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"I am writing to thank you so very much for the Player of the Year Award. I cannot thank you enough for selecting me for such an award. I was so surprised and so humbled that you would consider me for such an honor. Playing for the Selects program was a privilege and I will always be honored to say I wore that jersey. Not only did I have the opportunity to play with and against some of the greatest hockey players from the United States and abroad, but I was also fortunate enough to play for some amazing coaches. The tournaments and trips to Finland and Sweden were by far the best experiences of my life and I am so grateful to you and Coach Bezio for allowing me those opportunities. Thank you again for this unbelievable honor. I am forever grateful."
Colin Sullivan – ’93 Defense
"I wanted to say thank you for inviting Darby to join ECS-Q in Boston this past weekend. To say that he had a great time would be an understatement. He asked me, in the car on the way to the airport, if he could come back to Boston next year with ECS-Q. You and Coach Carol did an excellent job of preparing this team and coaching them behind the bench. I appreciated our conversations on Saturday and Sunday as well. This was an excellent team of kids that came together with one objective, to win as a team. Everyone participated and played to the best of their abilities, with no one kid thinking that they were superior to another. That is amazing on any team.
I was also impressed with the way all of the Parents got along as well. As an outsider to the team I was welcomed open armed. The conversations with the parents were great. I also wanted to say thank you to Guy as well. He did a lot of organizing as well."
Dave Llewellyn – Ann Arbor, MI (Father of Darby Llewellyn, WCS ’96)
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"I wanted to take the time to send you a note thanking you in many ways for the joy both you and the Selects organization have brought to not only Jordan, but our entire family.
Hockey is a sport that can often take a ton of abuse. Too frequently we hear the negative…but I felt that you, Travis, and John deserved to hear the praise and respect that we feel for your organization. From the first time Jordan stepped on the ice for the New Years Day tryout two years ago, he has been treated with a level of integrity that is rare these days. As parents, we recognize that coaches have the ability to influence how boys look at a sport that at their young age means everything. Although hockey skills are the first “goal,” we all know that when these boys leave the arena, we hope that they have learned life skill too. We hope our sons will be encouraged when they perform well. Will be respected for their strengths and weaknesses. Will be disciplined when self control is lacking. And will be taught values that will help to create not only great hockey players, but admirable young men. I can honestly say, that your organization has met and surpassed all of our hopes.
You have given not only Jordan a chance to be involved in experiences that will alter his memories forever, but you have also allowed our family to be a part of these wonderful moments. We have seen amazing places, experienced different cultures, and formed bonds with great people. The friendships that Jordan has formed with boys from around the world who share the same passion is truly priceless. I can honestly say that Jordan’s Selects experience has not only made him a better hockey player, but truly a better young man.
I must commend three such young men for having the insight to recognize and even more importantly, the courage to instill the level of sportsmanship that you have created through Selects Hockey. Although every boy must earn a position on one of your teams, it is truly a privilege to be able to say you are a part of the Selects organization.
From our family, you have our appreciation and respect. Jordan both admires and trusts the relationship he has with you Joe. As his parents, we feel fortunate that he can have this connection with someone other than ourselves to guide him. We will continue to support your goals and hope to continue our friendship for a long time."
- Sandra Maletta (Mother of Jordan- 95 ECS-O)
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Thank you to the East Coast Selects for giving me exposure to various college coaches at the Selects camp. I also want to thank Joe Templin and my other Selects' coaches for teaching me that the most important thing is that hockey stays fun. After meeting coach Micheletto at Selects' Elite camp last June, I knew it was a school that I wanted to visit. Once I visited the campus and spent time with the coaching staff I felt so comfortable and I knew that UVM is where I wanted to go to school!
