Hey Rob,

Just wanted to let you know that Jamie is going to be playing on his High School JV team this year!! He is soo excited!

Thank you for all your help and encouragement, he would not have had the confidence to tryout without it. NEH Rocks!!

Thanks

HI Rob and Chrissy

How are you? Things are crazy here as usual. Mike's 2 older sisters graduated from college this weekend and Mike graduates in a couple of weeks. This past spring Mike received the MIAA Boston Bruins Sportsmanship award. It was great! We went into Boston Garden and the award was given between periods. I truly believe that he learned to be a good hockey player and a great sportsman through his years playing with you and Rob R. in NEH. He is hoping to play club hockey at Bryant College in the fall. He will be in touch as he will need to keep training toward that goal.

Thanks,
Ellen

Rob and Rob,
 
Just want to say thank you both for all you do and for another great season. John and I both feel this year, especially, was really a stand-out year for Steven under Coach Cabral.  Steven really liked him and we feel Coach took his skill level, commitment to the game and passion for the game to a whole new level.  Everything about Coach Cabral was positive and winning the championship says it all.  He really motivated the kids to do their best AS A TEAM. You could see it every game.

Thank you!!!
Lois

I also have to brag,  AJ got a HAT TRICK in Sat's game & 2 penalties but stoped the other team from getting a shot off...the one time I don't bring my camcorder. 

I saw so much of what you work on in him on the ice it was amazing.  He is just loving it.  I'm so glad to have you helping him,  Best move we have made, so much fun.  (for me too meeting  mom's)   

Nancy Capone

Hello Rob

I meant to give some feedback Re: coaches _ All 3 for the leafs have quite a bit to offer and their passion is plain to see.

Thanks
Rob D

Declan is having a great season this year as a practice player and hopes he makes a team next year.

This has been a wonderful expereince for both of my children. You run a great program and I tell everyone that.

Cheers,
Mark

This is a note to tell you how happy that I am that I made the decision to move my son Owen to your organization. This is Owen's 4th year playing hockey and the first with NEH.

Owen played for a Massachusetts state league the first three years and he was quickly becoming disallusioned with the game because there was really minimal hockey coaching going on. I approached the organization that he was playing with about your skills session to see if they felt it would benefit Owen. I was promptly steered away from your skills session. My frustration finally reached a boiling point and I took Owen to one of the skills sessions offered in RI. It became quite clear as to why they were steering me away. The organization that he was playing for could NOT compete with the level of coaching that you offer.

I had the opportunity to meet you after that first skills session and you discussed Owen with me at some length and convinced me to have him try out.

This was the best thing that has happened in Owen's hockey career as he has become a much better hockey player.

I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the quality of Owen's coaches. He plays for John Harthan's Maple Leafs in the Rhode Island rink. Owen was in the middle of his Pop Warner football season when the hockey season began.

John was extremly accomodating and allowed Owen to participate in hockey as his football schedule permitted. John knew full well that Owen would be behind when he returned to hockey full time. John and the other coaches have worked diligently to get Owen caught up.

I and more importantly Owen are thrilled with the coaches, both at the skill and on the Maple Leafs. My youngest daughter is 4 and will be entering a learn to skate program in January. She is eager to play hockey and when the time comes she will play with NEH.

Kind Regards,
John Hogan

Gentlemen,

As we approach the half way point of our first season with the NEH, I wanted to drop you both a quick note on how very pleased we are with our decision to move to your organization. I have two children with you, Dylan who is a Squirt (Blues) and Cora who is a Mite (Maple Leafs). Dylan’s coach Matt has been wonderful with him and is making him a much more complete player. He is learning the game and I can see the improvements he has made thus far this year. Cora has improved tenfold and I am amazed at the job John and his staff have done not only with her but the entire team. There is no question that she was behind at the beginning of the year and remains so to a lesser degree but their patience and genuine desire to make her a better player has been incredible. Both of these coaches are a credit to you and your organization as are the seemingly endless number of coaches at the skills nights. Everyone I have come into contact with has been a pleasure to deal with and clearly enjoy what they are doing Having never played the game, I am not in the know as far as the X’s & O’s of hockey are concerned but what I do know is that my kids are learning and are having an awful lot of fun and for that I thank you.

Happy Holiday’s to you and yours,
Brian

Hi Rob,

Just wanted to drop a quick note to you about Coach John, the RI team and my son Mason.
I can't say enough about what I am seeing so far. I know it's only been 2 months but NEH and coach John have surpassed my expectations.

