Season of Growth - 2010 Flames - 2022-2023

March 20, 2023 – Season of Growth – 2010 Flames – 2022-2023

In a season that didn’t know when to quit, it suited the 2010 Flames (The 2 Team) just fine. Because this team doesn’t know how to quit.

Back on September 9, 2022 the Flames played their first game of the new season. Jacob St. Pierre scored the first goal of the season on the power play, in a 2-1 loss. Teddy Beal and Sean McGee assisted on the season opening goal. 190 days later, fall had come and gone, winter was almost completed, it was literally a new year, and the 2010 Flames played their last game of the season. They lost, 4-2 in Regionals. Ian Kaveney scored the final goal of the season, on the power play. Teddy Beal and Jaden Booth assisted on the season closing goal.

Can you believe that this team, this hockey family, was together pursuing the same goals for more than 190 days? And you wonder why I call it our hockey family. That’s exactly what it becomes. Especially when good people surround us at every sheet of ice we freeze next too. It’s a special bond for sure. Kids see their schoolmates at school for 180 days a school year at most. These hockey players see each other almost as much, and probably spend more quality time together than they do with their schoolmates.

What’s even better is the galvanization of the team under the pressure of competition, overcoming adversity, and goal orientated achievements. Galvanization is a process used to protect metal from corrosion or undermining. Undermining means to weaken or ruin by degrees. I would apply the same exact phrases to what it means to become a hockey family, season after season. A process to protect and strengthen as to offset weakening and ruin. That is the 2010 Flames team. The 2010 Flames hockey family.

A Season of Growth – I picked this title for the obvious reasons that you might think of. Like the kids growing closer together, or the kids actually physically growing, or even becoming better players along the way. I also chose this title because growth doesn’t happen independent of other seasons. Neither does growth happen disconnected from the people in the program that foster the atmosphere for optimal growth. This is critical stuff.

Why do I think it is so critical? While I would never be the guy to shoot down an athlete’s dreams of the NHL or a professional career. I think we all know what the most likely hockey pool most of our players will end up being a part of, if they continue to pursue hockey. That is not a bad thing.

While it is true that the furtherance of a playing career might not be garnered at this age. It is entirely possible, however that a player this age gets blown out of their sport by a miserable experience for a season. Imagine loving a sport, the game, and in one season wanting never to play it again. That just should not happen to kids.

I am not a harbinger of doom and gloom but this latter scenario plays out way, way too often in sports. And almost always the reason it happens is fully on the shoulders of the parents or the coaches. Agendas that are solely focused on one players or a few players are not good for the entirety of a team. Also destructive is the coach that pursues wins like their livelihood depends on it. These teams usually end up with a fragmented roster that crushed the riches of roster into mere ags. I have a son that quit baseball because of this very real experience.

Maybe our kids go on to play high school hockey and that ends up being the highest level they play. Maybe others play Varsity hockey in college while getting their degree, or even play ACHA hockey. The American College Hockey Association (ACHA) is the fastest growing body of hockey in North America. Perhaps some players will go on to play professionally overseas or in North America.

Family is family. And this hockey family is fantastic. 2010 Flames for Christmas time 2022.

In each of the cases above it is highly likely that the players who achieve the highest level of hockey will be noticed regardless of where they play. Not only that, the players that put the most time into their passion outside of their team workouts and games will be the ones most likely to go on to higher levels. It’s definitely not based on the most games played, or even at what level at this age.

If that were true the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team would not have blown open the doors for kids from the US to play hockey at the highest levels. Most of that team played way less youth hockey than any of our kids do today. But I bet, on the average, that they played with more love for the game and for a lot more hours. They played because they had so much fun being kids playing a game. This was true of other sports too.

The atmosphere those kids played in was not shaped by parental guidance or coaching agenda. It was shaped by kids at play, loving every minute of it. They played with their friends for hours on end. I see it like this, the more you play without being coached, the better you will be. Not only that, the love for the game bolstered by the pure joy of being a kid at play will be with you always.

When I was growing up, I had become a good enough player to play either baseball or basketball in college. I loved the coaches I had along the way but I was probably the least coached kid I knew. We just didn’t have the money to play sports outside of the town teams or school teams. So, my world outside of school, church, and family meals was sports, all of them. In the yard. At a court anywhere I could find one. On an open field anywhere, pastures included. I spent more hours playing sports by myself than anyone I knew.

