it over the Rats blue line only to have the puck come back to the Neutral zone at which point the Huskies stepped up and took possession and went in to score the game winner shorthanded!
This was a complete team effort, playing short to begin with the Huskies team and the coaching continued to roll and have only lost 3 games since November - great effort and a they capped of a Great Day for the Huskies!
Good Luck in New Jeresy!
| | | | | | | | by
posted 03/14/2008 Huskies U-18 Goalie Dave O'Brien Leads Bishop Guertin to another New Hampshire State Champoinship!
See WMUR Channel 9 Video
| | | | | | | | by
posted 03/10/2008 The Dual State Huskies will be well represented in the Massachusetts Select Playoffs.
The Huskies have the honor of being the ONLY Select Program with a team at each of Full Season Player Development levels vying for a State Title & represent Massachusetts in the National Tournament.
Both the Pee Wee (Minor & Major) teams and the Bantam Minor team are making their State Tourney bid under hard work and dedication from not only all the players but the coaching staffs as well.
Both the P\W teams finished in 3rd place one point out of 2nd place and the Bantam Minors also finished in 3rd place 4 points out of 1st place.
All playoffs will be held at Skate III Tyngsboro - Come and Support our Teams!
Good Luck to all Teams -- and remember ICHIBAN!
| | | | by
posted 03/10/2008 Lozzis: Twin ’em up ( link to Boston Herald Article)
Huskies Note -
Both Dominique & Michael played for the 1990 Huskies under Coach Paul Picano
Michael continues to play for the Huskies U-18 Team
Dominique played through the Bantam Major Season and continues to practice with the Huskies when no conflicts arise from her current team
| | | | by
posted 03/10/2008 Current Huskies have Success at Area High School Championships!
Congratulations and Good Luck to Micheal Lozzi and the Reading Rockets - two more wins!
NH State Champions
Bishop Guertin
David O'Brien
Spencer Roth
Sean White
Massachusetts Division I North Champions
Westford Academy
Derek Dirubbo
Jim Houghton
Mike young
Massachusetts Division II North Champions
Wilmington
Eric Siegel
Currently still playing for his team in the Super Eight
Reading
Mike Lozzi
Massachusetts Division III North Finalst
Concord \ Carlisle
Michael Anastos
Alex MIlofsky
Brodie Stone
Michael Van Siclen
Please forward any name we may have missed in this news item
| | | | by
posted 01/30/2008 The Dual State Huskies will now have 2 teams at the Midget Minor and Midget Major Levels. Currently we had one team at each level and with two age groups combining at each of the Midget levels, we wanted to insure we had enough spots available(to tryout for) for all players who played for us the previous year.
The Huskies will place the second team at each Midget level in the "year old " Mass Tier II Midget Development League. Which Currently has some very strong teams. Both the South Boston and Wellesley Midget teams will represent Mass Hockey at the Tier II nationals this coming season - Good Luck to both teams!
Midget Tryouts begin March 29th - tryout info will be posted ASAP
| | | | by
posted 01/29/2008 The Tier I Playoffs have been moved to Skate III in Tyngsboro this season.
The Squirt Minor and Squirt Major Playoffs will be played on the weekend of March 8th & the Mites, Pee Wee and Bantam Minor levels will be played starting March 14th.
Playoff dates and times will be posted on the Mass Hockey Web site ASAP
Good Luck to teams!
| | | | by By Mike Scandura posted 03/27/2007 By Mike Scandura March 16, 2007
Special to usahockey.com
Seven proved to be a lucky number for the Dual State Huskies. Coach George Popp’s team played the Central Mass. Outlaws for the seventh time this season on March 11, and they skated away with a 4-1 victory in the championship game of USA Hockey’s Massachusetts District Tier II 12 & Under Boys’ Tournament at Marlboro’s New England Sports Center.
Brendan Robbins, Jack Wilkie, Andrew Popp and Adam Kmetz accounted for the scoring, as the Huskies (who won the Massachusetts Select League title) improved to 28-3-5 and punched their ticket to USA Hockey’s National Championship in Buffalo, N.Y.
Popp had a premonition that his Huskies, who finished 4-1-2 overall vs. Central Mass., would hook up more than once with the Outlaws before the final buzzer sounded.
“We play in a very competitive league and we knew coming into this tournament it was going to be a battle, because we had very close games [during the regular season] with each of the four teams we were playing,” said Popp. “We had great games with [the Outlaws]. Really, there were never any one-sided games. They always were very closely-checked games.
“We knew we probably were going to have to play them twice in order to make it to Nationals. I really was proud of my kids because they played hard.”
Unlike in Saturday’s preliminary round game, the Huskies also played ahead.
Central Mass. grabbed a 2-0 lead by the midway point of the second period during the preliminary round, before Dual State rallied for a 6-3 victory. In the rematch, Dual State led 2-0 nearly halfway through the middle period.
Robbins gave Dual State a 1-0 lead by snapping home a pass from Jack Eichel at 8:22 of the first period. Then, about four minutes later, Andrew Popp intercepted a clearing pass and scored on a wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle.
