January 1-3 2010

CHA Squirt A1-2 Team wins the Peoria Snowball Tournament

March 4, 2009

CHA Peewee AA (Duggan) wins State Championship

The 2009 Chesterfield Falcons Missouri State Tournament Champions pictured are: Danny Trost, Tommy Kueser, Michael Steingraeber, Andrew Schwietz, Jake Schulte, Garrett Zombo, Cam Brinkmeyer, Bradley Rosencrans, Brendan Duggan, Chandler Beck and Matt Mancini. The Falcon’s head coach is Pat Duggan and assistant coaches are Bob Kueser and Rob Schwietz. The team manager is Brad Rosencrans.

February 18, 2009

Peewee AA Black Pres. Day shootout Champs!

Congratulations to the Peewee AA Black team who went 5-0 to win the 2009 President’s Day Shootout Tournament!

Coaches: Bill Baker, Ted Rumpf (Head Coach), Dave Edmiston

Top Row: Matt Johnson, Michael Joyce, Jay Brunts, Sammy Johnson, Max Leach, Luke Fraser, Will Edmiston, Nick Glanvill

Middle Row: Billy Baker, Matt Hehr, Blake Kochner, Jake Case

Goalie: Kevin Joyce

Missing from photo: Injured player Noah Catt

February 6, 2009

Blues Rink Tours - Hardees Ice Plex

Sunday, Feb. 8 1:45 - 3:15PM

January 30, 2009

CHA Midgets host Team Slovakia

• Video link to KMOV

• Link Photo Gallery

January 21, 2009

Mid-States High School Winter Classic

This weekend we’ll be playing a 30 minute exhibition game at the Mid-States High School Winter Classic. There will be four league High School games and three youth exhibition games (Mini-mites, Mites and Squirts). The Mid-States press release announcing this event is http://www.midstateshockey.org/upload/files/186.pdf?PHPSESSID=24b14aa674bb65172dffaa069b5026e7

KSDK (channel 5) will broadcast an introductory story on 1/21 or 1/22 during the sports portion of their 6 pm newscast. There will be media coverage the day of the event.

All games, including ours, will be broadcast live on the radio. Details will be posted on the Mid-States web site in the next few days http://www.midstateshockey.org/. One of the announcers will be Andy Strickland, a long time CHA Central States coach.

The games will also be filmed by a professional crew, Lifetime Media. Teams can purchase game DVDs with replays and highlights from the entire day. The price is $400 per team.

Stephens Photography will also be taking team and action photos.

Total Hockey will be sponsoring an event similar to the NHL Winter Classic. The Total Hockey logo will be attached to one player in each game and fans can "text to win" a prize if they identify the player.

Efforts are being made to get a few Blues players to stop by. It has been reported that TJ Oshie is very excited about the event.

Our game is scheduled to start at 7:15 pm on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Shaw Park. We will take the ice at 7:10 pm for a team picture, introductions and the National Anthem.

The locker rooms will be used for the High School teams. They are playing league games. We will be changing into our gear in the Shaw Park warming room and we can store bags in the skate room.

We will have passes for every player and a parent. This will allow all-day access to the Winter Classic. Additional passes are $5 (kids under 10 are free), but these are only good for our game and the game after ours, CBC vs Vianney. Vianney is coached by Lindsay Middlebrook. He is a former NCAA division 1 goalie (with SLU back when they had a division 1 hockey team), NHL veteran, and the coach of CHA’s National Champion Midget Major team.

Players can be dropped off in front of Shaw Park. Parents will then need to park. There are two maps on the Mid-States home page that will be helpful http://www.midstateshockey.org/

October 22, 2008

Bantam Major CSDHL wins in Ohio

Congratulations to the CHA Bantam major CSDHL team for winning The Redhawk Tournament at the University of Miami Ohio!

Starting bottom is Bradley Amato, Lane Rommel, Ryan Coon.

Next Row- Cody Fedak, Collin Chandler, Trace Jablin, Matt Grzybinski, Ken Ruiz, Steven Lordo, Brennan Anderson and Drake Mossengren.

Back Row- David Allen, Eddie Rogers, Andrew Zimmermann, Justin Rader

Coaches and 2 players very back row standing- Coach Larry Bumb JR, Coach Mike Land, Coach Larry Bumb SR, Coach Jon Mica and Dan Warnecke and Christian Argyros.

October 17, 2008

CHA Squirt A1 Runner up in Show Me State Halloween Shoot out!