I was very frustrated with the RI state league team that Mason was with since he was 2 years old (2 years of learn to skate and 2 years of travel team). Mason was invested in skating and hockey from day one, but I was always uncomfortable with many of the aspects of the program and the adults my son was being exposed to at such a young age. But since he loved it so much I kept taking him. Now I am NOT a hockey guy by any stretch, my background is in football, youth, high school and college, so it was difficult for me to judge what was right and wrong as far as hockey goes.

But I knew there something missing in Mason's hockey education. I also knew something wasn't right in a few other places there as well.

Mason loves hockey. I'm a huge fan, but knew I couldn't show him or teach him about the sport the way I could with football. So I am in a position to have to trust someone else to teach him the sport of hockey.
Keep up the good work. I couldn't be happier that I found NEH. Coach John is doing great work with these kids, both in the way he is teaching them hockey and in his demeanor with the kids. They trust him, respect him and genuinely like him. Thanks for your time, and your program. Every staff member I've met at NEH conducts themselves with class and has respect for others. It is obvious that NEH has a kids first approach and it is refreshing for me to see. Good luck for the rest of the season.

Dave Daignault

Rob,

I have been with NEH for 4 years and before that, I had another 8 years with CLCF. As you know, I am VERY happy with NEH and I never miss an opportunity to promote your league when running into any of my former players' parents. I was never able to play organized hockey when I was a kid but, I love the game and I consider myself fortunate to help out the coaches on the ice which I have been able to do for most of these 12 years.

I did not realize that John Harthan was new with your organization until last night. Without a doubt there are some excellent coaches in NEH but something just “gels” with John in his style with the kids. John knows the game like no one I have ever met and I am surprised he is not a professional coach someplace. I know I am not doing him justice and it only has been a few weeks, but there is something very distinctive about his approach.

John incorporates drills to emulate real-live situations to help the kids learn how to think about what is happening and how to react. One time John said to me, ”they are having trouble turning to the outside which is typical for this age”. The very next drill John did was a game-situation drill forcing the kids to turn to the outside…they did not even realize that they were “turning to the outside”.

John takes every opportunity to teach and reinforce the kids. When he is doing a drill, he is using the Coaches Board and tells the kids why they are doing this drill and what to emphasize on the drill. During the game, he is constantly giving the kids positive feedback of the skills that were taught in practice. John also has the Coaches Board out during the game reviewing plays, making correction points and points out the skills he is trying to teach them.

I am sure that other coaches know the game very well, but John communicates to the kids about how to "think" about the game like no other coach that I have ever worked with. Many coaches can tell a kid what they are doing wrong but few can tell the kids how to fix it in a message that the kids understand and can execute.

I just wanted give you some well-deserved feedback. I believe that John exemplifies what NEH is all about; playing the game at a higher level where students are allowed to make and learn from their mistakes while having an equal opportunity at all times.

Best Regards,
Steve Fowler

Kelly and I were watching videos of our kids playing hockey over the last few years, and we're SO happy with how they are improving. We love your program...thanks for helping our kids love hockey, and thanks for teaching them the skills to be better players.

Reager Family

Hi Rob,

It has been a long time and I hope all is well. I felt it was important to update you on Sean and wanted to share some great news with you because NEH and your camps contributed in allowing Sean to have 4 years of great high school hockey and now accomplishing something he never thought was possible. Sean is attending UNH and made the club hockey team yesterday.

He admires Rob Reilly and you and it is a reflection of the good training he had.

Thanks
Eda

On a side note, during the tryout time period last season your organization helped our team out ALOT with being so accommodating.  We had swapped a few emails back and forth about it and I just wanted to left you and Rob know that we won the NorthStar League Championship.  I can honestly say that you guys help in that goal.  We had all our players for the six game palyoff stretch and it was an unforgettable experience.

Thank you again and please send my thanks to all off the folks there on behalf of Medfield Youth Hockey and the players and coaches of the NorthStar League Squirt B1 Champions.

Best Regards,
Ken O'Leary

From a coaching perspective Ethan would LOVE to be with coach Donovan again. He had a awesome experience last year.  FYI - Ethan got a full time spot on his Middle School team thanks to NEH and Coach Donovan.

Regards,
Des K

Hi Rob
I wasn't sure if you knew yet but I was voted Captain for Walpole High Hockey for next year. I just wanted to thank you for all the help you gave me through my years with hockey.

