In The Crease, vol. 4- May 23, 2006
By: Shaun V. Fadale
Houston we have lift off! From our last “In The Crease” volume I got some huge feed back about a junior team coming to Jamestown. Pete Preteroti, the owner of the only junior franchise left that is up for grabs, is VERY interested in making his franchise work here in Jamestown. I have two potential coaches contact me last week looking to get in on the ground floor, complete cooperation from the JSBIA management, and things are looking absolutely positive. Again I'll state for the record anyone interested in helping this junior venture out please contact me ASAP.
Other news, the Summer Adult League is looking good and if anyone is a late comer please contact Robyn at the Arena (716) 484-2624 Ext. 200. We may have a spot for you still but please call immediately. Same with the 3-on-3 Youth League, contact Robyn soon!! Also we are in the works to create two NEW tournaments. The first is a National High School Invitational hockey tourney that will consist of multiple states high school teams that won their respective state. This won't be limited to state champions and will include some Buffalo teams. The second tournament will be a junior A and B “Showcase” tournament where junior teams from all over the Northeast and Canada will compete for a trophy. The key to this showcase is that college, junior, NAHL, and ECHL/ Pro coaches will be invited to attend to scout talent. This hidden benefit is vital for young players looking to further their hockey careers. This tournament will prove to be a major hockey event both in talent and speed. Keep your eyes glued for this!!!
Much like a volume of In The Crease a few weeks ago, I am trying to interview local hockey players and customers of JSBIA. This week I want to shed light on a good friend of mine and terrific hockey player, Mike Nelson. Mike started his hockey career with the NCCHYA Steelers located in Fredonia, N.Y. He played in the house league for many years during his youth and worked his way into the Varsity programs. Directly after high school Mike tried out and made the Wheatfield Blades junior B team. Mike was an instant star for the Blades, creating a power left wing position goaltenders still have nightmares about. After playing with the Blades 2003-2005 and making the decision to go off to college, Nelson was accepted at Kent State University in Ohio. Since Kent State does not have an official division I, II, or III program they have developed a college club division I team. Don't let this fool you! The ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) has defeated many division II and III teams. There has been many players that have been drafted and selected to division I and ECHL teams directly out of the ACHA. Mike hopes to be one of these selections someday. Proud to say Mike Nelson is a fellow travel team member of the Pond Brothers Hockey Club. Pond Brothers is a local team to Fredonia/Dunkirk N.Y. that travels to different hockey tournaments through out the USA and Canada. Mike is a key member of the Adult hockey team.
Hope to hear more feedback from this column and below is how you can contact me. Remember “ prize to the 10 th person to e-mail me with some input on ideas and suggestions they would like to see for a clinic or skate event. The prize will be a set of new water bottles or coaches bag or CCM 1052 Helmet… it's your choice. “
E-mail me at sfadale@netsync.net or call me at the arena Ext. 217 See you all next week!
Shaun V. Fadale
Hockey Director JSBIA
(716) 484-2624 Ext. 217