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DC Day 3 – 2010 Flames

Ashburn Ice House – West Rink – October 9, 2023 – DC Day 3 – 2010 Flames (MRYHA)

Congressional Cup Fall Classic

SemiFinal

#4 seed 2010 Flames at #1 Stamford Sharks

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.

 

DC Day 2

DC Day 2 – 2010 Flames

ION International Training Center Arena Rink and Haymarket Iceplex South Rink – October 8, 2023 – DC Day 2 – 2010 Flames (MRYHA)

Congressional Cup Fall Classic

2010 Flames at Delaware Ducks

2010 Flames vs. Clearwater Ice Storm

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.

 

DC Day 1 – 2010 Flames

Haymarket Iceplex North Rink – October 7, 2023 – DC Day 1 – 2010 Flames (MRYHA)

Congressional Cup Fall Classic

2010 Flames vs. Richmond Generals

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.

 

Growth Has Its Pains – 2010 Flames

West Side Arena – September 30 & October 1, 2023 – Growth Has Its Pains – 2010 Flames (MRYHA)

Up from the Ocean State (RI) and the depths of the Bay State (MA), the 2010 Flames played the Providence Hockey Club (PHC South) twice on Saturday and then hosted the Bay State Breakers (Hoyle) on Sunday evening. The Flames won two and lost one, splitting with Providence on Saturday.

 

Five Sunrises

September 30, 2023 – Five Sunrises     There is something special, almost exciting, about being up before the dawn’s early light The day is not promised, but there you are, alive and wide-eyed, still attached… 

Shift After Shift – 2010 Flames

Skate 3 Red Rink – September 24, 2023 – Shift After Shift – 2010 Flames (MRYHA)

The 2010 Flames amassed a massive amount of shots on goal in a pair of weekend games down in Mass. The visitors were able to earn wins in Bridgewater (on Saturday) and then in Tyngsboro (on Sunday morning). The combined score was 13-2. The amassed shots on goal total was 91 for the weekend.

Road Win – 2010 Flames

Canton Ice House – September 17, 2023 – Road Win – 2010 Flames

After a 4-2 win at home on Saturday, the 2010 Flames traveled to Canton, Mass. for their first EHF road game of the season. The Flames were skating on all cylinders from the beginning, and skated to a 10-2 victory against the Boston Jr. Huskies.

 

Blessed Are The Playmakers – 2010 Flames

West Side Arena – September 10, 2023 – Blessed Are The Playmakers – 2010 Flames

In a nutshell, goals can be scored without assists, but assists cannot be recorded without goals. Assists are the passes that lead to goals. Passes don’t always lead to goals, but they do utilize teammates and usually make everyone on the ice a threat to score.

 

The Opener – 2010 Flames – 2023-2024

September 09, 2023 – The Opener – 2010 Flames – 2023-2024

Many a goal against the opening opponent. The scheduler lines them up. The kids play the games. The Flames scored early, and more often as the game went on and cruised to a 14-1 win in the opener.

 

NH Whalers 2010 – The Champions

June 11, 2023 – NH Whalers 2010 – The Champions. After earning the #1 seed, the 2010 NH Whalers had to wait until late Sunday afternoon to finish their tournament run. They played the NYC Falcons in the Championship Game.

 

NH Whalers 2010 – Four Straight Wins

June 10, 2023 – NH Whalers 2010 – Four Straight Wins. On Saturday, the 2010 NH Whalers swept the Greenwich Division, after four straight wins. They earned the #1 seed and a trip to the title game.

 

NH Whalers 2010 – 3 For 3

June 10, 2023 – NH Whalers 2010 – 3 For 3. The 2010 NH Whalers entered Saturday having already beaten the other two teams in their division. Now they had to face the NYC Falcons again.

 

NH Whalers 2010 – Win The Day

June 9, 2023 – NH Whalers 2010 – Win The Day. The 2010 NH Whalers took on the Southampton Penguins in their second game of a busy Friday. The Whalers played even better than they did in the opener and won handily.

 

NH Whalers 2010 – Win The Opener

June 9, 2023 – NH Whalers Win The Opener. The 2010 NH Whalers were down in Rhode Island for the Ocean State Lobsterfest Hockey Tournament and they won their first game, 4-1.

 

Ordinary Extra – D-Day Remembered

Ordinary Extra – June 6, 2023. D-Day Remembered.

“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. 