Thank you again
Mike N

FYI, my son, Brian who has played at NEH for as long as I can remember(he's now a senior in HS)had a great last season at Foxborough High school. He was named as a first team Hockomock League All Star, a Sun Chrionicle first team All Star and was the Foxboro H.S. Varsity Hockey MVP for the second year in a row. (He also got a Presidential Scholarship to Roger williams University). Shelley and I credit a lot of his hockey success to his years at NEH.

Regards,
Alan B. Almeida

Just a note to give my heartfelt thanks to all neh coaches, friends and kids, we've met along the way, it has been so memorable, and not to forget the core,a special thanks, to rob reilly for believing in my son mike, pushing him,allowing him to believe in himself, and to the coaches who made it fun for the kids. i am sure going to miss my boys, so much you've made coming to these hockey games so enjoyable for me, and i credit the organization for teaching great sportsmanship!

I sure will miss you guys :( to the parents, thanks for allowing me to cheer them on...this is what i loved doing i wouldn't have wanted it any other way, drew, ryan keep up the great goaltending! "jimma" well what can i say :) to all thanks for the memories. i know i speak for mike and my husband.

On a final note i would recommend NEH to anyone take care!

Giselle Patjane

I just wanted to thank you once again for all the support you and Rob B.

have given Jeff and our family over the last 7 years Jeff played with you at NEH. You guys get what youth sports are supposed to be about. With all the choices out there today I feel very lucky that we found such a supportive environment for Jeff to play Hockey.

Jeff made the Natick team again this year despite the tough competition and all the injuries he has been fighting this year, as 9 goalies tried out again this year. I'm not sure if he would have been ready for tryouts without your help getting him back into form.

Thanks
Doug

Hey Coach,

Just wanted to check in and let you know how Ali was doing. You have played a big part in her development as a player and I wanted to let you know that.

Ali was selected for the u15 National Camp she did well there and ended up tied for second in scoring. Then she was aked to play in The Hockey Night In Boston Tourney and led the Northeast Squad in scoring and was named Northeast MVP.

Steve Quinn

Chrissy,

Chris has skated with NEH for at least six years as I recall. These were the formative years of Chris' life and I know he has many friends and experiences that he will keep for the rest of his life. I also know that in many ways these were the formative years for NEH as well. And although there were a few bumps and growing pains along the way, all in all Chris' experience was outstanding. Many thanks to you Chrissy, Rob and Rob, and an exceptional staff of coaches. Even though this is somewhat of a goodbye I know we will see you all around the rink. Also, Chris has expressed and interest in rejoining RB hockey/NEH possibly as an on-ice assistant for your clinics or camps.

Thanks for everything,
Neal B

As you know, Jon has skated with NEH for the last 6 years, now that he will be playing prep school hockey, you can be assurred that we will be giving NEH credit for his development. I will leave a voice mail for Rob and Rob, but we really have appreciated the opportunity given Jon to play in the best Elite league in the area.

Thank You!!

Sincerely,
Bill Dean

He may not make it to NHL but knowing how strong his self confidence and self esteem is, I will not worry about him suceeding in life!

Julie

Good afternoon mike hope all is well, as we near the end of our great hockey season, I must say it was so much fun for everyone!! I see the boys really really enjoyed the season as well as us adults!

On a personal note I want to thank you for being a great coach and role model for Michael, this is what true sportsmanship is all about, it starts with the coaches, how could we forget rob r and rob b, 1st year playing with neh, and I certainly would recommend this program to anyone for sure! . I just want to personally thank you on behalf of bill and myself and of course mike, for all the positive he got out of this, thank you again!

It's hard to imagine after all these years that Tim's youth hockey journey has ended. Curious year for him. Started out not dressing at the beginning of the season, received an occasional shift after a couple of weeks, was playing pretty regularly late season and was one of the starters in the MIAA tournament. True to form, he never quit and his passion for the game has never waned. If anything, it is more intense and sophisticated than ever. We're very proud of him actually. He kept it all in perspective; academics always came first. Honor roll all four years at Xaverian, mid 600's in the SAT's, four years of high school hockey, various other sports (track) and extracurricular activities, multiple college options at real good institutions. The lad did well for himself and you folks were certainly a part of this. Tim appreciates hockey for what it is - a great game. Although he has no interest at all in pursuing intercollegiate athletics (would you believe he's more interested in applied statistics), he would love to play club hockey in college and perhaps referee. Actually, given his understanding of the game, his demeanor and skating ability, I suspect he would likely be an excellent referee. I must convince him to pursue this. Then again, I don't believe he will be able to stay too far away from it and will likely do this anyhow on his own.