Popp’s goal came moments after Central Mass. goalie Riley Witham had robbed Stephan Crocker.
“When we’re successful, we keep the forecheck on them and we seemed to do that,” said coach Popp, referring to his son’s goal.
The Outlaws sliced their deficit in half with a power play goal at 8:51 of the second, when Hunter Burdick set up Kevin Merle's slap shot from the left circle -- 17 seconds after the penalty was assessed.
Then, after the Huskies were hit with a minor, Central Mass. had an opportunity to tie it. Wilkie and Robbins, though, teamed up for arguably the game’s key play, with Wilkie scoring a shorthanded goal at 13:20 on a wrist shot from about 12 feet out.
“We were on them early and had a 2-0 lead, and then they scored,” said coach Popp. “Then, we really knew we were in a fight at that point. We had a few more penalties than we would have liked, but that shorthanded goal changed the game.”
Dual State put the game out of reach when Kmetz finished off a two-on-one rush with Dan Moynihan at 3:06 of the third period. Kmetz scored top shelf with a wrist shot.
Coach Popp felt as much as anything the Huskies’ depth was a key to his team’s success in the tournament.
“Unlike maybe some teams, we play three lines,” he said. “We have a very deep team compared with some of the teams in our league. We have three very solid lines and try to play quick shifts.”
Playing in a national tournament isn’t something that’s built into the schedules of teams in the Dual State program.
“I would say we’ve had a couple of teams go to Nationals, but maybe not as many as some of the other programs,” said coach Popp. “Some of the other programs, like the Valley Warriors and the Middlesex Braves and South Shore, maybe have had a few more.
“But the Dual State program had four teams -- Pee Wee minor, Squirt major, Squirt minor and Mites -- make it to this tournament. The Squirt minors also won their division, so it was a good weekend all the way around for the Dual State Huskies. Maybe this is indicative of a change in our fortunes."
Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.
| | | | by brian ferraro posted 03/26/2007 
The 2006-07 State Champoin Dual State Huskies Pee Wee Minors are headed to New York for the National Champoinships!
After winning the league Title with a 25-3-5 record, the Huskies went into the playoffs as the the Heavy Favorite, going 5-0-4 against the other three playoff bound teams during League play!
They Started with the round robin with a 6-2 win over Greater Boston on Friday night. And then came the early game, but escaped with a 3-3- tie. Looking good going into saturday night the Huskies turned the jets on a beat the second play CM Outlaws 6-3. And the Jets never cooled off as the Huskies skated to 4-1 victory over the Outlaws in the Finals on Sunday.
They are now head off to Buffalo New York for the Tier II National tournament. to check to see how the Huskies are doing go to U12 Tier II Nationals
GOOD LUCK HUSKIES & HAVE FUN!
| | | | by Brian Ferraro posted 03/26/2007 No program sent more teams to the playoffs this season, than the Dual State Huskies . The DS Huskies had 5 teams make it to the playoffs, winning 2 and losing 1 Final.
For more info see below:
Congratulations to all Teams!!!!
The hard work started back in November when the U-16 Midget team went into the playoffs with a record of 7-3-1, good enough for a 3rd place finish. This group of players has been always in the mix for the League and State titles going back to their Pee Wee Days. Coach Paul Picano has always had them ready to play and his record shows it.
Going into the March the Pee Wee Minor Huskies had not lost a league game since Dec. 2 going 14-0-3 . heading into the playoffs they were the heavy favorite to win and they did. A great season and a great group of Players & Coaches - Good Luck in Buffalo! - see Pee Wee Minors Are Headed to New York.
What can you say about this next group of players! winning the last 2 State Championships, losing 1 league game in two years - Just Awesome! The Squirt Majors went into the playoffs for the 3rd year in row . Second as the favorite, but it just was not in the cards running up against a goalie who stopped everything but the kitchen sink!
Going 1-3-1 in their last five league games, the Squirt Minor Huskies still managed to squeak into the playoffs, but the sure managed to grease the wheels when the hardware was on the line. Winning the last 2 games of the season was enough to make them the State Champs!! see Squirt Minors win States!
The Last and certainly not forgotten Playoff team was the Mite Black team going going 6-1-1 in their last game 8 games to finish in a 3-way tie for first(13-3-2 in League play). With the 3-way tie for first the Huskies new it was going to be a grind ( as it had all year) to move forward. Unfortunately it was not their day as they came up on the short end of the stick in a hard fought 2-1 loss to the Northstars.
| | | | by Brian Ferraro posted 03/25/2007 
The Squirt Minors won the Squirt Minor Tier I State Championship. Finishing 9-7-2 for the 4th place playoff seeding. The Huskies were not considered the favorite, But in true Huskies' fashion they out worked the 1st place Mariners and came out with a 3-2 win and managed to carry the momentum into the finals against the Greater Boston League Bruins ( 2nd place in league play)with a 2-1 finish. This Huskies team worked hard all weekend and receive the hardware to prove it!
| | | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
