St. Thomas Tommies Hockey School a Success

From the Daily Gleaner's Letters to the Editor (scroll down a bit):

Bravo, Tommies, for good work with young hockey hopefuls

Re: St. Thomas University hockey school

Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of following my twin grandsons through the hockey school conducted by St. Thomas University.

One hundred and thirty-three young players of novice, atom and peewee age groups were put through a strenuous program of skating, puck-handling and shooting skills by the Tommies players in a style and with expertise they had never before experienced.

As they eagerly worked through their newly taught drills one day and learned new ones the next, the open-eyed joy of accomplishment, participation and pure, old-fashioned fun was evident on each and every young face.

Each youngster was made to feel as though he were the only hockey player on the ice, as the Tommies players worked with them one on one, as required, with patience and a friendly approach.

Goaltenders benefited equally, as they toiled happily through drills and skills pertinent to their position, skillfully taught by experts of the trade.

In addition to head coach Mike Eagles, the Tommies players were: David Crossman, Scott Judson, Mitch Price, Jason Rinsler, Justin Roy, Wes Welcher, Cory Banfield, Eric Trembly Devon Praught, Matt Foster, Jason Cassidy, Andrew Estey, Ryan Murphy, Brad Gallant and Jeremy Turgeon.

Goaltender coaches were Ben MacFarland, Guillaume Miszczak Matt Davis. Hovering behind the scenes and making things run smoothly was the ever-present Doc Feeney.

Well done guys. You have done yourselves, STU and the game of hockey proud. Along the way you have made 133 youngsters happy and better hockey players for the experience.

You have also made this old alumnus very, very proud.

William H. Gillen

Keswick Ridge, N.B.

Kudos to Coach Eagles, players, and staff for a job well done!