Thanks again for everything. We'll certainly miss the friendships and camaraderie. I know Tim felt particularly close to Rob Reilly and Kevin Craig. Ergo, please send along our regards and thanks to them as well.

All the best,
Dan O'Sullivan

Thank you for everything you did with Kevin, I an deeply indebt to you for your time, encouragement, friendshipm. You truely go above and beyond for your players. I will see you soon

Peter + Mary

Just wanted you to know that Chris was one of two freshman to make the Ashland varsity team. Rumor has it there have already been a couple of crashes with his brother Pat with chris taking the brunt of the impact. I don't now how much he will be able to participate in NEH because they skate 6 days per week but I will find out and let you know. Needless to say his feet have not touched the ground since he made the team. Thanks again for all your help. NEH and yourself played a large part of the reason why he was able to make it.

Thanks
Chris

Johnny has been offered a lot of opportunities this year. In school, he was asked to participate in a college level course that incorporates art, history, math, theatre, teamwork, etc... He and 14 other students (3% of his class) will go to an art studio in Providence for 6 days to design and create the backdrop for his school's theatre performance of Once Upon a Mattress. He was told he was selected because of his strong work ethic, and I think you and the NEH program have been great role models for him over the last five years!

Thank you so much for helping John grow into the wonderful young man he is!

Ginny

THANK YOU AGAIN
Patrick

I coach hockey at Dedham Country Day School in Dedham. I'm writing to congratulate 4 NEH players on our team, all of whom did a great job in our first game this past Friday. Jonathan Huether (91,92 Flyers), Alexander Gates (92,93 Blues), Sam Barrett (92,93 Blues), and Matt Parent (last year's 92,93 Oilers) showed a fantastic combination of skills and sportsmanship that reflect wonderfully on NEH. Props to those guys and to all of you for teaching the right ways to play!

Best,
Rob Thacher
Coach

Rob,

Cam had so much fun this year with your program. Joe Cyr was great with Cam, he worked him to his best ability. All the kids on that team came off of the ice with a smile on. They had so much fun. The playoffs were unbelievable. I also could not believe the outstanding night you put on for the fundraiser. If there is ever anything you need to help out any of the many nice families in your program, let me know. Yale will always help out in any way you need. Thank you for the letter of appreciation.It is awesome to be part of the NEH family!!!

Robert Joyce

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Barletta and all of the NEH Families,

Last week Anthony and I received a check from the NEH . Needless to say, we were both speechless! We never imagined being such fortunate recipients of such a generous amount.
Tony and I want to express our deepest appreciation for the commitment, support and generosity given to our family. Numerous thoughtful visits, telephone calls, cards and gifts made a huge and healthy impact on the healing process. We want to thank everyone for their time, energy and effort organizing the Fundraiser. The donations of food, entertainment and items raffled or auctioned was unbelievable.

After the accident and seeing pictures of the van, I felt that there must have been three angels with Tony, Seamus and Spencer. We are so lucky! As proud members of the NEH, Anthony and I believe we have have met countless angels . You. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Anthony and Lisa Patti

Rob,

My son, Kevin, just finished the High School Summer League. He is just entering high school in September and to play with some of the older kids, already in high school, was a bit overwhelming for him at first, but he settled in after the first game, and finished the season playing very well and improving his game. My husband and I loved him playing in the games because it was an introduction, actually, of what it will be like for him in high school. As always, Rob, your programs are well put together and run smoothly during the season. Kevin had a great time playing in the games this summer and is looking forward to another great year with the NEH program.

Thank You,
Susan White

Rob,

I wanted to thank you for getting my son Bob onto the 92/93 oilers late in the season. It helped to make a great year of hockey for him. He passed on the opening day of the Red Sox yesterday so he could go to his last tryout at NEH. That is how much he enjoyed playing hockey at NEH this year. We look forward to another great year with the NEH.

Thank you,
Bob

Hi Rob,

Nick had his final practice on Saturday night with Clay Shackleton and I have to tell you what a wonderful program you have, Clay is just a wonderful and extremely talented coach, and it has really been a great experience for Nick. My husband and I are really very grateful for the opportunity you gave to Nick this year letting him come in half season and allowing him to play for the NEH Program.

We were very happy to have been a part of your commitment to the education and instruction of hockey to kids and your unending generosity and assistance to those NEH families in need. We have had people ask us about the NEH program and we have highly recommended it and will continue to do so. Keep up the great work Rob.