From Left to right, back row - Cole Gast, Adam Silverstone, Will Carter, Teddy Martin, Matthew Wahle, Jacob Gabel, Jon Koester, John Randall

Front Row - Jake Martin, Matt Bozdech, Kevin Wahle, Sean Keegans, Justin Gilbert, Luke Horn, Nick Callier.

Coaches (L to r) Ted Martin, Rick Koester, Bill Horn (Not pictured - Coach Ken Keegans)

September 25, 2008

BANTAM MINOR CENTRAL STATES WINS AFFTON TOURNAMENT!

From left back/top row:
Assistant Coach Matt Jeans;Trevor Thornton; Seth Cooper; Drew Quinones; Chris Krueger; Michael Cella; Marty Rubin; Alex Rowland; Nick Morgan; Coach Al Carter
From left bottom row:
Sam Canfield; Mitchell Miller; Parker Stevens; Billy Hindle III; Noah Howerton; Cody Guidorzi; Kyle Meeh; Corey Quinn; Conner Wagner

April 9, 2008

CHA Midget Majors Win National Championship Title!

Congratulations to: Head Coach Lindsay Middlebrook and Coach Titus Dare

Congratulations to the following Players:
G Stephen Willett
D Luke Thompson
D Elliot Corwin
F Ryan McGrath
F Dan Kaufman
D Peter Bensing
F Jake Kanipe
F Paul Goodwin
D Eric Williams
F Zach Glazer
F Brian Albertelli
D Joe Moritz
F Johnny Moore
F Kyle Everett
F Justin Dye
F Josh Bunian
D Rodney O’neal
F Tim Dolan
G Alec Schnitzler

News channel 5 Midget Major video

For game details, click here
CHA Midget Major National Championship run

and for more information about the team visit the team website at
CHA Midget Major Team Page

March 5, 2008

Mite A1 2008 State Champs!

1st Row: Max Rogers, Zach Lodes, Luke Horn, Jimmy Giacin, Justin Gilbert, Hunter Blake, Chase Arend-Farrell, Jake Helland
2nd Row: Jacob Sinopoli, Dylan Giacin, Will Carter, David Tuttle, Alex Stewart
3rd Row (Coaches): Michael Blake, Jim Giacin, Bill Tuttle, Bill Horn

March 4, 2008

Mite AA 2008 State Champs!

Back Row: Caiden Duggan, Noah Roofe, Owen Benben, Jacob Weithaup, Clayton Gerwitz, Zach Muller, Zach Stolz
Front Row: Bobby Bross, Stephen Pawlow, Will Chase, Hudson Grote, Jake Barczewski, Jack Wachter, Caiden Diel, Spencer Turner, Sam Mudd
Coaches: Kelly Chase, Kiley Hill, Bill Muller

February 28, 2008

Midget Major quest for nationals!

The Midget Major team defeated Twin Bridges last night 7-1 to advance on to the Regionals in Omaha. They will play the host Omaha, the Chicago entry and the Wisconsin entry. Winning that will put them in the Nationals

• Chesterfield's Midget Major Central States Team finished 1st in the Central States League with a league record of 20-1-3. The total goals against for the season was only 32, I believe that was another league record!
• Chesterfield's Midget Major Central States Team won the Central States Championship game against the Flames 6-1 with a playoff record of 3-0-1.
• The overall season record which includes the AAA Tournament, Affton Invitational Tournament, NAHL Showcase is 33-6-5.
• On Wednesday, February 27th at 9:00 PM at the Summit Center, the Chesterfield Midget Major Central States Team will play Twin Bridges AA in the first of a two game series to determine the State Champion. They face Twin Bridges again on Saturday, March 1st at 3:00 PM at East Alton.

You can keep up with the progress of the Chesterfield Midget Major Team by visiting the team web site..

February 26, 2008

PWB 2008 State Champs!

Congratulations to the Peewee B team for winning the 2008 State Championship!