I joke with my Mom that we never left the house when we were kids, which is more true than it isn’t. So, I played. I threw balls to myself, baseballs, footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, tennis balls, soccer balls, you name it. I hit them. I chased them. I caught them. I ran with them. I bounced them. I threw rocks for accuracy. I hit rocks with a bat to see if I could hit a batted rock exactly where I wanted that rock to go. I honed my skills constantly. Usually by myself.

I had zero interest in going to college, even if sports were the reason I would be there. While my brother and I, along with other friends, were recruited to go play baseball for this team, or that team, we never left our friends. Seriously, I never even considered it. Of note, I also played way more baseball and basketball along with hockey, football, volleyball and tennis outside of any organized sports.

The point is this, if a kid is having the best time possible doing what they love to do, alongside people they love being around, isn’t that the best place to learn. I mean, maybe at age 15 or 16 when a kid wants to focus on one sport or start to think about specializing, that might be different. But for the child athlete, shouldn’t joy forever be synonymous with the sport you play. If you find that special place, then shoot for the stars, laughing all the way.

Way back in September. I swear these kids look tiny compared to now. Season of Growth is for real.

Season of Growth – September – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

September games: 4.
September record: 1-2-1.
Goals for: 13.
Goals against: 14.

The season started way too early, as I say every year, but I am slow to change. Or to accept change. The season started on a slow pace that went away quickly and stayed for the remainder of the season. We had our team. A new team, as four players had moved up to the ‘1 Team’. But the nature of Coach Nick’s teams are based on effort, accountability to one another, treating each other with respect, and teamwork on and off the ice.

It didn’t take too long for the players to buy in. Parents, well we are adults (in age at least) and we reserve the right to take four months before introducing ourselves. I say this in fun, as I am probably the worst at this. Meanwhile my wife knows the newcomer’s extended families before I even know who is on the roster.

Season of Growth – October – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

October games: 9.
October record: 6-2-1.
Goals for: 46.
Goals against: 20.
1 shutout loss.
1 shutout win.

October was a strange month. Not because of Columbus Day or because of Halloween. It was odd because of Tiers. The 2010 Flames played a pair of GSL T4 games, winning by a combined score of 23-2 (Sounds like New Canaan, CT). Then as we moved up to GSL T3 we played the Concord Elite team and the Flames were shutout, 5-0. Then Concord moved up to GSL T2. So, we did not actually end up playing a GSL T3 team until after Veteran’s Day (that’s in November).

: This picture was captured in October. Logan should have been Elf for Halloween.

: Here in this grouping, there is one who is called “The Inadvertent Screamer”.

: “Yes, Travis, I know. But the question and answer period will start promptly just 15 minutes after the game ends.”

: Shaking hands with opponents after a contest. Collect yourself, be a good sport, and move forward.

: The flex of the stick and the blade make it look like this shot is behind his blade. It wasn’t. The shot indeed went toward the net.

: I swear this picture is from October 2022. These kids have definitely grown.

: The Flames briefly celebrate their win with Will in the midst. They held on for a 7-6 victory.

: Oh wait, how’d this get in here? Sebastian scores the first goal of the weekend down at the University of Delaware.

Season of Growth – November – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

November games: 13.
November record: 8-3-2.
Goals for: 70.
Goals against: 30.
CAN/AM Bronze Medal – Lake Placid, NY.
Turkey Shootout Champs.
2 shutout wins.
Happy Thanksgiving!

November was a tournament month. The 2010 Flames played 13 games in the month, and 9 of them were in tournament play. It was such a fun month of hockey. How can anyone forget going to Lake Placid and skating on the Olympic Rink? Of course the kids were able to play on the 1980 Rink. The weather was above perfect for November. What a special trip. Winning their last game of the trip to secure the Bronze Medal was nothing short of awesome!

The 2010 Flames won the Turkey Shootout, going 5-0. They played some lesser competition but played really well in the tighter games and earned the Championship on the ice.

: I took a walk while I was waiting for the Opening Ceremonies to start and I stumbled upon this scene outside. The teams were getting together so that they could march into the arena. © 1inawesomewonder 2022.

