Presidents Report - 13 April 2009

What a weekend Easter has been!

Bauer Cup at Mount Wellington has been full on for our U12 and U16 Teams. Both Colin and Simon have had the full range of emotions of Players and Supporters in some great Hockey.

End result both Teams made it through the Semi Finals with what  can be described  as the best spectator sport around.  The 12's trailing by 2 goals to zip up till the last 6 minutes.  Constant pressure saw the team even the game by full time to 2 all.  Then the extra time came into play with golden goal ... first to score wins. Normally the Miners seem to be on the losing end of this but not this weekend.  A deft little pass from Gina  through to 39 ... thats what I call him but everyone else its Nathan.  With no other opposition except the goalie, a lovely flick into the left top and the 12's were into the finals.  I'm sure Simon was sweating more than the
players.

The 16's played our friends from Hamilton the Devils Red.  3 quick goals by us seemed to put us in the box seat.  However some indifferent hockey saw the scores tied by the fourth quarter.  However I'm sure the players were having Colin on and we won 5 to 4.  What was heartening in both games was amount of possession and puck control our teams have.

Finals were a slighlty a different storey and as one parent remarked our players burnt there powder in the semi finals.  Both teams were convincingly beaten by the Panthers.  All things considered it was there tournament. Still Silver is great result for our small club competing against City teams.  I really take my hat off to all those new players in the 12's.  They played there hearts outs.  Big thanks also to the Parents and Grandparents who supported.   Makes our Club very special to have that level of commitment and support.

The central draw is now available.  (Note: this is version 2.2 - the final draw).

Look forward to the our big day of hosting the U10 and U12 grades at our rink.  Also the travel to New Plymouth on the weekend of 15/16th August. Many stay at the Auto Lodge in New Plymouth so book there if you are considering staying for a night or two.  Its very close to the rink and gives discounts for Hockey.  Any advice on that ask one of the seasoned rink rats what to do.

Big weekend coming up this Saturday the 18th April with the finals for the local league.  Come along and watch 4 teams compete for some awesome prizes.

Thats it for now.  Regards Pete Shields.