Susan & Anthony DeFusco

Hi Rob,

I want to let you know that Brian Miller has made the Providence Capitals (93) and will not be playing for NEH next year. I have talked at length with Rob Reilly prior to making this decision and he was very helpful and treated my son with respect and honesty. I personally wanted to thank you for all that you have done for Brian as his hockey skills have always improved in your programs and he has matured as a person and a hockey player. I respect and admire what you do, I know how difficult it is to run a business and also work within the business. That requires good employees and a good family support system and I know you have both. We will miss the RB Hockey family as you were an integral part of our lives for the last few years - Thanks for the hockey knowledge, skills, and ethical values you have instilled in your players, through a great game like hockey you are able to teach our children something about life. Thanks again.

If I can help you in any way let me know.
Brian Miller

Hi Rob,

Ryan made varsity as a freshman and he's the second line center. I must say that his 4-5 years of preparation with NEH has made the difference. It wasn't easy getting up to Canton or Walpole 4 days a week, but the sacrifices we made as parents has made a world of difference on the ice for Ryan. Please forward this note to Ryan's only coach at NEH Brian Duane. Brian certainly made a difference in developing Ryan's skills and gave him the desire to play the game at a different level. He and his team are off to a quick 2-0 start with fellow NEH's Ben Crisafulli, Mike Kerrigan and Craig Nichols, Conor Toomey and Matt Dooley.

Happy Holidays
Bill Fischer

Thanks

Hi Rob,

Jon is having a great season with the '92 - '93 Sharks and Coach Huether. What a difference vs. Town hockey . He's having some great games...very competetive ! I remember you told me he promised you he'd work his butt off if he got into the league, and guess what he is....

Thank you for everything,
Bill Dean

Hi Rob,

You teach the kids how to be GREAT at everything they do and the kids on a whole are fantastic. You've created an extended family and I want to stay part of it!

Thanks for all you do and for listening,
Dana

Hi Rob,

I thought I would send you a compliment. I wanted to let you know how pleased we are with this program. Ralph is a great coach. The improvement in all of the skaters is clearly evident. I was on the fence initially as to whether or not I should pull Jimmy from the program he has always skated in to NEH and from day one, I have never regretted my decision to go to NEH. Your program is clearly preparing these boys for high school!

Thank you,
Jim and Marilyn McAllister

Dear Rob and Rob:

A quick note of appreciation for a great experience this year. Michael had a fun, competitive and educational year with the ’93/’94 Hurricanes. The competition level was consistent and fair throughout the year. The kids were never frustrated and down on themselves because they were competitive in just about every game this season. The playoffs have proved this point, with some great rivalries existing.

When reviewing your mission statement in your recent email, we feel very comfortable that the promise has not been just met but exceeded.

Thanks again!
Steve & Debbie Burke

Rob and Rob,

Once again I'd like to thank you for the opportunity for Matthew and Nicholas to be a part of NEH. It has been great for both. Thanks Again for all you have done for us.

Bruce and Lorie Hurst

Hey Rob,

Matt is really enjoying your league and skating with Kevin Craig and the Wilds. He has been to all the skills and practices. The coaching is outstanding. We just got back from our Waterville tournament and we had a great time. I think the team learned allot playing against a 92 select teams. My son enjoyed playing in the games and getting to know his teammates. The coaches were great and their was no trouble. Thanks for the opportunity and I hope to see you at the rink.

Barbara O'Brien

Just a brief message to thank you for all that you have done to help get my son into your NEH program on short notice. My wife and I appreciate the calls that you responded to, even while on your anniversary celebration! (Sorry about that!)

We initially set out to play in RI where we are familiar with your quality staff. However, after experiencing the professionalism and hockey expertise in your Walpole program, we just had to stay there! Rob Reilly is an incredible leader and has a knack for working with all these young players. My son absolutely thinks that he's the greatest and so do we! ALL the skills session staff members are also great and Derek is improving very rapidly.

My son Derek is absolutely thrilled with the 92/93 Sharks team and couldn't be happier! He is having so much fun! This is no surprise too my wife and I as we feel that we have been blessed with the best coaches we have ever had, John Huether and Doug Haskins. I can't ever recall my son receiving a phone call at home from any coach just to welcome him to the team and making him feel so good about being part of his team. John Huether did that!

We have been to Rob Barletta skills sessions in RI over the past two years and were always impressed with how those were run. We knew that we would soon tryout for the NEH league. Derek absolutely loves it! Much appreciation and congratulations to you, Rob Reilly and all your staff in successfully running the best hockey program around!

Sincerely,
Russ Goulet