: The 1980 Rink at Lake Placid. The teams enter during opening ceremonies.

: I took this picture from my seat at the top of my section, across the ice to the far boards where the players were lined up. I think they look awesome!!! © 1inawesomewonder 2022.

: The Flames won, 3-2. The horn sounded. The team immediately skated with conviction to Will. Not all measurements require numbers.

: Teddy reaches the larger celly and Chase just accepts his fate.

: Winning is not ‘everything’. The kids playing for each other, feeling and expressing pure joy while achieving results they weren’t sure they could achieve, has to be pretty close to ‘everything’.

: Often times the ultimate statement in sports. The scoreboard.

: We had such a good time at the tournament in Lake Placid. At the rink, in the village, at the hotel, visiting with our hockey families, up and down the hill, it was awesome!

: Turkey Shootout 2022. The Flames were on a roll!

: Turkey Shootout 2022. The Flames get a chance to come together after scoring a goal.

: The 2010 Flames. Turkey Shootout Champions!

: Team picture of the 2010 Flames as Champs in November!

Lake Placid. Herb Brooks Arena. Taken from the stands.

2010 Flames. CAN/AM Bronze Medalists! Lake Placid, NY. (Photo taken by official photographer for the tournament)

Season of Growth – December – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

December games: 11.
December record: 6-5-0.
Goals for: 39.
Goals against: 29.
Winter Classic Finalists.
1 shutout loss.
1 shutout win.
Merry Christmas!

As December blew in, the 2010 Flames were knocked down a few pegs after winning some hardware in November. They started the month by losing 4 of their first 5 games, before beating the Islanders (who they lost to in September). Then they got crushed by the 2011 Flames. They bounced back on Christmas Eve by finally overcoming the Monarchs. They shared Secret Santa gifts and loved every second of it.

The 2010 Flames finished December and 2022 by winning three straight games in the Winter Classic, including a 3-1 win over Presque Isle, ME on New Year’s Eve.

: Flames celebrate a goal scored back in the first week of December.

: This gathering came as a result of a goal scored against the Shamrocks.

: I have always loved these pictures. Partly because I know pumped up Coach Nick is about his team.

: The Flames held on to the 3-2 lead and won the game. Later the team tried to fit everyone in the crease without dislodging the net like they did in Lake Placid.

: The 2010 Flames the week before Christmas. JFK Coliseum.

Season of Growth – January – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

January games: 13.
January record: 7-4-2.
Goals for: 35.
Goals against: 33.
Winter Classic Champions (X2).
1 shutout win.
Happy New Year!
Shocked the 2011 Flames, 3-2.

On New Year’s Day the 2010 Flames won their second straight Winter Classic Championship, in Overtime! It was a great game against the Monarchs with both teams playing well. You can see that story here.

“Cooper Lazzaro alertly scooped up a pass intended for an opposing forward at center ice. Cooper worked to his right, skating through a stick check on his way into the O-zone and the right circle. Another defender was already back but Cooper’s shot was away before the defensive player could get to him. The defender created a bit of a screen and Lazzaro’s shot was perfect. The puck rose quickly and hit the net in the top corner, far side, under the bar, where Grandpa hides the candy that is saved for the most special of occasions. Lazzaro unassisted, overtime, Championship game-winner, 2-1. Back to Back Champs!”

“Will and Travis – You don’t win Titles without these two. You just don’t. Great job guys! You may have been underrated in this tournament because of the offensive zone pressure and possession time of the entire team. But you were huge when needed! 3 goals allowed in 4+ Tournament games is not possible without your contributions.

Plus, Travis told me that it’s pretty fun to be swarmed by the team on the ice. The pictures back that up!”

With the end of December tournament and a full January schedule, the Flames played 17 games in 31 days. They also had 8 practices during this time. 25 hockey family gatherings for team events in 31 days. Ya, it’s critical that the atmosphere the team operates in be a nurturing one for the kids.

: Sesame Street came by and asked which one of these doesn’t belong. I said beat it, this is the 2010 Flames and they all belong.

: On ice demonstration of closeness. I have literally raked leaf piles bigger than this pile, but man, these are fun!