- Ian Spencer (ECS 94 - Committed to University of Vermont (2009
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Travis...I did want to confirm that Michael has committed to the US NTDP Program. Your identification (Joe), development, and guidance has helped Michael reach the next level of hockey. We will always view your program as one of the key stepping stones for Michael in his development as you put together great teams and truly challenged the boys. Best, Trish and Mike
- Mike Paliotta (Father of Michael - ECS '93 Committed to USA NTDP)
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I would like to Thank-you and the Selects hockey organization for ALL you did for us . The last two week have been an amazing adventure for the team, and the parents.We can not tell you how much we enjoyed watching the team and coaches play the game that means so much to us in Canada and the US.You have set the standard from this point on, that will have to be matched with each trip or tournament the Selects are involved in !!! Kristi I am sure that there where bumps in the road that you had to overcome ,but you did absolutely fantastic job and handled yourself with so much CLASS . It was a pleasure as a father of a hockey player that was so excited to play under a coach which gave the team guidance and direction. All of the players are better off today for the experience that you gave , they are better on and off the ice with skills that will be carried on for the rest of their lives. Our teams are VERY fortunate to have you as a mentor and coach.Lauren asked me to tell you that she loved playing for you, and was excited about all her new team mates and friendships that will last a life time. ( Parents too ! ) Hopefully with hard work Lauren will be able to keep playing hockey for the Selects Teams,she has had an opportunity of a life time and experienced parts of the world thru hockey, what an amazing way to see the different cultures !! Thanks again for everything Kristi !!!!!!!
- Brian Wildfang (Father of Lauren - ECS '96 Girls)
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Thank you for everything your organization did for our son and our family this year. Hunter has played organized hockey since he was 4 years old and we have never enjoyed a year as much as we did this spring/summer with the West Coast Selects. The two tournaments that your organization sponsored (Hammarby and NAPS) were the highlight of our season (winter and spring). Meeting your grandfather and having you over for dinner will always rate as one of our most cherished memories as a family! We were very happy to see your efforts recognized on NHL.com, the recognition is very well deserved. We hope you all of the best this coming year and beyond. Hopefully, Hunter earns the opportunity to play for your organization again. He grew as person and player in ways that you may never realize and overcame some obstacles that made him a more complete player but more importantly, a better person.
Thank you
- Roger Shinkaruk (Father of Hunter Shinkaruk - WCS '94)
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Thanks for a great weekend. You (Travis Howe) and John (St.Pierre) were top notch and will continue to be well respected in the hockey community. I like the program you have started and will continue to tell people how organized and well ran it is. If there is any thing that we can do dont hesitate to call us. Thanks again
- Duane Knight (Father of Jared Knight- London Knights & ECS '92 Alumnus)
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Thank you ECS for inviting Robert to play this past spring. It gave him the opportunity to play with elite players in very competitive tournaments, something he has never experienced before. We could see his smile through his helmet! The team bonded quickly and it showed on the ice. The coaching staff really cares about the players. Joe always came to the games prepared and offered encouragement while teaching on the bench. We look forward to many more spring tournaments with ECS.
- John Polesello (Father of Robert Polesello- ECS '94)
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We cannot believe what an AWESOME Spring we had! Winning the '94 Warrior Meltdown was such a great way to end our season!!! I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for including Ian and offering him the chance to play on such a special team. It has really been a great experience and we have enjoyed watching Ian's play improve during each event. The talent on this team his scary. I am sure some day we will be watching a few of the forwards on ESPN!
Ian learned something different from each coach that spent time with him this Spring and the new found knowledge will benefit him in the upcoming season and in years to come. Dave and I have enjoyed getting to know all the families....they are a fun group of people! Joe...we owe you a special thank you. You are a superb role model for our son. You are a gifted leader and you have done a great job of bringing a group of people from all-over together and making each player and family feel special and welcome. Ian loves your coaching style and he really enjoyed playing for you.
- Jo Ellen Spencer (Mother of Ian Spencer - ECS '94)
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Coach Templin, I learned a ton, I worked my butt off (and loved it), I played against some of the best hockey players in the world, made a couple great friends and had the most fun that i have ever had. Everyone, especially you coach Templin, thank you for giving me all that you have. Tryouts were hard, Iceland, and Swedan were awesome, in Toronto and Montreal I have never seen as many great hockey players as I did. I am proud to be on the selects team.
- Matt McArdle (ECS-O '95)
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Playing for the East Coast Selects has been a great experience for me over the past three summers and I have enjoyed myself whenever I have had the opportunity to play with the team. At each tournament, even if we did not win, we had a heck of a team and competed every game. Also, the Clarkson Camp has taught me a great deal over the last two summers. Being surrounded by other top players, getting coached by Mark Howe, and meeting Ryan Hayes and Colby Cohen, who have become role models of mine, is what made my camp experience great. Travis, John, Joe and the rest of the ECS coaching staff always did a great job at the camps and tournaments. It has also been fun playing with other great players and having the chance to "light it up" at showcase events. I want to thank the coaches, counselors, players, and the people behind the scenes that have made my time with ECS so great.
