The Building of a Dream   With all of the bad news you hear about today on our ‘troubled youth’ and ‘coaches gone bad’ in sports, I would like to pass along what I believe would be a good lead for a human interest story on…….three unique athletes…….of three different ages…….. in three different stages of development……… a Goalie, a Forward and a Defensemen coming together under…… two devoted coaches……and one dynamic organization in one of the most unlikely places for ice hockey……working together to develop, provide exposure and promote these athletes who are dedicated to ‘CHASING A DREAM’!   With the assistance of dedicated coaches, they are defeating the odds and pursuing paths in playing ice hockey at a high level - Division 1 College and possibly higher – all with their roots based in the NYC/Metropolitan area where it is challenging to get consistent development, ice time and exposure.   Not only is the road to their budding successes a unique one, but the common thread for the boy’s success and exposure run through two dedicated coaches……a retired New York City firemen and a young devoted assistant Junior hockey coach from the Metro Moose out of New York City.   All three boys are committed to the sport of ice hockey and train during their summers with these coaches. They are being rewarded for their hard work through the connections and relationships that these coaches have cultivated, one of which is with a team, in one of the most unlikely locations you would imagine for major junior hockey…….Corpus Christi Texas – The IceRays.. This unique blend of coaches and organizations are allowing these boys to chase their dreams in playing major junior hockey, Division 1 college hockey and even possibly in the NHL as you will read below.   Teams   You have the NAHL (North American Hockey League), a Tier II  Major Junior hockey league. This league is where Mike Rupp of the New York Rangers began his Junior hockey career during the 1996-1997 season. The Corpus Christi IceRays are an NAHL team, based out of Corpus Christi Texas. The IceRays have been pivotal in bringing these boys into their organization and immersing them into their development model which is geared toward moving them along and aligning their individual goals through organizational connections.  The head coach of the Corpus Christi IceRays, Justin Quenneville who comes from a family with roots in professional hockey and who is the nephew of Joel Quenneville, head coach of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks.    This connection with the IceRays was made by the introduction and recommendation from the two coaches Vinnie Smith and Mark Lotito of Hockey Essentials based out of Woodbridge, NJ.  These coaches are truly role models and are committed to helping those athletes who are skilled and driven to help themselves through hard work on the ice and in the classroom.   The Players Anthony Stolarz – Jackson NJ ’94 birth year (17years old) Currently playing in the NAHL as the starting goalie for the Corpus Christie IceRays in Texas Currently on the NHL central scouting list for the upcoming 2012 NHL draft Recently committed to University of Nebraska –Omaha Division 1 College for 2012-2013 school year. The UNO Mavericks are coached by Dean Blais, who recently coach the USA Hockey Junior team in the IIHF World Junior Championship in Canada STOLARZ COMMITS (D1) UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-OMAHA   CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Corpus Christi IceRays goaltender Anthony Stolarz has committed to play between the pipes next year at the (D1) University of Nebraska-Omaha. In his first year as a Corpus Christi IceRay, Stolarz has posted a .926 save percentage, 2.41 goals against average, and a record of 9-7-1-1 and received both NAHL three stars of the week honors, and USA Junior Hockey goaltender of the week. “On behalf of the IceRays organization we would like to congratulate Anthony on his decision to commit to the University of Nebraska-Omaha” said head coach Justin Quenneville.  “Not only will they be inheriting a special athlete in Anthony, but a dedicated student.  Anthony was extremely humble and level headed throughout this whole process and had the opportunity to commit to a variety of D1 schools of his choice.  Understandably he felt a connection with the UNO community and coaching staff, and will have the opportunity to play collegiate hockey for one of the top programs in the country.     The Mavericks head coach Dean Blais has a hockey career like no other and will be huge asset to Anthony's continued success.  From National Championships, to world championships, Team USA and coaching with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL, Coach Blais and the entire UNO hockey staff bolster an incredible hockey resume for Anthony to grow under.” The University of Nebraska-Omaha is in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) along with Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth, Colorado College, Denver, North Dakota, Michigan Tech, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State, Wisconsin, Alaska-Anchorage, and Minnesota State. “It feels great to finally commit, especially to the University of Nebraska-Omaha” said IceRays goaltender Anthony Stolarz.  “I felt very comfortable with the coaching staff at UNO and I am looking forward to developing into a better goalie and person over the next four years. It is rewarding knowing that all of my hard work growing up is finally paying off and I have to continue to work hard to play at the collegiate level. Now I can turn my focus back to the ice and help the IceRays get into the playoffs and then the Robertson Cup.” Stolarz is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft this year, and is drawing a lot of attention from around the entire National Hockey League.  Even though he hasn’t been with the IceRays until the start of this year, Stolarz praised the organization.  “I would like to thank the entire IceRays organization for everything they have done and the opportunities they have given me. I am so glad I made the decision to come to south Texas to play hockey. Under Coaches Quenneville, Bennett, and Mei, I have really matured and developed into a better player from when the season first began. The IceRays have helped me turn my dream of playing Division I hockey into reality         Matthew Weis – Beach Haven, NJ ’95 birth year (16 Years old) 2011 USA Hockey Festival Team Played forward in the NAHL for the Corpus Christie IceRays in Texas until December 2011,  recently called up to the USHL (United States Hockey League) a Tier 1 Major Junior hockey league by the Green Bay Gamblers       WEIS TRADED TO GREEN BAY (USHL)   CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays are excited to announce that Matthew Weis has been traded to the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL for futures, along with cash.  In his first year with the Corpus Christi IceRays, Weis is tied for the team lead in points with 18.  Weis also leads the team with 14 assists.  “With Matt having the opportunity to play some games with Green Bay this season will not only be beneficial for him, but reiterates our vision and goals for players in our organization” said head coach Justin Quenneville.  “This transaction puts a staple in our confirmation to recruitment for players to not only have more exposure than any other team, but also be driven to opportunities that young players can only dream about.” The plan is to have the Gamblers play Weis for ten games, then return him to the IceRays.  That will add him to their affiliate list, which in turn would protect him under the Gamblers for next year.     “Our organization sets a standard above anyone else when it comes to level of development that our league is striving for” Quenneville went on to say.  “Many people in our industry lose sight of what we are here for, and that is to provide these young players with as many opportunities as possible.  Hopefully young players such as Matt will continue to be attracted to our program for the development and opportunities that present themselves when becoming an IceRay.  Green Bay is a top program in the USHL and will be inheriting a special player in Matt during his stay with the Gamblers." The Gamblers are one of the top teams in the USHL.  More than 165 of its alumni have moved onto the NCAA Division I level. More than 50 players have gone onto play professional hockey and 31 young men have been selected in the annual National Hockey League Entry Draft.  Also, the Gamblers have won two Junior A National Championships, four Anderson Cups, three Clark Cups, and six USHL Eastern and Northern division championships.      Trevor Heuser  - Farmingdale NJ ’96 birth year (15 years old) 2011 USA Hockey Festival Team Currently playing Tier I Midget National hockey for the NJ Jr Titans out of Howell, NJ Recently (Jan 2012) signed a tender to play for the Corpus Christi IceRays for the 2012-2013 season after playing 4 games for the IceRays as the youngest player to play in the NAHL this year. ICERAYS SIGN HEUSER TO TENDER   CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays announced they have signed defenseman Trevor Heuser to one of the two NAPHL tender deals.  “We are excited to have Trevor sign with us for next year,” said head coach Justin Quenneville.  “He not only had the opportunity to showcase himself here for 4 games, but demonstrated many attributes that bode well for him next year in the line-up.” In 14 games this year with the NJ Junior Titans, Heuser has (1g, 4a) along with 26 penalty minutes.  After joining the IceRays in his first game he had a +1 rating in the 5-4 shootout win, and had an opportunity in the shootout as well.  Heuser has played a total of four games in Corpus Christi and is +1 with two penalty minutes.  Even though Heuser is only 15 years old, head coach Justin Quenneville is excited to see him develop this season. “We look forward to seeing Trevor continue with his progress and development as he prepares himself for next season.  He will be an instrumental part to our success as we move forward in what has already been an exciting year of recruitment.”      The Commitment   All three of these young men have committed and dedicated themselves to the sport of hockey.  I believe it would be interesting to talk to them and get their perspective on their lives in hockey and the coaches they thought were instrumental in helping their development along the way, the challenges they have faced, and the hard work they continue to put in on and off the ice. There are coaches they will always remember who have played key roles in their lives. If you ask the boys what they’ve learned from these coaches, I am sure you would be surprised by some of their answers.  It isn’t always about hockey skills, but building their character, learning life lessons, and figuring out how to be confident in their own skin.  Isn’t that what we want our teenagers to learn?   The recent commitment all three have made in order to have the opportunity to play for the IceRays means they are getting one step closer to their dream. This entails forfeiting their right to play high school hockey with their friends and moving away from home during their formative teenage years. They do however billet with families that love and treat these boys as their own. Transferring and acclimating to a new school in Portland Texas where they must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Training 6 days a week and playing two games a week.  Taking the team bus to away games traveling up to 13 hours one way. The boys participate and support the community though charity events and community service. In turn the community supports these boys by coming to their games.  The average attendance is about 2,700 per game. Families can watch their games live on the computer or listen to them on ESPN Radio Corpus Christi. The only time the boys return home during the school year is during a 10 day holiday break in December.  If you ask these boys if they view all this as a sacrifice, the answer would surely be a no.  This is all for the love of the game. These experiences and adventures are an education that will serve them well into their adult years.  This is really a ‘slice of life’ or in the case of these three young men…their ‘whole life’.

