I apologize to the MS and JV teams for my absence thusfar this year. I knew I had to go to Dallas to make some repairs, but one thing led to another and things kind of got out of control. I will return Friday night, but that didn't help in what I missed. I'd like to thank the other coaches and mangers for picking up my slack. A special congrats goes to the MS team in their win against LS. As was mentioned in the Game summary we were handed a devistating loss the first time we faced the Pioneers. To not only keep the game in check (no pun intended) thus let alone win it shows the team is developing as a unit. Player by player, shift by shift, and as a team. You should all be very proud of the progress you've made. I know I am. There is no shame in losing as long as their is progression. Comments are made to repeatedly about how the team (and you too JV) are showing that progression. To make a turn-around like that is awesome. Again hats off to the team!

Great team effort by the middle school team tonight! You should all be proud.

Two nights ago the MS team faced off against a very formidible opponent in Cumberland Valley. Coming off their win at the Giant Center the players went out and tried to go for two in a row. The CV team was a little too much to handle. Looking at the opposing players shells we could identify 6 travel players out of 12. We definitely had our hands full. In retrospect the team had a very good game. From the bench it didn't look like CV let up. The team showed ther were able to set up good positional play that kept CV in check. We could obviously threaten to score. As is our tradition this year we handed out the Payday bar and for this game it went to our Captain Bendan Lehman. He played a very consistent game and was not selfish with his play. Now with the last practice tonight before we are headed for the holidays, the Hempfield coaching staff would like to wish all our followers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This past Sunday the MS team had the experience to take part in a Rink of Dreams game at the Giant Center. This was brought about by our friends at the Red Land Ice Hockey Club. The players got to prepare for the game in a luxurious locker room and play on the big ice at the Giant Center. It was difficult to keep the emotions in check, but they gathered them up before game time to put there best skate forward. Throughout the game they exhibited team work, system play, and respect for the game. They have certianly come a long way since the start of the season and posted a win. The majority of players (and parents) stuck around to watch the Bears blow a lead. I believe it was a fun day for the players and an experience they'll never forget. I know I won't.

The boys (and girl) definitely stepped up tonight. It was not our best effort against Hershey the other night and it was time to right the ship. And they responded. After the game against Hershey it was quite apparent we had to work on positional play and that is what practice wednesday was based upon. The team obviously payed attention. The final score wasn't what the team was looking for, but we are not in it to win or lose. We are here to learn, excel, and have fun. That we did tonight. The players executed their assignments the best we have seen this season and listened to instructions throughout the game very well. The players never lost sight of putting forth their best effort and played the best game thus far this season. For those that weren't there it was a great game to watch. My hat is off to this team. I couldn't have asked for more. The players dedication, sacrifices, and passion was certainly exhibited tonight. With continued practices and game experiences there is no place for our team to go, than up.