: With a pesky checker on him and a bit of an obstacle in front of him…Lazzaro Scores! Flames Win in OT! (Update: March 21, 2023: This is still awesome!)

: The “Act like you’re having fun” Photo from the Winter Classic Championship postgame.

: Just a moment along the boards on another frozen sheet of ice. All the moments matter.

: It’s surprising to see that none of the other players tried to reach higher than Logan. Hmmm.

: So much to see here. Coach Adam is completely exasperated to find no water bottles. Coach Dave sneaks off with bottles. While the sticks are in a row. Coach Nick is saying something like, “on the one hand…” McGee catches a snooze.

: Flames win it! A come from behind victory to start the weekend.

Season of Growth – February – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

February games: 14.
February record: 7-5-2.
Goals for: 46.
Goals against: 33.
1 shutout loss.
4 shutout wins.
Only played 5 games in Manchester, NH out of 14 games.
Played last home game of the season at West Side Arena on Feb. 18th.
Outscored opponents 18-9 in 3rd periods.
Took 64 penalties.

February was a physical month on the ice. Every team playing for the playoff spots, or at least playing better than they did in the first half of the season. I do believe that the weight of the 2010 Flames schedule started to take its toll. In January the Flames played 10 of their 13 games in NH. In February, they played on the road all month even though some of those games were in NH, it was a lot of driving. Then add the fact that the 14 games were played in a span of 23 days. That’s heavy.

Below are pictures from February where my hockey loves all collided and overlapped. Give and take. Hockey family all around to help carry the load. I am busy, but so very blessed. Thank you.

: We spend a lot of time laughing at ourselves, mostly because nobody else will. (Jen Webber Photography)

: Looking at our flag and the folks working the booth. And of course, playing some tunes. 2010 Flames at JFK.

: A panorama of JFK Coliseum. I like doing these because, maybe they are cool?

: Two of four loves, Family. Ohio Hockey. 2010 Flames. Goffstown Hockey.

: Two keepers of the crease, passing in the open ice. Flames banner hangs, Flames logo brought to life, shift after shift.

: I hope that these kids don’t soon forget the encouragement they receive and the inspiration that pushes them to new heights. And men, never forget those little reasons why you are behind the bench.

: Covering Goffstown Hockey from the Whittemore Center out at UNH. (Photo by Jen Webber Photography)

: Standing on the cold concrete along side a 17,000 square foot frozen slab of ice, on purpose.

: The Flames celebrate one of their five goals en route to their 5-0 shutout victory down at Skate 3.

Season of Growth – March – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

March games: 10.
March record: 4-5-1.
Goals for: 24.
Goals against: 30.
2 shutout losses.
Exactly 0 games played in the state of NH.
Played at rinks 43 miles away, 66 miles away, 76 miles away, 77 miles away, and 48 miles away from West Side Arena.
Every game was a playoff game.
Reached the Final 4 of the FED.
Reached the Final 4 of GSL T3.
One of three teams to leave Regionals with a winning record.
10 games played in 15 days, all on the road, all against playoff teams.

The playoff schedules this year were certainly less travel-friendly than in other seasons, but the 2010 Flames were still amazing! Even in the losses the Flames played so well. The team’s “limiting steps” still get in the way, but that is part of growth. Fail better the next time. It’s okay. Failure is a part of life, but shouldn’t be a defining part of life. In a season of growth, the 2010 Flames absolutely grew! I look forward to more growth. I look more 2010 Flames Hockey.

And, of course, I look forward to more time with our hockey family. I look forward to watching our kids having the times of their lives, alongside friends from near and far. The hockey family is a special dynamic, but it’s not the same everywhere. Nor is it the same every season. I have personally witnessed a loving, nurturing, fun-loving hockey dynamic change to toxic and destructive in one off-season all because a few adults wanted to “WIN” more.

Some families “took their kids talents to South Beach”. Sorry, I got off track. I mean, they left to pursue the greener grass of ‘better competition’ only to beg readmittance a season later because of how miserable their kids were. Coaches changed. It was a train-wreck.

What’s worse is that the damage was done primarily to the kids. THE KIDS! Are you kidding me?!?! The KIDS ARE THE REASON the sport is even offered. I mean, come on! It IS NOT about the Coaches (even though we love ours). It IS NOT about the parents or their agendas. Offer encouragement and support, love always. And if you find your kid playing a sport they love in an environment that they literally cannot get enough of, then stay out of the way. If our kids go to the NHL or never even tryout for high school hockey, but love every minute of youth hockey, there is nothing wrong with that. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS.

Season of Growth – 2022-2023 – 2010 Flames – Hockey Family

Total games: 74.
Total record: 39-26-9.
Goals for: 273.
Goals against: 189.
5 shutout losses.
9 shutout wins.
1 OT Winner.
1 Bronze Medal.
2 Tournament Championships.
2 Final 4 appearances.
Played in the USA Hockey Tier 3 New England Regionals.
Most dominant period of play: The second period, where the Flames outscored opponents, 97-59.
Worst period of play: The first period, where the Flames outscored opponents, 85-74, but after Thanksgiving that ratio read like this: Flames 41 goals, Opponents 58 goals.
Final 16 games were played away from West Side Arena.
Incredible plays: Countless.
Adversities overcome: Countless.
Awesome player and team achievements, big and small: Countless.
Incredible memories made playing for the same logo: Countless.
Smiles and celebrations: Countless and priceless alike.
Realizing you were smiling throughout the entire season: Priceless.

Obviously, I am a stat geek. I have been since I first learned to score a baseball game on a scorecard when I was 5. Numbers have their place, but they aren’t everything. But here’s something to think about when it comes to games, winning, and kids. If I, or we, count so many categories listed above as ‘priceless’ or ‘countless’ and we count wins at 39, then what should this all be about? A season of growth is all about the kids.

2010 Flames 2022-2023 Roster

00 – Will Rosenbeck – Goalie

: Has Will grown this season? Look at this picture and the third one. Yup.

: The Flames won, 3-2. The horn sounded. The team immediately skated with conviction to Will. Not all measurements require numbers.

: Will oversees the operation at the defensive end of the ice. Jacob and Caleb fill their roles.

: Will with a spectacular save against one of the best players we faced all season.

02 – Ian Kaveney – Forward

: Ian scores on of his many backhand goals on the season.

: Ian, Lucas and Sean celebrate a beautiful redirection goal scored by McGee from Kaveney.

: Ian Kaveney – Forward – #2. Here he lifts a backhand pass off of the speaker, then the girder, and onto a teammates stick on the other side of the ice. Play was allowed to continue because Ian had ‘called it’. #2 Perfect.

: 2023 Regionals – Ian sprays some shavings as he cuts back while both benches look on.

06 – Teddy Beal – Forward

: Teddy carries the puck up the boards on the breakout of the defensive zone. This was a moment before he got checked against the wall.

: Teddy launches himself onto the pile, over his teammate. Chase takes appropriate precautions.

: Hey Teddy! Always good to see you. Love, Dad.

: Skating at Barwood in the GSL T3 Playoffs, Teddy Beal.

07 – Gavin Petrie – Forward

: On the bench, Sean and Teddy discuss the finer points of the mental game they were playing on the ice. Gavin curls with the puck at the blue line while wondering, “How in the world do I have two shadows?”

: Gavin got better and better at commanding the faceoff dot as the season played on.

: Gavin Petrie gets a nice looking shot away against Rochester.

: Gavin looks for an opportunity to spring out of stealth mode and steal the puck.

09 – Jordan Hawkes – Forward

: “Hustle Hawkes” is a good player to watch if you want to see what skating hard looks like.

: Jordan in hot pursuit of the puck.

: Jordan skates the puck into the offensive zone. He would score the Flames only goal of the game.

: We all bring what we bring to the table. We get better and bring more. I love what Jordan brings to every shift.

10 – Brody Phensysouvanh – Defense

: Brody looks things over before committing to stealing the puck.

: Poke Checking in broad daylight. Brody the D man.

: Brody takes a bouncing puck and safely deposits it into the corner of the offensive zone.

: Brody pinches in low to help the Flames keep possession of the puck on offense.

14 – Sean McGee – Forward (Fill-in Defense)

: Seans reaches in and clears the rebound for Travis.

: I told Sean that I had a picture of him where I simply called him ‘Happy McGee’. He admitted it was wild and he was pretty excited. I love it.