Front Row: Goalie Kevin Joyce
Second Row: Colton Brewer, Max Leach, Clayton Yettke, Dominic Lombardo, Brandon Green, Christian Hanselman
Third Row: Matt Soderstrom, Connor Burke
Fourth Row: Jacob Margaliano, Blake Clynes, Charlie Lebens, Ben Swiger, Frank Hester, Adam Kaemmerer
Coaches: Brad Soderstrom, Kyle Blumenberg and Bill Forness (not pictured Steve Forness)

February 7, 2008

Midget Majors - CSDHL Champions

Game scores:

1. Chesterfield (4) vs. Omaha Jr. Lancers (4)
2. Chesterfield (6) vs. Affton (1)
3. Chesterfield (5) vs. Huskies (3)
4. Championship game: Chesterfield (6) vs. Flames (1)

Row 4: Kyle Everett, Justin Dye, Pete Bensing, Eric Williams Brian Albertelli
Row 3: Josh Bunjan, Rodney O'Neal, Ryan McGrath, Daniel Kaufman, Elliott Corwin, Luke Thompson
Row 2: Johnny Moore, Tim Dolan, Paul Goodwin, Zach Glazer
Row 1: Stephen Willett, Jake Kanipe, Alec Schnitzler
Not Pictured: Joe Moritz

CHA Dad helps save hear attack victim

Chesterfield Hockey Association would like to recognize Rich Link and Bob Brandon and their life saving actions at their sons' recent hockey game. During the first period of a game between the CHA Falcons Pee Wee Major Central States team and the Highland Park Falcons a father of twins on the Highland Park team suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed in the stands. Stabilizing the situation, performing CPR and administering shocks from a portable defibrillator Rich and Bob were able to keep the father alive until the ambulance arrived and transported him to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Rich is a paramedic in the St. Louis area and Bob is an electrician in Springfield, IL and had just been recertified in CPR two days prior to the incident. If not for the actions of these two men the Highland Park father would not have survived long enough for the ambulance to arrive.

Congratulations and thank you to Rich and Bob for saving this man's life!

January 29, 2008

CHA Midget Majors host Team Slovakia

There will be a 1:15 PM friendship game played on Sunday, February 10th against these two teams at Scottrade. It is free to anyone who would like to attend. If there is anyone interested in attending the Blues game on February 10th they can buy tickets for $30 each. Can not guarantee the exact seats but it should be equivalent to section 120.

Sandy Dye will be the focal point for organizing the orders of and collecting the money for the Blues tickets for February 10th game. Anyone interested can call Sandy Dye at (home) 636-939-0847 or (cell) 314-570-1334.

Download the preliminary itinerary

January 22, 2008

CHA Peewee A1/Mite A1 win Arctic Blast!!!

Some say dreams are meant to be broken...But not this weekend, not for the CHA Peewee A1 team who won the CHA Arctic Blast Tournament! The CHA Peewee team won it all, going 5-0 in the tournament. The team played Highland Park Falcons, Russell Stover Stars and Omaha, Nebraska beating them all easily. The trouble came playing both the Affton A2 team (2-1 in the first game) and Affton A1 in the final, beating Affton A1 2-1 for the Championship title.

Pictured:
Coaches from left: Head Coach Hoby Finney, Bob Kueser, Tal Sant. (Not pictured: Ted Konopelski)
Top Row from left: Brendan Crawford, Noah Catt, Jay Brunts, Clayton Brenner, Brennan Buerck, and Allie Sant.
Bottom Row from left: Will Konopelski, Tommy Kueser, Jacob Biershenk, Matthew Hehr, Max Vaaler, Tyler Finney, Ryan Joyce, Matt Mancini, Ben Kraus and Davis Fetzer (Not pictured: Nick Nast).

The Chesterfield (MO) Falcons defeated the Highland Park (IL) Falcons 5 to 0 to win the Mite A Championship. In the five games they played in the tournament, Chesterfield scored a combined 20 goals while allowing only 5. Chesterfield secured the championship via a great team effort all weekend.

Pictured:
kneeling: Hunter Blake, Max Rogers, Zach Lodes, Luke Horn, Jimmy Giacin, Alex Stewart, Chase Arend-Farrell & Zach Naeger
standing: Justin Gilbert, Will Oliver, Will Carter, Jake Helland, David Tuttle, Jacob Sinopoli & Dylan Giacin
Coaches: Head Coach Jim Giacin, Asst. Coaches Michael Blake & Bill Horn
(not pictured Asst. Coach Bill Tuttle)

December 10, 2007

CHA Central States Pee Wee Minor Wins Silver Stick Regional Qualifier

Of note, the Falcons never trailed in the tournament and only allowed 2 goals in five games while scoring a total of 21. The defense held opponents to 13 shots on goal in both the semi-final and final games, while goalies Aaron Brickman and Logan Osborne posted a combined 0.4 GAA for the entire tournament with a .979 save percentage. The team is led by Head Coach Chris Cahill and Assistant Coach Rob Schweitz.

