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| May 24, 2009
Motor City Madness
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Motor City Madness
Saturday has absolutely flown by us today. Games within the pro division have brought plenty of action. Today, we witnessed the cubs take the floor and play a game between the Detroit Mission Stars and Little Caesar’s fieldhouse. The kids had a blast as the voice of TORHS, George Brown stepped up and introduced each player to the cheering crowd. As he did, the Detroit Mission Stars pro team, stood and formed a tunnel with sticks and all in the air to cheer each player as they skated through the tunnel. The cubs were grinning ear to ear through that. One little guy after the game skated around the facility going from rink to rink, showing everyone his medal he earned in the cub game. As he was skating and looking down at the medal inspecting it, he collided with a goalie from the junior division who was making his way to the rink who immediately helped him up and the first thing he was worried about was the condition of his medal…
The division play has shaped up and we begin playoffs tomorrow in the atom, mite, squirt, peewee and junior divisions. The action begins at 6:00am and continues through the evening. Midget, Pro and Adults will still be playing out their round robin games.
I’ve had the pleasure of several conversations already with coaches and parents alike about their programs, directions and goals for the remainder of 2009. I got to sit with George Brown and talk hockey and truly catch up on the industry. Of course, one of the officials who keeps my sides split is Alex Ivan. He had me going today with “I’m going to actually keep both eyes open today on the rink”. If you know Alex, you know it’s his dry sense of humor. I got to talk about the Valken Patriots with their coach today and their return to the finals. I spent some time talking with JP Beilstein who is playing with the RBK Wings in the pro division. Phil Maroon is one of my favorites to always catch up with as well as Pat Lee. Pat Lee has come along way in the past few years and it’s refreshing to see the changes in him. His mom and aunt were here today and unfortunately didn’t bring the Syndicate much luck against their opponent as they lost the game. The Motor City Assault has really come along in a short time to compete at the Pro level. Speaking of coming along, the Texas Terror have made the trip here for the qualifier and are bringing the Lone Star state much recognition for their hockey play.
One of the classiest players in the pro division without a doubt hands down is Jamie Buffalino. Always the ambassador and goodwill generator, Jamie always takes time to speak and catch up with an interest. At the finals last year he spoke up to some of his teammates who were less than happy with their silver finish. He exhudes class all the way.
I’ve gotten to spend some time with John Pellegrino’s son from Ace jerseys and we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the hockey here in this area and it’s development and strengths. Ace will be working with NARCh this year and it’s interesting to see how Ace does their actual design and approval online with their jerseys.
It’s so great to see so many organizations here participating this holiday weekend. It’s also great to pay homage to the coaches, parents and players who devote themselves to being here and participating. The level of enthusiasm and competitiveness fills the air. The best part is the rivalries that develop this weekend will continue at the NARCh finals. Great pro action last night and today where the games have been decided by one or two goals. Watching the pro’s I was talking to Eddie today from Tour about how fast the game has become and how big some of the players are. It’s amazing to see how far technology has brought the sport in the past fifteen years. So, if you’re in the area and have a chance, come catch some of the fantastic action here this weekend.
I wanted to talk a little about the amenities here within the Fieldhouse. It has to be seen to be experienced. Two rinks, are separated by a restaurant/bar which full serves some great Cajun dishes as well as the regular fare. There’s also a full service snack bar to take care of the immediate hunger needs and wants. There is a miniature golf course and video arcade. There’s also the “Bayou” an outdoor bar with full fireplace lit up by hanging colored lights. It’s been a big hit to catch parents watching the Penguin/Hurricane game tonight outside at Bayou bar. Last night there was live entertainment.
So as the weekend continues in the Motor City, we look forward to some more great hockey, some great Cajun cooking and of course, continuing to the wee hours of the morning tonight.
Stay Tuned, for more from NARCh!
******************NARCh NOTES*****************
Erik Haak is one of my favorite coaches. I have a lot of them, but I like the way he conducts himself on and off the rink. The Wings are growing too, just like the Detroit Stars programs and it’s great to see so many of his teams compete at a high level.
Quote of the day from one of the midget players after his game, “I played so bad today my mom is going make me wash the dishes”.
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