The Clipper's youngest shine amongst the Hartford Wolf Pack
On consecutive Saturday evenings, the youngest players of the Clipper's organization stood out. While the fans came out to see the Wolf Pack and Jr. Wolf Pack, the families of the Mite Minors and Learn to Play, as well as other Clipper teams were there to support and root for the future of the club.October 1st, the Mite Minors skated between periods at Champions during the Wolf Pack exhibition game. They played a very brief Blue/White scrimmage and fun was had by all involved. The highlight of the evening was when Peyton Lawler scored a goal on his younger brother Brendan as the crowd cried foul! Peyton had become quite frustrated with Brendan's first time in net which resulted in numerous stops of some of his finest shots. Realizing there was no referee on the ice that evening, Peyton, while laying in front of the net, tossed the puck towards the goal with his hand, leaving it to dribble by Brendan's outstretched body. The two brothers have continued to debate and ponder the thought of if there is no referee on the ice to uphold the rules are the rules actually broken? Brendan claims yes and Peyton no. The team is divided down the middle. What do you think? Sounds like a tree may have fallen in the forest.
One week later, on October 8th, the Learn to Play skaters performed at the Hartford Civic Center (pictured) between periods of the Hartford Wolf Pack vs Manchester Monarchs opening night. The skaters experienced a great laser light show in addition to the retiring of Ken Gernander's jersey. All 17 of them had an evening to remember. It doesn't get much better than AHL ice, a sellout crowd and proud grandparents in the stands cheering your every move. Prior to traveling downstairs in the Civic Center everyone was quite anxious and nervous, not knowing what was to be expected of them. Drawing upon some courage and levity, all the skaters rose to the occasion. As soon as it was over (the quickest three minutes in ice hockey) all of the skaters looked at their coaches with a large smile stating "can we go do that again?" To them it has now become just another day at the rink! What an exciting few weeks for these players. One they won't forget in years to come. We will all be watching as they grow and develop as hockey players.
Article written by Coach Mike Rooney and Sona Sliker.
ed. SpeedyGreen
Photo by Chris Rutsch
