A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

As we enter the half-way point of our 45th Anniversary Season, and begin working on both our Summer, and Fall Programs, I wanted to reflect on the tremendous gameplay we all witnessed this past season. From start, to finish, the hockey got better and better.


This season we had 87 games scheduled. 52% of our games finished with a score differential of 3-goals or less while 80% of the games finished within a differential of 5 or less. In our Freshman Division, 2 points separated 1st and 2nd place while the other 3 teams were neck and neck in the standings. The playoffs were outstanding. The winning team lost game 1 of the Championship, battled back to take the next 2 games, and become Champions. The same thing happened in our Sophomore Division as the #1 seed won 9 out of 10 games heading into the playoffs. They won their first-round matchup but then all of a sudden faced elimination. They were about to be swept in the final round until they scored 5 times in the last 3 minutes of Game 2, to force a winner-take-all Game 3. This one was another nail biter and another Champ was crowned after losing Game.1 in a best of 3 series. Our Junior Division was filled with talent, and the competition did not disappoint one bit.


Prior to the start of the ’22 Spring Season, we launched our new website, also referred to as the start of our “Stat Era”. This season, we witnessed some broken records. The Freshman Division Jets now have the record for most goals scored in a season (112). Sam Stawinski now holds the records for most points in a season (48), and most per game (5.3). He and teammate, Lukas Aykaz, now have the most playoff points in a season with 18. Sam also owns the record of points per game in the playoffs with 5.5. Logan Kute scored 40 goals, which is the most in a season, and had 10 assists during the playoffs, another record. Jase Kavanagh now holds the most assists in a season with 17. In the Sophomore Division, although they only played 1 playoff game, both Brendan Hoefenkrieg, and Jake Seidman tied the playoff point per game record with 7.0. The Junior Division Bruins broke the record for most goals in a season (109) primarily due to the play of Donovan Butler, who shattered the record books this season. Donovan took home records for most goals (56), most points (70), and most points per game (7.0). He also broke the playoff record in that category by securing 8.0 points per game. James Pelini took home the most assists in a season with 28.


There are other ways to stand out and make an impression. For instance, Ella Kopczynski. This was her 1st season at BMRH as she joined us in her off-season from travel ice hockey. Ella is the ultimate teammate as she suited up to play goaltender 4 times during the regular season, and once during the playoffs. Way to step up against the boys and be fearless! In an emergency situation before Game 2 of the Sophomore Division Championship, Kellen Butt volunteered to play goaltender. What? He’s never played the position before but took one for the team. Although the outcome didn’t go in his team’s favor, Kellen made a lot of saves that evening and kept his team in right to the end. Amazing! In the first few games of the season, Connor Gray played so well that we promoted him to the 1st line. Although his statistics slowed down, he still scored some goals on 1st line and blended right in with the best players from around the division. Way to not back down from a challenge! How about the Blackhawks 2nd line? Due to attendance issues and scheduling conflicts, these players double-shifted for the entire season. What an effort! There were many others throughout the season and these were just to name a few.


The Goaltender position continues to be a struggle in the sport. I truly appreciate those who stepped up for their team this season and put on the pads to try-out, and play the position.

 

To our Partners, we cannot thank you enough for your support. Without your contributions, what we do, does not happen. We have such an incredible Roller Hockey Community and it's because of supporters like you.


Thank you to our Coaches:

Rich Kavanagh, Jon Stawinski, Tony Pasquariello, Ryan Gallagher, Mike Rapp, Phil Brucia, 

Matt Sterner, Mike Alveari, Mike Vanasco, Matt Scalise, Paul Esposito, 

Dom Buglione, Tom Ryan, Matt Senicola, Steve Hoefenkrieg, John Tamm, John Zak, Jason Pessel, 

Mike DiPasquale, Mike Justiniano, Adam Catalfomo, Tom Avena, and Bobby Kelly


Thank you to our Referees:

Ryan Elliot, Ray Quan, Andrew Mucaria, Catie Boudiette

Steve Randazzo, Jon Olson, John Berghorn, Nico Buglione, and Dominic Casella


Finally, I’d like to thank my team, The Board of Directors. What we do is an absolute grind and sometimes a thankless job. I appreciate all the time, help and support in making this league run. This would not at all be possible, without each and every one of you. We continue to come together as one and continue to make significant improvements to the structure of our Youth Organization.


Before I close, I want to remind you all that our Sumner Programs are live on our website. Our Fall League Registration closes on 8/10 OR when we are filled to capacity. Don’t wait until the last minute. Please help spread the word to any Goaltenders you may know as Goalies play free at BMRH!


On behalf of my entire team, the Board of Directors, I’d like to wish all of our BMRH Families, a very Happy Summer.


Onward!

Dave Manara, President

Bellmore-Merrick Roller Hockey