| We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan Eagan, Brad Musta, Tim and Margie Lowndes, and all the volunteers that provided a truly unique and exciting opportunity for our son this past season. For those considering participation with this program in the future, we can’t speak highly enough about the quality and professionalism exhibited by everyone involved.
As parents of a goaltender on the 2004-2005 Energy Midget Minor Team, we couldn’t be happier with our son’s experiences this season. Goalies are a distinct breed of player and often get overlooked by coaches that have never played the position. This often times leads to the goaltender being simply a target in practice receiving little if any instruction. This was not the case this year. Our son was very fortunate to have an experienced goalie coach in Brad Musta. In addition to serving as assistant coach, Brad worked daily with both goalies. This focused attention provided my son the feedback and instruction he needed to take his game to a higher level. The coaching staff provided a disciplined atmosphere in which each player was able to grow both as a player and young man. This discipline helped forge a group of players from all walks of life and different parts of the country into a successful team. The team’s success being defined, not entirely by wins and losses, but by the personal growth seen in each player both on and off the ice. Players were not only held accountable to themselves, their teammates, the coaches and parents but also participated in volunteer activities as a team providing help within the community. This allowed each to give back to the community while building citizenship skills. Our son lived with a terrific host family for the season. The host family welcomed our son into their family and made him feel right at home. The hosting program was administered very professionally. Prospective host families were thoroughly screened and the coaching staff met with each family to insure that the placement would be appropriate for each player. The opportunity for our son to live with a host family allowed him to learn many of the life skills that he will use long into the future. The experience of sending a son away to play hockey is never easy. We feel that the Energy Hockey Program offered the professional coaching, administration and exposure that we were looking for in a Tier 1 Midget program. Having a team located in the same city and practicing in the same rink as the Omaha Lancers of the USHL Tier 1 Junior A Hockey League is a real plus for exposure for each player. There were many occasions when Junior A coaches observed our kids in practice and games. Thanks once again to all those involved in the program this past season. Things look bright for the future of the program and we look forward to being part of the Energy family in the future. Dave & Shari Hankins |