GOFFSTOWN, NH WINTER SNOWFALL 2022-2023

Winter Snowfall 2022-2023 (starts with the first snowfall of the season)

As it turns out, we had quite a bit of snow this winter, but that is also somewhat misleading. It was not a cold winter, and much of the snow was heavy, wet, damaging snow that was quickly compacted and mostly gone within hours of it falling from the sky. Temperatures overall were mild, and it made for a terrible winter to keep an ice rink skateable.

 

Monday Mundane

Ordinary Extra – Monday Mundane

Ordinary Extra – June 5, 2023. Monday Mundane.

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.

Ordinary Extra – A Great Start

Ordinary Extra – June 2, 2023. A Great Start.

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.

Ordinary Extra – Another Goodbye

Ordinary Extra – June 1, 2023. Another Goodbye.

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.

Ordinary Extra – Last May Sunrise

Ordinary Extra – May 31, 2023. Last May Sunrise.

I was up early. I had things to do and miles to cover. But I was blessed to see the sunrise. The last May sunrise of 2023. I took three pictures just a few dozen seconds apart and the colors changed. God’s handiwork never ceases to amaze me.

Ordinary Extra – Field Of Flags

Ordinary Extra – May 30, 2023. Field of Flags.

Today was one of those days where the structure is in place, the schedule is accurate, and the necessary piece is the person hitting all the steps along the way. Not hard, but requiring perseverance. You know, just keep putting one foot in front of the other kind of a day.

Ordinary Extra – A Quiet Thank You

Ordinary Extra – May 27-29, 2023. A Quiet Thank You.

While sitting in my backyard during the early morning hours this weekend while sipping hot coffee, I took time to pray, to ponder, and to slow down. I slowed down in order to embrace the quality of life I am fortunate to have. 

Ordinary Extra – Go With The Flow

Ordinary Extra – May 26, 2023. Go With The Flow.

A night of broken sleep led to another cool, early morning. I didn’t rest as well as I wanted to but I was better rested than when I went to sleep the night before. I started moving, and praying along the way, to go forward and go with the flow.

 

Ordinary Extra – Fresh Start

Ordinary Extra – May 25, 2023. Fresh Start.

Is it me, or do long days seem to run together with more long days? Are long days just long because I am overtired, or are the days just really long? Either way, the day started cool, windy, and bright. Clean. Clear. Crisp. A fresh start.

Ordinary Extra – Just To Be Alone

Ordinary Extra – May 24, 2023. Just to be alone.

A morning that started warm and tender suddenly turned. Like all of my plans were trashed, burned.

Ordinary Extra – Reflecting Time

Ordinary Extra – May 23, 2023. Reflecting Time.

Another day. Another opportunity. Another gift from God. It was a busy day, like too many days are. Were there picture perfect moments to post to the social media for the masses to see? No, probably not.

Ordinary Extra – A Friendly Tip

Ordinary Extra – May 22, 2023. Just a friendly tip.   We live in an age where comparisons are being made 24/7 whether we know it or not. Social media, TV, Internet ads, and many… 

Mother’s Day 2023 – The Chosen

May 14, 2023 – Mother’s Day – The Chosen   Mother’s Day 2023 was approaching and I started to think on the subject a little more intently than I usually do. As strange as this… 

To My Friend, Ben

May, 2023 – To My Friend, Ben – It was November, 2015 and despite having three older kids that played sports, including varsity sports at Goffstown High School, we had not experienced hockey at GHS… 

Thank You Coach Slocum – Goffstown Hockey

Thank you Coach Slocum ~ April, 2023 –

Thank you Coach Slocum, not just for the 16 years. But for the joys, the celebrations, and maybe even a few tears.

Undaunted by adversity, and what others may deem; you were fair and honest. Years weren’t about you, but rather, the team.

Your teams exceeded predictions and set records, the wins they did amass. But nobody can take away your 16 seasons of exuding class.

The program must carry on, but it, I, will miss you. And this winter when I’m in the booth, I hope you’ll be on a beach, with a view.

I know that you would be the last one to do what I am about to do, but this one, Ben, this one is all about you.

So, spring of ’23 and I roll out some words in this rhyme, a Thank You Coach Slocum, words and numbers one last time.

 

 

Come Back – Goffstown Hockey – 2022-2023 Season

April 17, 2023 – Come back to Goffstown Grizzlies Hockey. This is a look back at the 2022-2023 hockey season. A wonderful season! It’s a tribute to the last eight seasons and the coach who rejuvenated the hockey program. This is also a call to action on behalf of high school sports.

 

7 Years Not Here

7 Years Not Here

April 14, 2023: I am missing my Dad. It has been seven years. 7 years not here. Dad, I miss you. But, how could I ever question God’s perfect timing. I know you are in your heavenly home and that thought alone makes me smile.