 

The Green Mountain Glades of Eastern Junior Hockey League would like thank Mark Lotito and Hockey Essentials for all their hard work and dedication to help place their players at the highest level possible.  We are fortunate to have built a strong relationship with coaches like Mark Lotito and Hockey Essentials who have helped us put good players with good character into our program. Players such as Patrick Kerns, Steve Esposito, Dylan Troiano. We look forward to continuing  this relationship. Green mountain Glades Coaching Staff.   Kevin Kerr Head Coach Green Mountain Glades

Matt Weis 95' & Anthony Stolarz 94' move onto Corpus Christi in the NAHL    IceRays camp features higher caliber of talent By Greg Rajan Published Friday, July 29, 2011 IRVING — In terms of the calendar, it's only a year. But as far as the IceRays are concerned, the difference might as well be in light years. Corpus Christi's second main tryout camp as a North American Hockey League franchise commenced Friday morning at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in suburban Dallas, and it was a far cry from last year's event. A year ago, the IceRays were making the transition to being a junior A franchise after 12 seasons in the minor-pro Central Hockey League, with a little more than two months to scour the country to build their inaugural NAHL team. The results were predictable: A 19-34-5 record and fifth-place finish in the six-team South Division. But with their first full recruiting offseason, the team cast the net far and wide searching for players. Friday's camp roster included players from coast to coast, with a handful of Canadians and even two players from Britain. "It's night and day from last year's camp," IceRays assistant coach Justin Quenneville said. "I look back at where we were last year just scrounging for players willing to come to a team they've never heard of. "This is an exciting situation for us to be in. The way we look at it, this is our first year of recruiting and building a program. This is the first step here. We've got some tough decisions to make. These kids are coming from all over the country and they're going to have to earn their spots. It's going to be an exciting couple of days." The IceRays' search for upgraded talent, which included three other tryout camps this summer, could be seen in players such as Matt Weis. The 16-year-old forward from Madison, N.J., figures to compete for a spot on the team's top forward line. In 31 games for the Jersey Hitmen of the Empire Junior Hockey League, Weis had 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists). Last weekend at the Chowder Cup, a select tournament in the Boston area, he put on a strong performance in front of Quenneville and scouting director Ryan Bennett. "I had no clue where (Corpus Christi) was," Weis said. "But it's right on the beach, it looks nice and they play in front of 3,000 fans a night. I'm hoping that I get a chance to do that." Another player expected to make waves for the IceRays this season is forward Dmitry Ermakov. He attended a predraft camp in Corpus Christi during the final week of the regular season before being tendered by the IceRays. Ermakov, 18, spent the past two seasons with the Washington (D.C.) Jr. Nationals of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. Ermakov, from Crofton, Md., posted 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in 44 games this season, leading his team in scoring and ranking 16th in the AJHL. "There are a bunch of opportunities," Ermakov said. "You just have to go out and prove that you deserve to be on the team and deserve to play in the front of the arena there." After the first few practice sessions Friday, it's apparent the IceRays will have some tough deliberations on roster spots, a problem the team's brass didn't mind. "We have guys who are at this camp that we'll probably have to let go — just (because of) sheer numbers — who would've made our team last year and been impact players," Quenneville said. "It's widespread talent out there — size, speed, everything. "When you look up and down the roster at the programs these kids came from, we were able to pull from some unbelievable programs because of our connections. And it's exciting."