As a result of the victory, the Falcons have been invited to participate in the Silver Stick national finalist tournament in Newmarket Ontario this January where they will face the winners of the other Silver Stick regional qualifiers.

The Falcon’s roster includes Aaron Brickman, Cam Brinkmeyer, Cayden Cahill, Brendan Duggan, Kyle Estes, Matt Groppenbacher, Austin Junger, Jeffrey Makowski, Logan Osborne, Stan Pawlow, Cody Pingleton, Bryce Rommel, Bradley Rosencrans, Jake Schulte, Drew Schweitz, Michael Steingraeber, and Hayden Vance.

October 26, 2007

Chesterfield Dinner, Dance & Auction

October 15, 2007

Squirt AA wins in Kansas City

The Falcons began the difficult task of playing 3 games in 9 hours and 4 in under 24 hours with a 9-5 win over Des Moines and a 6-0 win over the Outlaws. But the third game of the day proved to be a little too much against a very speedy and highly skilled Stars team as the Falcons succumbed to them 7-1. Following a quick "team-building" swim and a good nights rest the Falcons were revitalized to defeat the Omaha Mavericks 5-3 to earn a spot in the tournament finals versus the same team they lost to the previous night.

The finals saw a much tighter game than the prior meeting between these two teams. The game was scoreless for much of the first half before the two teams began trading goals ending with a final late Falcon goal to knot the game at 2-2. Overtime was tightly checked with minimal scoring opportunities. As shootouts, especially for a tournament championship, are always exciting this one did not disappoint. The championship game was decided when all of the first three Falcons scored and the Stars were shutout.

Congratulations to Coach Preete and the Chesterfield Squirt AA Falcons who now have a pre-season record of 7-1-0.

Bottom Row; Goalie - Joey Bernanrdini

Middle Row; Austin Petrie, Michael Joyce, Grant kaemmeyer, Parker Mitchem, Dominic Abell, Matt Doran, Dominic Caito, Zach Schade

Top Row; Nick Glanvill, Jared Preete, Brady Tkachuk, Billy Baker, TJ. Delaney,

Head Coach - Kerry Preete
Assistants - Tom Caito (not pictured) Matt Schade, Bill Baker

September 11, 2007

Congratulations to the CHA Pee Wee major Central States team for winning the 4th Annual "Texas Shootout" hockey Tournament in Dallas, TX on Labor Day Weekend.

The Falcons led by head coach Ryan Kane and assistant coach Mark Halliman brought the team to Dallas for an early bird tourney and came home with all the hardware. The team went on a roll with four consecutive to victories against Team Houston, Alliance Bulldogs, Dallas Stars Selects and the Ice Jets. Entering the Championship game against the Dallas Penguins the team continued their strong play and the game was tied at 2 at the end of regulation. After a 5 minute overtime went scoreless the Falcons went on to victory in a shootout! A very strong showing by all players!

Midget Majors Travel to Trencin, Slovakia

From left to right -

Back row: Bob Kerns (Assistant Coach), Sean Philbin (Forward), John Lucas (Forward), Dan Kearns (Defense), Justin Dye (Forward), Eric Williams (Defense), Ryan O'Connell (Defense), Luke Thompson (Defense), Joe Moritz (Defense), Lindsay Middlebrook (Coach), Peter Filip Sr. (Assistant Coach)

Front row: Alec Schnitzler (Goalie), Pete Bensing (Defense), Tyler Jones (Forward), Ryan Atkinson (Forward), Mitch Galligan (Forward), A.J. Koller (Forward), Peter Filip Jr. (Goalie)

Not Pictured: Zach Brancato (Forward), Cameron Chinnery (Forward), Tim Dolan (Forward), Jake Kanipe (Forward), Shaun O'Rourke (Forward)

A BIG THANK YOU to Lindsay Middlebrook and his wife, Dottie for putting in the time and effort for this trip!

Click on each date to view entrees

• July 27th, 2007

  Hello to everyone,

  Sorry we missed updating you yesterday but we had a busy day so this log will include events from Tuesday and Wednesday. The boys practice at 7:45 AM yesterday morning. The Trencin ice rink has skylights and the boys practice in natural sunlight. After practice some of the adults went to Trencin Teplice spa which is about 10 kilometers outside city of Trencin.

  The adults were treated to a 30 minute bath in sulfur water and a message after out 20 minute heat wrap. They tell you not to shower after the spa in order for the sulfur to really work. The adult who went carried a "special" aroma with the for the rest of the day. After our spa and message we enjoyed the chance to mix with the locals and those that were vacationing at the Spa Town. Lindsey and Bob left the Spa town and went directly to the rink for our game versus Trencin Midget Major team for upcoming season. It was a good game which we ended Chesterfield winning 2-0. Our first goal came in the second period on a power play. Pete Bensing scored the goal with an assist from Danny Kearns. Our second goal came in the third period on a goal from John Lucas assisted by Cam Chinnery. At one point in the game Jake Kanipe thought he had been wrongly penalized for high sticking and used a rather exaggerated pretend fall to get his point across to the referee (we all had to laugh)--I must admit that all of us have used some rather creative sign language to get a point across during this trip.

  Today we visited the mayor or should I say one of his assistants since the mayor was on official business. The boys were all there dressed nicely and used their best manners. After the meeting with the mayor we toured the Trecin castle---we had an option for a short 30 min tour or a longer 90 min version and believe it or not the majority choose the longer tour. The weather was much cooler today so the climb up the approximately 500 steps did not seem so bad.
  Our final game was at 3pm today against the team we played the first night. The boys came out strong and played hard considering how tired they are (I think the billet kids are just as tired as our kids). At the end of the first period the score was 2-1 in our favor. Our first goal was scored by Cam Chinnery and I am sorry to say that I do not know who got the assist and the second goal was from AJ Koeller assisted by John Lucas. In the second period the Slovakian team scored 1 goal and the game was tie 2-2 at the end of the period. I think the Slovakian team got an earful between the second and third period and they came out strong scoring 3 goals to our one goal making the final score 5-3 favoring Slovakia. Our final goal was scored by Sean O'Rourke and assisted by Dan Kearns. At this point I would also like to interject that our new defensemen Joe Moritz, Eric Williams and Luke Thompson have played remarkably well throughout all the games. Joe told me that his billet family speaks very little English and they have a daughter and his billet player and he has enjoyed his stay with them.

  After the final game we enjoyed a pig roast which was hosted by the Slovakian team. Alan Dye took many pictures of all the kids and we have made promises to the Billet families that we would send pictures on to them.
  This has been an extraordinarily hospitable group of people. I have tried to get stories from all of the kids, some talk more than others but I am sure they will have a lot to tell you when they get home. We are off to Vienna tomorrow (maybe I will be able to get some stories on our 2 hr bus ride tomorrow)and then home. The time has flown by especially with the cooler weather and the boys have enjoyed their stay but-----there are rumblings of McDonalds being heard.

  Janice and Bob Kearns

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• July 23rd, 2007

  Today saw a break in the heat wave that has griped Trencin for the better part of two weeks with temperatures in the Mid 80's. The day began with a two joint practice session with the Trencin Midget Major Team. The sessions were held in the Dukla/Trencin Sports Stadium which was is the 4500 seat home of the Trencin hockey organization. The Trencin Coach ran the first session which with 10 players from each team participating. Lindsay Middlebrook ran the second session with ten players from each team. The amazing thing about the practices was that both coaches organized their practices independently and ran similar drills. The players enjoyed the opportunity the practice with the friends that they made on the Trencin team and the sessions were up-tempo and productive.

  In this evening's game, Trencin put their best players on the ice. The opponent was the Trencin Junior Hockey Club. This team has won the Slovakian Junior League the last three year and sports two players who are on the Slovakian Olympic team. They were by far the best team that Chesterfield has faced this season. Tonight's score was 10-2 for Trencin. Our goals were scored tonight by Mitch Galligan (Unassisted) and by Tyler Jones from Justin Dye. Our goaltenders were outstanding and our players played hard particularly in the 2nd and 3rd periods.

  Tomorrow the player have a 7:45 AM practice and a 2:00 PM versus the Trencin Midget Major team. On Wednesday we will meet with the Mayor of Trencin and play our final game.

  Couple of notes of interest today. Pete Bensing ate 5 Toast sandwiches (Grilled Ham and Cheese) prior today's practice. A new Trencin hockey rink record. During this evening's game our players started making the conversion to mineral water on the bench drinking four two liter bottles. The Trencin Junior team skated on the ice this evening in their Red Game Jerseys and we quickly adapted and played in our white practice jersey's with no numbers on the back. In the Sunday evening game versus Team Gaborik, the referee was Pavel Demitra's cousin who looks just like him except 40 pounds heavier. The parents on the trip have found some wonderful places to eat in Trencin and have spent time a lot of time taking in the local sites.

