A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Although our 2023 Spring League has finally come to an end, this season’s memories will last a lifetime. I’m amazed at the talent and skill of all our Roller Hockey Players and also the progression of those who were just beginning this Spring. The Playoffs were full of excitement and 2 of our 3 Division Championship Series were decided in a winner-take-all Game 3.


In my second year (4th season) as President, I continue to strive on making BMRH a special place for our children to grow up and fall in love with the game of hockey. I’d like to thank my team, The Board of Directors for all their time, help and support in making this league run. This would not at all be possible, without each and every one of you. We have come together as one and have made significant improvements to the structure of the Youth Organization and this has us heading into the future, full steam ahead. Below are just a few of the accomplishments we’ve made this year:


· Held a Bar Night Event this past Fall to fundraise and put the money raised, right back into the League

· Installed new lighting to brighten up the playing surface

· Continue to grow this great game by running Dek Hockey Clinics for those who are not yet ready to lace up the skates

· Continue to develop our beginners by running Instructional Clinics to better prepare them for League Play

· Continue to obtain Sponsorships from local businesses so that we are able to provide more for our young roller hockey players

· Purchased some new Goalie equipment for our young beginners to use during games and clinics

· Organized a New York Islanders outing to catch a live game

· Provided All-Star Game Winter Beanies to the Fall selections and had a BBQ Cookout for our Spring selections

· Purchased and installed new hockey nets to keep our rink looking fresh

· We raised the rink boards to ensure a quicker drying process for those rainy days

· We customized a BMRH flag to fly proudly

· Brought back the old tradition of BMRH Picture Day

· Added a BMRH Records section to our website to showcase the accomplishments of our players and keep track of the very best down at BMRH 


Unfortunately, our League Secretary, Nicole Casella will be stepping down after 15+ years of volunteering at BMRH. Nicole’s son had graduated last year but she opted to remain on the Board of Directors another year longer and help us continue to grow. Nicole was monumental in the organizing of the rink rebuild in 2017. Nicole’s leadership and commitment to the league is unreplaceable and she truly will be missed.


Thank you to all of our players, who registered as skaters but ended up playing Goaltender this season. The season could not have occurred without your help. Moving forward, we have established a new incentive program for all Full-Time Goalies. If the requirements are met, their season will be free! Please share with any tendies you know and have them contact us, directly, for additional information prior to registering.


To our Sponsors who have partnered with our Youth Organization: We cannot thank you enough for your contributions as we will work towards maintaining a smooth playing surface, later this summer. We could not make this happen without all of your support.


To Laura Paul and Joseph Menechino for snapping all those awesome shots at the rink this season. The amazing pictures you take keep us buzzing on the social media side of things and our kids are truly loving them.


Thank you to all of our Coaches:

Dom Buglione, Tony Pasquariello, Mike Justiniano, Joe Zummo, Adam Catalfomo, Tom Avena, Pat Casserly, Steve Buchynski, Steve Safuto, Lyle Rosman, Tom Ryan, Brian Lutwick, Jon Stawinski, JP Godek, Mark Kossack, Travis Carlin, Mike Rapp, James Anselmo, John Vasselman, Mike Vanasco, Rich Kavanagh and John Cusumano


Thank you to all of our Referees:

Chris Vento, Ray Quan, Ryan Elliot, Andrew Mucaria,

Steve Randazzo, Dan Splendore, John Berghorn and Steve Sharkey


Lastly, I wanted to thank those who voiced their opinion and provided feedback (throughout the season) regarding our Youth League. The most important thing of all is that myself and The Board of Directors continue to work and grow as a team and keep making improvements to make BMRH the best Youth Roller Hockey League around.


Onward!


Dave Manara, President

Bellmore-Merrick Roller Hockey