Goalie Anthony Stolarz moves onto the NAHL

(Corpus Christi IceRays)

Matt Weis 95' move onto Corpus Christi in the NAHL

I thank you again for your time and efforts this Spring & Summer with regard to my
son Matthew, where he should play & should not play and what level of competition
would be suitable for his continued development based on his current skill and
ability level. It is truly one of the hardest decisions and one that comes with a
lot of information and other outside opinions for a parent to make in terms of their
son’s level of play and organization commitment.  The Spring and Summer is some of
the best time to attempt to sort that all out. If you can get started early and get
connected with the Hockey Essentials team programs, weekly clinics and coaching
staff as we did in 2011– they will assess, review and construct a plan to get your
son on the right path, and in front of the right hockey people. The truth in the
equation is the work, constant communication and effort they will put into speaking
with organizations, prep schools, college coaches, family advisors and of course you
(parents/player) - fielding questions or phone calls sharing their assessment and
viewpoints about their players ability to move on to the next level and why? Lastly,
it is not the same for every player and The Hockey Essentials Professional Staff
will utilize on ice instruction and off ice advice to improve every player’s ability
to achieve their goals

            I want to re-state the facts that the Spring / Summer season with your
NJ based Hockey Essentials team was undoubtedly the best decision we
have ever made and therefore will see you again in 2012. It provided us
the right coaching, the right level of challenge, the right level of
competition, right level of exposure and gave my son the right mixture
of skill & personal development we could ask for. I like any hockey
parent looking at their child as an individual would look to seek that
the same level of commitment and outcome for their player in the
upcoming 2011/2012 season as well as well as the 2012 Spring / Summer
season.

Come to a weekly skills clinic and speak to a Professional Hockey Essentials Staff
Thank you for all that you do,

Brian Weis

IceRays camp features higher caliber of talent

By Greg Rajan
Published Friday, July 29, 2011

IRVING — In terms of the calendar, it's only a year. But as far as the IceRays are concerned, the difference might as well be in light years.

Corpus Christi's second main tryout camp as a North American Hockey League franchise commenced Friday morning at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in suburban Dallas, and it was a far cry from last year's event.

A year ago, the IceRays were making the transition to being a junior A franchise after 12 seasons in the minor-pro Central Hockey League, with a little more than two months to scour the country to build their inaugural NAHL team.

The results were predictable: A 19-34-5 record and fifth-place finish in the six-team South Division.

But with their first full recruiting offseason, the team cast the net far and wide searching for players. Friday's camp roster included players from coast to coast, with a handful of Canadians and even two players from Britain.

"It's night and day from last year's camp," IceRays assistant coach Justin Quenneville said. "I look back at where we were last year just scrounging for players willing to come to a team they've never heard of.

"This is an exciting situation for us to be in. The way we look at it, this is our first year of recruiting and building a program. This is the first step here. We've got some tough decisions to make. These kids are coming from all over the country and they're going to have to earn their spots. It's going to be an exciting couple of days."

The IceRays' search for upgraded talent, which included three other tryout camps this summer, could be seen in players such as Matt Weis.

The 16-year-old forward from Madison, N.J., figures to compete for a spot on the team's top forward line. In 31 games for the Jersey Hitmen of the Empire Junior Hockey League, Weis had 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists). Last weekend at the Chowder Cup, a select tournament in the Boston area, he put on a strong performance in front of Quenneville and scouting director Ryan Bennett.

"I had no clue where (Corpus Christi) was," Weis said. "But it's right on the beach, it looks nice and they play in front of 3,000 fans a night. I'm hoping that I get a chance to do that."

Another player expected to make waves for the IceRays this season is forward Dmitry Ermakov. He attended a predraft camp in Corpus Christi during the final week of the regular season before being tendered by the IceRays.

Ermakov, 18, spent the past two seasons with the Washington (D.C.) Jr. Nationals of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. Ermakov, from Crofton, Md., posted 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in 44 games this season, leading his team in scoring and ranking 16th in the AJHL.

"There are a bunch of opportunities," Ermakov said. "You just have to go out and prove that you deserve to be on the team and deserve to play in the front of the arena there."

After the first few practice sessions Friday, it's apparent the IceRays will have some tough deliberations on roster spots, a problem the team's brass didn't mind.

"We have guys who are at this camp that we'll probably have to let go — just (because of) sheer numbers — who would've made our team last year and been impact players," Quenneville said. "It's widespread talent out there — size, speed, everything.

"When you look up and down the roster at the programs these kids came from, we were able to pull from some unbelievable programs because of our connections. And it's exciting."

Article from Youth Hockey Report: