After splitting the opening two games of the season, the Goffstown Grizzlies returned to home ice to play the Bearcats from Somersworth-Coe-Brown-Northwood. The Bearcats have been among the better teams in Division II, NHIAA Hockey the last few years, and on Wednesday night, Goffstown dug a deep hole for themselves before working to come all the way back.
For the second game in a row, the Grizzlies allowed only one goal. This time though, it was too much to overcome as the Alvirne-Milford Admirals skated to a 1-0 victory over the Goffstown Grizzlies.
The 2010 Flames played just one game over the weekend which was a major blessing to the team. They were able to beat the Plymouth Panthers, 4-2 at JFK Memorial Coliseum.
There is a new face at the helm of the Goffstown Hockey program, and on opening night, the Grizzlies earned a 6-1 win.
With the annual Army-Navy (Army won, 17-11 at Gillette Stadium) game being played just up the road, the 2010 Flames played three games against the Providence Hockey Club in Rhode Island over the weekend. With Providence being closer to the stadium than Boston, the Rhode Island capital was buzzing with activity. On the ice, the Flames played their hearts out.
For the second consecutive month, the 2010 Flames posted a 9-2 (won-lost) record. Going into the first week of December the team was 26-5 for the season. That’s a pretty impressive record for any team.
Can you believe it’s December already? The 2010 Flames kicked off the month of December with three games in 24 hours. All three were home games which was a bonus. Next week they play three games in Rhode Island.
I take many more pictures than I share. I am always looking for scenes, wildlife, and weather. Kind of a random glimpse of symmetry, if that makes sense. Then, some pictures are just taken to remember, respect, and recognize. Here are 21 pictures from October ’23.
For the team we have and the hockey family we are apart of, we give thanks.
Wins, losses, and games galore matter less than the people involved, if I may be frank.
While I was away in Canada, surrounded by family as we paid tribute to my Uncle Vernon, the 2010 Flames were busy. They played four games over the weekend, one in Vermont, two in NH, and one in Massachusetts. They managed three victories, three for the road.
Thank you to our Veterans. Thank you. Seriously, what else do you say? They are willing to sacrifice their own life for the betterment of ours, based on a belief system that relies on fellow humans, many of whom would never lay down their life for another. Thank you.
The 2010 Flames played three games over the weekend. All three games were played in New Hampshire where some of us would still stand and fight for the right to “Live Free or Die”. Happy Veterans Day! I truly wish that all of our Veterans were/are happy. We should do much to make sure that they are.
November started with a thumping down at Boch Ice Center, as the Blazers handed out a 8-1 beat down to the Flames on Saturday. Then the Flames traveled up to the new and improved Pop Whalen arena to play Back Bay, and won, 7-2. So a split for the weekend, against a pair big, physical teams.
The 2010 Flames finished the month of October with a 6-1 win at JFK Memorial Coliseum. The win gave the Flames a 7-0 record in league play during the month, including a 6-game win streak since the trip to DC. They head into November following an impressive October run.
3 wins and 250 miles later, the Flames earned three victories, and puck possession, teamwork, and goaltending were the keys to the victories. Now it’s Monday night and the team is back on the ice for practice.
The 2010 Flames played their opening game in the Granite State League on Saturday against Hanover. The Flames got their legs going and skated to a 6-3 win in the GSL opener. Then on Sunday, the team made the long trip down to The Bog. The 2010 Flames played the Bay State Breakers Hoyle and they were able to erupt for 3 goals in 3 minutes in the second period, and earned a 6-1 road victory.
The 2010 Flames are made up of players born in 2010 and 2011. They are a U14 Minor 2 team (meaning there is a Minor 1 team ahead of them) in their home organization. I have called this team a development team for years. Yet, every year, this team seems to be a great place for players and families to land. Monday they played a very good team in the Congressional Cup Fall Classic SemiFinal, the Stamford Sharks (U14 Major), and lost, 9-1.
The 2010 Flames battled and found a way to win a tough game against the Delaware Ducks, 4-0.
During the game I was talking with an official for the tournament who was off duty for the game. He was a real nice guy, and we chatted some. He asked me about our team, our team dynamic. I told him how much the kids have had enjoyed playing with this group primarily due to the kids being able to play in all situations, line after line, shorthanded, power play, end of game, etc. installing confidence in the kids from top to bottom no matter how you slice it. I told him that we were fortunate to have a coach, one voice, that just let the kids play.
After all the players and assorted members of their families arrived in Washington, DC or Sterling, VA to begin tournament play, it was time to take the ice. The first game was scheduled at 1:50pm and started a few minutes late. The 2010 Flames took a 2-0 lead after one period and squeezed a third goal out of the second period, before adding three more in the final period. The Flames were off to a good start with a 6-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.
“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely…I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander.
Monday morning, the rain fell softly and quietly in its overcast scene. The wet gray scene did not inspire anyone in our home to rise, shine, and hit the ground running.
My day started early with the threat of high heat and then cold front bringing storms and rain. But the morning was gorgeous. The sun climbed and another gift from God had dawned.
When it comes right down to it, no, it doesn’t get easier. We hugged and said our goodbyes. He got in the car to leave and we talked through the open window.