Hello players, parents and friends of the NEH. Welcome to the New Year, and I hope that your holidays brought warm and pleasant memories that you and your families will cherish. Together, with the staff members of the NEH, we are wishing all, the best and happiest New Year. Lets hope that there is plenty of ice and fun for all!

         Next season the NEH will be adding two more teams to the 88/89 division.  All games, practices, skill sessions and dry land training will be held at the Canton Sportsplex, for the 88/89 division. I believe that the name for one of the new teams, will be the FLYERS, as they were the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, and their organization is known to be hard working, dedicated, and consistent, in placing a winning team on the ice. I would like the players input for the name of the second team, and would like the six teams to pass one suggestion from each team, along to me, and the winning selection will be announced, prior to the 2001/2002 tryouts. Try to choose a name of a team that will inspire, YOU, the players! Choose a name that you will be proud to wear across you chest. Pass your choice along to me via your team manager or team coach.  

A question I am being asked frequently is,“ What do I expect to happen in our second season”? I can only say that I have received hundreds of emails and phone calls inquiring about the league.  There will be 5 new coaches in the 88/89 division, and as occurred this past year, they will be selecting the players for their respective teams, along with 4 independent scorers.  The format of the tryouts will be the same as last year.  Day 1 will be skills; day 2 and 3 will be scrimmages.  The competition will be great, intensity will be high, and my advice to every player currently with the NEH, who will be trying out, is, “Make all practices and skill sessions, use the ice time to better your play and your sense of team play”! Remember that we have set up a format, and it is mandatory for the league and players to follow. Players need a 3 practice to 1 game ratio to reach their maximum potential. This format will not change.  The tryouts for 2001/2002 will be announced very shortly.

ADDITIONALLY, IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO IS A GOOD QUALITY COACH, CAN MAKE A 100% COMMITMENT, AND IS ABLE TO TEACH THE GAME OF HOCKEY, PLEASE EMAIL ME, ROB@RBHOCKEY.COM OR CALL ME AT 617-269-8805. THERE WILL BE NEW POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR NEXT SEASON.

I would like to thank Robbie Hare for putting on the first annual NEH Christmas tournament. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience for all those involved with the NEH. Also a special thanks goes out to all parents and volunteers for helping with the Christmas Party, especially to Mike Munichiello. Mike, the pizzas were great! Thanks again for your time and effort.

I am setting up the schedule for the playoffs.  We have decided that instead of having a one game elimination for all, we are going to end the season 4 days early and start the playoffs on March 31^st. For the quarterfinals, the first and second place teams will get a bye.  The third place team will play the sixth place team and the fourth place team to play the fifth place team.  This will be a single elimination game.  The semi finals and the finals will be best 2 out of 3 games, for the 1^st Annual NEH Cup.

With the playoffs coming up soon I want all players, and parents, to realize that winning is not as important as the development of your 10, 11, 12 year old players.  I have seen an amazing improvement in so many players this year.  Thank you all for working so hard.

What a great few months we have had.  Every game has been so close and on any Saturday, any team can win. Balance has been the goal for the league. The coaches are doing a great job of teaching all the players the game of hockey.  Players, remember that the coach is only able to show you and help you become a better player. He cannot do it for you. Ultimately, your success comes from your own desire to succeed! It does not come from the person behind your bench! Keep up the good work and the great effort!

On a side note, I had a parent approach me about her son not doing as well as expected in school and asked if it was okay to sit him out for a practice, and to not have him play in a game.  School always, ALWAYS, will come first!  Without good grades, your players will never be able to play high school or college hockey.  We are not only trying to teach our players hockey, but prepare them for high school, and beyond.  To that player’s parents, I would like to thank you for putting your child’s education first, and I wish to congratulate you.

As always if you have any question, concerns, suggestions at all please email Rob@Rbhockey.com.