The second Annual Dinner for Manhasset Hockey was held Sunday night at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. The dinner served as a celebration of the second year of the Manhasset Middle School Hockey Club and the inaugural season for the Manhasset-Roslyn Varsity Hockey Club and the progress of our community hockey program. The middle school's record improved over last season and the team was far more balanced than the previous season. With the growth and experience of the club's more senior players, and an anticipated influx of young talent, the future looks bright. The varsity team, which was a joint venture with neighboring Roslyn, exceeded all expectations producing three players who were the league's leading scorers and a squad that reached the championship round.

In speeches heard during the evening, program representatives stressed the fact that they did not measure the success of the program by their teams' won-loss records, but rather by special moments which left an indelible impression on those who witnessed them. Examples were, the varsity team showing it had come together, when late in the season one of the team's players who had not previously scored a goal did so, it resulted in the entire team rushing to the ice for an impromptu celebration of his accomplishment; observing the palpable joy of a middle school goalie, who was only supposed to be a back up, coming into his own and posting his first shutout; watching the transformation of a serviceable defenseman into perhaps the team's most aggressive checker; and of course the unforgettable and gutsy performance by one of the varsity team's star players as he battled injury and fatigue while trying to will his team to one final victory in the championship round. It is gratifying that throughout the course of their time with the program the boys not only developed their talents and elevated their games, they also showed character and forged friendships with neighbors and classmates which hopefully will endure long after the last puck is dropped.

Heartfelt thanks went out to those who contributed to the program. John Hannon was recognized as the "founding father" whose inspiration and perspiration established the program. Commented one parent, "We all owe John a debt of gratitude for the positive experiences that our kids have had these past two years." Gregg Montgomery was acknowledged for his efforts putting together the varsity club and doing more for the program than anyone could imagine, from administration to coaching and beyond. Dave Sigadel and Lee Garbus received thanks for serving as managers of the varsity and middle school teams respectively and Laura Kowalski for handling the spring middle school club. Tim Carr received thanks for his work on the program's web site, Neal Bagley for his work on the program's books and as an assistant coach and Dario Duque for his help with practices. Coach Kevin Smith, who coached both teams, was lauded for his enthusiasm and balance of discipline and encouragement. This led one parent to note, "Rare is the coach who is both respected and well liked, we are fortunate to have Kevin here." The player's parents were also recognized for their commitment. Lastly, there was a roar of applause for Eleanor Hannon and her tireless efforts putting together what turned out to be an enormously enjoyable dinner.

Many of the players are currently playing on the middle school and varsity/J.V. teams in the league's spring developmental program. Next fall both the varsity and middle school clubs will return. The program would like to field a J.V. team as well. Registration for the fall will be early this time around, in June. This is necessary to procure the necessary practice ice and efficiently manage the program. Interested players and parents should contact Gregg Montgomery (Varsity/J.V.; entering grades 9-12) @ GMontgomery@pyrosignal.com or Laura Kowalski (Middle School; entering grades 6-8) at larkrany@aol.com.