2005-06 Hockey Season

While our youth hockey season ended mid-March, I continue to get my fix with the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

Our first season with the Dayton Bluehawks was great. The kids played about 60 games so getting enough ice time wasn't a problem. Our travels took us to Toledo, Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland. While we didn't win a lot of games, it was "the year of development" and we look forward to next season. Our team was a AA U18 Midget travel team but many of the players didn't even have a drivers license. Consequently, this is like the JV team playing varsity level. That being said, the boys competed very well at this level and will do even better next year.

Michael transitioned from defense to offense. This was a big change physically and mentally. We noticed much improvement in the last half of the season; taking more shots, being in position, puck handling and confidence all improved. Most importantly, he enjoys playing offense so that's what really matters.

We finished up the season in Cleveland at the state tournament. We didn't place well but competed against the top teams in Ohio (Youngstown, Cincinnati, and North Coast). The Cincinnati game was close and we came back in the third period to tie the North Coast Kings. That game went to OT and ended in a tie. It was a great victory for us. My understanding is Cincinnati will lose all of its players next year except three so they had a very senior team.

We can't wait until next season. One more year and we will be done with hockey unless Michael decides to play at the club level in college. It's been lots of fun...lots of $$$ too!

Reference the Dayton Bluehawks website for more information on teams, players, schedule, and more: http://www.daytonbluehawks.com