Out like a Lion

The pucks are all packed and it is time to head back to Syracuse. After a spectacular championship win in Geneva the team headed to Massachusetts for a tournament against teams from all over New England. We lost our first game 2 to 1, but came back to win our second and third games with some of the best hockey we've played all season. This last few weeks have seen the team grow and improve by huge strides proving what we knew all along that Midstate bantams are truly a talented team. With everyone contributing 100% on the ice we have seen that teamwork, heart, and effort are effective means to playing great hockey. There has not been a dull moment all season with this team. It has been one of the most memorable and rewarding seasons I have had in a long time. I have had the honor of working with two great coaches: Coach Jim Albright, and coach Gordon Carr. Our Jr coach Blaise Maio and our team manager Beth Maio have gone above and beyond the call of duty for this team. I also have had the pleasure of some great parents who have also contributed throughout the season with their time and effort to keep the team on track as a unit. It has truly been a group effort that has resulted in a great team that won't soon be forgotten. For many this has only been their first season of Bantams, and for some it has been their last. I am confident that we will see many of these young players become successful on whatever road life takes them whether it is in hockey or any other pursuit. This team is a team of champions, and that's how they played. They say that if March comes in like a lamb - then it goes out like a lion. That's sort of sums up how our season went. You've done well Midstate, and I'm very proud of each and every one of you.

Coach Heldt
March 15th 2009