: McGee at the dot, with McCain over his shoulder. Just McFaceoff stuff.

: Sean McGee hits the corner at top speed and gets a shot on net against Hanover. Regionals 2023.

20 – Jacob St. Pierre – Defense (PT Forward)

: “STP” rips a shot on net against the Shamrocks. The shot hit the goaltender and caromed wide and into the corner.

: Jacob’s shot was so quick and well executed that Coach Soucy was entranced by the execution.

: This Flames line change is brought to you by Jacob STP on a lovely skate through the offensive zone.

: Jacob goes big. Looking for the back-scratcher slapper. Meanwhile, Chase just can’t bear to watch.

22 – Chase Giampa – Forward

: If I could skate like Chase, I would have a long, prodigious mullet flowing in the breeze created by my blazing speed, and of course earbuds in with some tunes cranked. I might even install a cup holder on my belt for when I threw it into cruise.

: Gavin, Chase, and Teddy were among the Flames who experienced a super weekend on the ice.

: Chase doesn’t mess around, getting down and firing a shot toward the net.

: Chase gets a shot up and away at Regionals in Rink 2 at Essex Sports Center.

24 – Jaden Booth – Defense

: Jaden joined the team this season. Here he shows some good hustle getting back on defense.

: Jaden flies into the offensive zone and rips a shot on goal.

: Jaden “Two Hands” Booth comes through the corner against the Islanders.

: Chase sets a screen for Jaden as he launches a shot on goal against Vermont.

31 – Travis Ingalls – Goalie

: Travis stares down the breakaway shooter. His presence and intimidating stare forced the shooter to shoot at the end boards.

: Travis in good position to make the save and keep the game scoreless. Lake Placid.

: Mom, “How was your game Travis?” Travis, “Great, Mom! I made a few stellar saves. You know, flapping the trapper, kicking the cowhide. Goalie stuff.”

: The shot was blocked by traffic and a blur, but this picture was clear enough. Absolutely filthy save on #17! My words and this picture don’t even do it justice.

33 – Lucas Ouellette – Forward

: New to the team this season, Lucas “Locks” Ouellette finds some open space in the offensive zone.

: Lucas and the NorthStars player were tasked with ‘ad-libbing’ the picture that is on the boards behind them. Nicely done.

: Lucas shows his flex on a shot against the Crimson. I think Lucas started the season as a huge 8-year old (I am not good with ages), and has become a 12-year old force to be reckoned with.

: Lucas Ouellette aka “The Euphor-checker”. Get it? Euphoric. Really? Okay, forget it.

37 – Cooper Lazzaro – Defense

: Cooper turns the corner into the offensive zone against the MM Flames.

: “This Lazzaro kid is a great addition to the team.” I heard myself say…to myself.

: With a pesky checker on him and a bit of an obstacle in front of him…Lazzaro Scores! Flames Win in OT! (Update: March 21, 2023: This is still awesome!)

: Cooper Lazzaro quietly goes about his business, using his speed when it suits the situation.

63 – Andy Soucy – Forward

: Oh yes, here it is. The rebound of G-Dub’s powerful shot on goal came right to “No Excuse” Souc who put the puck into the yawning net.

: At one time I thought Soucy’s shield had a picture of his eyes on it because he didn’t blink once in November. Turns out he was just really focused.

: To be honest, I take a lot of pictures of Flames 63. He is almost always in motion, coming to or from the play. Or he is the play. It’s a good thing.

: Soucy cuts behind the net with speed, daring anyone opposed to stop him. Also, with his ‘make a pass’ frequency on the rise, he and his team are better for it.

86 – Garrett Warren – Forward

: This Flames goal was the culmination of a great series of passes and shots. Garrett tucks the rebound across the goal line for the score.

: Garrett skates near. I heard him saying something like, “Isn’t crimson just another word for red?” Well, one definition is: of a rich deep red color inclining to purple. I wouldn’t worry about it.

: This is one of my favorite 12,000 pictures of the season. Actually, I really like this shot. Garrett just making a good hockey play.

: If you want to have a great game, it might as well be at Regionals. Then Garrett nets another one, set up by McCain. The Flames are off and running at Regionals.

87 – Caleb Powers – Defense

: This shot was shared with us by the Powers vested in this player.

