December 21st Hockey Game Press Release
Jason Lenihan
Hello BHS Hockey Parents and Supporters,
Enclosed you will find a press release for the big game/event. Many thanks to Dave Ackerman for his assistance in some of the logistics for that evening. Also, kudos to Ben Truman for crafting the press release. This is being sent to several media outlets today.
Next Steps:
- Continue to spread the word. We want to pack the rink, especially with alumni.
- Develop the pre-game ceremony. I have some ideas on that and would like to run them by the alumni that currently have players on the team.
Looking forward to it…
Jason
BHS Hockey To Start Season With Alumni Salute
For Immediate Release: December 6, 2013
Media Contact:
Jason Lenihan
It was 1979 when Burlington High School hockey alum Dan Burchard last took to the ice with his team. When he laces up again on December 21st it will be as part of an alumni salute with the 2013-2014 BHS Seahorses that includes his son, senior defender Tommy Burchard.
Nearly 45 years after the first state high school hockey tournament, division two BHS formally kicks off its season at Paquette Arena by honoring its team alumni. This year’s team is inviting all former BHS Hockey players to come and participate in the long-standing tradition of Seahorse hockey.
Burlington Mayor Miro Wienberger, who had his own career in youth hockey, will drop the ceremonial puck when the Seahorses take on the Hilltoppers of St. Johnsbury Academy.
Starting at 6:00 p.m. opening ceremonies will include a salute to the alumni, and first intermission will feature a mini-game with skaters from BAHA, the local youth hockey organization.
It wasn’t a given there would be skates on ice this season. Low player numbers and a tight budget had the future of the team in question. Earlier this year, over a hundred parents, students and members of the public turned out for a community meeting with school district officials to voice support for keeping the hockey program, and launched an ongoing effort to support athletics and co-curricular programs in the district. In response, the school district and school board restored funding to the programs.
Burchard said the players deserve a lot of credit for pulling together and speaking out as a team last spring when the program was facing the possibility of being eliminated. “These kids are keeping a long-standing tradition alive.”
“The way the students stepped up during the community discussions demonstrated a real sense of the personal responsibility and school spirit that are goals of our athletic and co-curricular programs” said BHS Principal Amy Mellencamp. “I’ve got my mittens ready, and will be in the stands whenever I can, cheering them on!”
The Seahorses begin the season with new head coach (and former player) Lou DiMasi, and assistants Jason Bedard, Jeff Amato, and Eric Beauregard. The team will be led by co-captains Jack Breen and Max Moreau.
Numbers are no longer an issue, as the students worked hard over the off-season to enlist their friends to join the team. With more than 20 players, including netminders Paul Truman and Sam Mouton rostered and ready to go, Coach DiMasi is looking forward to the opening buzzer.
“I’m grateful to be a part of a program that has such strong community and school support,” said DiMasi. “We have a lot of fresh legs this year, and I’m excited to lead this team of kids who are chomping at the bit to get on the ice. We’re going to work hard and have fun, and that’s the point.”
What: BHS Boys Hockey Game and Salute to Alumni
When: December 21, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Game starts 6:20 p.m.
Where: Gordon A. Paquette Arena @ Leddy Park
All Burlington School District students and children will be admitted free to the game. All BAHA players wearing their jerseys will also be admitted free.
There will be an informal gathering for the alumni in attendance post-game in the Leddy Arena lounge.
###
Jason J. Lenihan I P: 802.316.4727 / C:802.318.3555 I jlen...@harmonyis.com I 25 New England Drive I Essex Jct., VT 05452
Follow us on Twitter: @harmonyis