- Luke Moffatt- (USA National Team & ECS '92 Alumnus)
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Chris, Matt and I want to thank-you guys for another great weekend....whether or not we made the final it is our privilege to have met such genuine people who really treat everyone with an enormous amount of respect....you are truly classy and sincere! You all know the situations our son has gone through over the years with politics and people trying to hold him back and for you to embrace him with such passion and commitment makes us feel very, very lucky....it makes coming out of our winter hockey feel like a vacation with our favorite past time as the entertainment...HOCKEY! I want you all to know we not only enjoyed watching the games and new faces but also our time just "sitting around the campfire" having a laugh and getting to know one another even more was really fun.
The East Coast Selects are more than hockey, it is a family embracing the sport and its athletes over and above anything I've seen in the past...don't change anything! Also, I wanted you to know you can count on us as references for you and your program anytime....give our phone number to anyone wanting to know anything about you and what you stand for...I'll give them the report, don't worry! Also, your wives or significant others, we are also privileged to have met them as well making it truly a family environment
- Vince Duchene, Haliburton, ON (Father of Matt Duchene of Brampton Battalion & ECS '91 Alumnus)
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Joe, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving Greg the experience of playing with the East Coast Selects. I think it will help in his challenges in the upcoming season with the Windsor Spitfires. We would also like to thank Travis and John. It was a really positive learning experience that Greg will take with him. Thanks again,
Gary Nemisz
- Gary Nemisz (Father of Greg Nemisz 2008 1st Rd NHL Draft Pick & ECS '90 Alumnus)
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Our entire family would like to thank you and your staff for your efforts in providing the boys that make up the East Coast Selects a place to play together. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the best 94's get the opportunity to play as a team. It allowed them to expand and improve their individual games by having players of similar talent to work with. We feel that this group of young men are going to do great things over the coming years and hope that they all will continue to work hard and improve. Next Spring seems like a long way off now, but the anticipation of seeing the boys playing together once again and enjoying the camaraderie with their parents will make the months pass quickly.
Again, on behalf of my entire family (Kathy, Heather and Billy) I thank you.
Sincerely,
- Bill Wager (Father of Billy Wager - ECS '94)
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Playing for theEast Coast Selects has been a great experience for me. Travis, Joe and the rest of the coaching staff have a knack for finding skilled players who mesh together as a team both on and off the ice. They have taught me to work hard for a win and lose with grace. ECS is a first rate organization. I can't thank everyone enough, you have helped me take my game to the next level.
-Barrett Kaib and Family - ECS '93 Team
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"I think the biggest thing I took from the ECS team was the ability to come together as a team and how important it is to have team unity"
- Kevin Shattenkirk (2007 1st Rd NHL Draft Pick - Boston University - ECS '89 Alumnus)
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All of you guys associated with the ECS should be very proud of yourselves. Watching the World U-17 Challenge last night and seeing many of the ECS alumni Kevin played with was a lot of fun. You should definitely highlight how many of your players participated in the tournament. Please keep in touch. Barbara and I would love to hear from you. All the best, Pat Shattenkirk
- Pat Shattenkirk (Father of Kevin Shattenkirk (above))
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We thank you again for the great experiences that Patrick had with ECS. It was a great opportunity to play with many skilled players. You and your staff encouraged him to take advantage of those opportunities to play with more skilled players. Thanks again for your guidance and all the wonderful memories!
- Mary Jane Wey (Mother of Patrick Wey - Waterloo Blackhawks & ECS '91 Alumnus)
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I was not in Detroit due to work, however Cheryl and Paul said it was a great team win, and they both had a great time.Paul had a great thrill meeting Mr. Gordie Howe. I would like to let you, Joe, and Travis know that playing for ECS has been a great LIFE and hockey experience for Paul and our family. Paul can't wait to go to tournaments to play hockey and hang out with as he says with the boys and the coaches. Paul is with you guys as long as you will have him. Thanks for making him apart of a first class team. Thank you,
- Tony Berrafato (Father of Paul Berrafato - ECS '93)
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On behalf of Blake and the Coleman’s we just wanted to say thank you. What an incredible honor to play with such talented and humble players. As well as getting to hang out with such terrific parents and chaperones. (Though next time the late night needs to be when we don’t have an 8 am game the next morning!!) Each year the team gets stronger and stronger and this year’s team was incredibly talented. At the 91 level it is especially impressive to see such good defense!! Some of these boys have the kind of talent to probably go on in hockey and then all the boys can say I knew them when. But, what all of the boys will carry with them is the ability to hang out with such a great group of kids and then get on the ice and play awesome hockey! For the boys to be able to say I played with kids from all over the US and Canada and now even extending it to Sweden is pretty incredible and a memory they will have for life. Life isn’t all about where you are going it is about what is special along the way and sometimes in competitive sports I think we lose that. And I think for the boys this is definitely one of the things that is special along the way.