: Caleb on the move. He cuts to the middle looking for a lane to shoot through.

: Caleb follows through on a shot that he ripped against Hanover.

: Caleb was flying through the corner here. I had him ‘unofficially’ clocked at 117MPH. Of course, I had no instrument of recording speed, but it felt right.

91 – Logan McCain – Defense

: Logan lets fly on a shot from the Zamboni door. The stick bends in defiance of the force being exerted on it. Later, the stick asked Logan to sign it.

: Logan makes a huge play and scores the goal. The teammates on the ice perpetuate the glory of hard work paying off.

: Logan “The Freight Train” McCain. If you ever leave our station, please make sure it’s a roundtrip.

: I title this work of art, “Misplaced Mouthguard”. Logan and Jacob patrol the crease in a defensive posture.

First, Thank you. Coach Nick. Coach Dave. Coach Adam. Coach Johnny. Second, Thank you. Always, Thank you.

(L to R): Coach Dave, Coach Adam, Coach Johnny, Coach Nick. Thank you for every second poured into the development of our kids. We entrust them to you. To care for and protect them. Huge shoes. Thank you.

The top three pictures are from September. The bottom three are from March. I do believe the kids have grown.

: I love these chats. I think a lot of the players do. They love to play for Coach Nick. Meanwhile, Coach Soucy is given a warning for trying to run off with the team’s water bottles.

: The Flames gathered at the bench after fifteen minutes, trailing 4-0. This may have been their actual wake up call. Or…Coach Soucy is at it again…Coach Ouellette ponders the reality that summer is coming to an end. Travis wonders, “Wait, was my goalie stick always this long?” Also, “The Freight Train” and “Locks” compare notes on their hockey flo.

: Coach gestures that something is over this way. Perhaps victory. Travis, a known connoisseur of hockey sticks, especially those handled by other goaltenders, takes a moment to get a better look at Will’s goalie stick.

: The 2010 Flames talk things over during an intermission at Pingree Rink in the Fed Playoffs. It’s getting harder to see the coaches.

: The 2010 Flames surround their coaches during an intermission down at Pingree Rink in the Fed Playoffs.

: Yup, I think the Flames players have definitely grown this season.

This team. These kids. Who wouldn’t want to play for, with this, group? They show up where and when they are told to, and exceed our predictions time after time.

Kids, you ARE the story! It’s all about the kids. These kids love playing for each other, and it shows.

: The 2010 Flames score on the power play, cutting the deficit to 4-2. It was a real nice play. The boys left it all on the ice.

: Ian from Teddy and Jaden on the PPG. The Flames played hard to the final whistle like they always do. With a 2-1 record at Regionals, we didn’t know whether we were in or out of the Semifinals until much later that evening. We were out. This was the last goal of the season.

In a story that I can only describe as “only mildly interesting news“. Through the lens of my camera, and with some help of other fellow stalkers (I belong to an aging group known as Stalkers in Rockers, but that’s not important right now) we have uncovered the inspiration for the McCain “Victory” Celebration. After months of investigation the 2010 Flames Super Fan was finally spotted at Regionals of all places. So glad we went.

Long time 2010 Flames fan, Steve Buscemi, seen here, trying to blend in with both the railing and the back wall, takes delight in leading a celebratory cheer with protege Scott McCain. Steve McGee wipes away tears during this beautiful moment. Long live the V.

You can find more 2010 Flames material in these pieces, here. 2010 Manchester Flames.

The current look at my ‘hockey office’. So many hours spent in this space, tracking numbers and capturing season after season. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2023.

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

The thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors, mostly mine, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the schools, coaches, players, or characters listed in any of these blog posts. Or, maybe they do, but you would have to ask them directly.

Either way, “It’s a great day for hockey” ~ the late “Badger” Bob Johnson.

“We should be dreaming. We grew up as kids having dreams, but now we’re too sophisticated as adults, as a nation. We stopped dreaming. We should always have dreams.” ~ the late Herb Brooks.

“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it: If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” ~ Jim Valvano on how to live life, during his ESPY speech.

“I started writing sports stories 20 years ago. I still do. I write because somewhere, in some game, a kid might be having the time of his or her life. That’s awesome to think about. It’s all about the kids.” ~ Steve Beal Sr.