- Sandy Coleman (Mother of Blake Coleman ECS '91)
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I would like to thank-you for everything you done for Travis. He told me both tournaments were awesome. It was the best experience that he has ever had in hockey. Thanks again.
- Bob Randell (Father of Travis Randell ECS '91)
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Julie, Jonathan and I would like to thank each of you for the great opportunity you gave Jonathan to play for the East Coast Selects over the past two summers. Jonathan is very proud to have worn the East Coast Jersey which is currently framed and hanging on the wall in our rec-room. Jonathan feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with kids like Matt Duchene, Danny Biega, Sam Alfeiri and all the other great hockey players on the various rosters.
Thank you once again for having Jonathan on the East Coast Selects. It has been a pleasure for both Julie and I to have met each of you and we wish each of you a great rest of the summer.
- Chris & Julie Carmony (ECS '91)
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I(James),my wife (Coleen)and Jarrad would like to say a big THANK YOU to you for making the weekend in Toronto possible for Jarrad to attend. It was a great experience for him and he totallyenjoyed it and it allowed him to compete against very good competition and with very good players. This opportunity should only help him in the future.Once again thankyou from all of us. Also the coaching staff was top notch,a big thank you
to them also.
- James Struthers (Father of Jarred Struthers - ECS '89)
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"Overall AAA!"
- Mark Petrecki ( Father of Nick Petrecki - 2007 1st Rd NHL Draft Pick - Boston College - ECS '89 Alumnus)
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"ECS runs a first class summer select team program. John, Travis and Joe are professional coaches who motivated my son and who sought out the best competition for our team. The players selected for the 89 team were all hand-picked top end players with great parents. This was a very positive experience and I'd highly recommend it to any parent considering a summer select team for their son."
- Jon Sokol (ECS '89)
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"I am proud to say my son skates for you guys and I can't thank you enough for your support of him as a player and a person. I know my son has grown and has become a better hockey player from ECS. I want to tip my hat to all three of you and say thank you for a wonderful spring. The gill family looks forward to a long relationship with you and your families and you know ill be knocking on your doors when we need advice."
- Phyllis Gill (ECS '89)
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"All three of the coaches are knowledgeable in skills, strategy, and intra-personal relationships. What is even more impressive is their openness to discussing any aspect of hockey with both the players and the parents. I truly respect the ability of these coaches to put together teams that blend and compliment each other. My son enjoys playing with players from all parts of North America. Players that he would otherwise play against, and players that he never has had the opportunity to see play."
- Cheri Ross (ECS '90)
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"Our thanks and congratulations to the ECS organization for a successful and rewarding 2004 tournament year. Our son was provided the opportunity to play with the best, compete against the best and be coached by the best. We are confident that the ECS experience will continue to pay dividends throughout his career."
- Greg and Irene Petrick (ECS '90)
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"Watching the team interact and support each other, on and off the ice. I was impressed by the level of maturity and how the boys worked together as a cohesive unit. Also, the support and friendship of the parents and the the coaches."
- Daisy Margolin (Mother of Andrew Margolin - ECS '89)
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"The opportunities, experience and direction given to him by East Coast Selects has really improved his game."
- Cathie Graus (Mother of Ryan Grimshaw - Harvard University & ECS '90 Alumnus)
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Thank you for inviting and letting John (JP) Parker participate this past weekend with the ECS 1992 White Team at the NAP's Tournament in Syracuse , NY . He had a great time and really enjoyed playing for ECS and with his teammates. They had a lot of fun and accomplished and learned much in a short time.
John you did a tremendous job coaching ECS 92 White Team and counciling/teaching the kids. I was very impressed with your coaching technique, style and teaching ability and the way you worked with all of the kids. Keep up the great work!
Thank you again for a great weekend of hockey and a fine introduction to the ECS organization. It was very insightful learning about higher levels of hockey, the players in the 92 age group and speaking with you regarding hockey paths and needed improvements. JP had a blast and it was fun for our entire family."
- John Parker (ECS '92) |