  See you tomorrow.

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• July 22nd, 2007

  Hello from Slovakia,

  Today we were treated royally--our trip to the castle in Bojnice was tremendous. It is really the first time the kids have gotten together as a group to do something besides hockey. Alan got some great pictures at the castle and Peter Filip Sr got some great pictures at the pool including the boys entertaining some of the local females!! The boys napped on the way to the castle and the way home since it appears that several (many) of them were out with billets fairly late the night before.
  Tonight's game was with the Marion Gaborik academy team and from the onset it was a more physical game. They scored first on the first shift of the game but we quickly tied the game at 1-1 on a goal by Jake Kanipe, assisted by AJ Koeller. We scored 2 more power play goals one by Cam Chinnery, assisted by Sean O'Rourke, and the other by Ryan Atkinson assisted by AJ Koeller. So at the end of the first period it was 3-1. The Zamboni apparently inhaled a puck, broke a hose and deposited antifreeze on the ice leaving a rather large hole delaying the game approx 45 mins. The second period finally got under way and immediately Ryan Atkinson scored his second goal assisted by AJ Koeller who also netted the fifth goal on a pass from Justin Dye. About mid way through the period Zach Brancato was awarded a penalty shot. He skated toward the net full speed and lost the puck when it hit the makeshift hole repair in the ice. Our final goal came from Danny Kearns on a pass from Peter Bensing at the end of the second period. They decided not to clean the ice again. As you can imagine with a score of 6-2 things really got chippy in the third period. The Gaborik team had a 6'5" player who planted himself in front of the our net on every power play. Ryan O'Connell made it his personal mission to clear this guy out from the net. The battled in front of the net until coincidental penalties were called, all the billet kids applauded O'C's efforts. The Gaborik team scored one goal in the third period and the game ended 6-3.

  Tomorrow there will be a joint practice with 10 players from each team practicing together in two sessions. Tommorrow night's game promises to be the most difficult in our trip. We will be facing a team that is made up of half Trencin Junior players and half from the Midget Major team.

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• July 21st, 2007

  Hello from Slovakia,

  Temperatures are still hot but perhaps a little cooler today. The boys are becoming more accustomed to living without air conditioning, however water with gas (carbonated mineral water) is still not what they want on the bench (I depleted the supply of gasless water at the bar upstairs from the rink much to the dismay of the cashier). They practiced this morning and looked better than yesterday, it is amazing what a little sleep does for the spirit. Due to the heat the soccer game was cancelled and the boys spent the after noon with their families.
  Tonight's game was competitive with our boys ending up 2 goals behind Trencin Midget Major Team(4-2). We had the first 2 shots on net but Trencin scored first in the first period, John Lucas scored for us making it a tie game. At the end of the first period they had scored again making it a 2-1 game. At the beginning of the second period they scored their third goal making it a 3-1 game. With 5 minutes left in the second period, Danny Kearns received a great pass from Sean O'Rourke and scored making it 3-2. We had several opportunities in the third, Ryan O'Connell hit the post on a great shot, but we were unable to put the puck in the net. The Slovaks put in one more making it 4-2 at the end. Peter Filip played the first 2 periods and Alec Schnitzler played the third, both goalies were terrific. The boys all played hard and I am happy to report were very respectful, to the Slovakian team. So far they have not given the Slovaks any reason to resurrect the cold war :) On a personal note, the billet families are very concerned that the boys are not eating enough, when you talk to the boys, they state they are constantly eating and are getting more than enough to eat. Tim Dolan reports that they are eating one breakfast, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners plus desert and they are trying to feed them in between as well. Tim also reports that he has never walked so much in his life. Several of the boys went to the Trencin music festival and reported it to be an awesome experience. The boys are quickly beginning to understand how the currency works, so when Lindsey handed Cam Chinnery 20 SK to buy him a coke, Cam gently told him "Coach this is only about 70 cents and it wont buy you much coke". A similar episode occurred between Mike Thompson and Luke ----Mike handed him a 50 SK bill and Luke let him know that would not get him far. One more story of the billet family's kindness shown to our boys; Ryan Atkinson and Tyler Jones are staying with a family of 7. The kids range in age from 9 mos to 19 years old---the fourteen year old is sleeping in a tent in the backyard. One of the boys gave one of the younger kids an American dollar and the boy was around the rink showing it to everyone. The boys have been well cared for and are behaving very well---hopefully I can report the same after the fifth game. They all miss home but I think they are enjoying the trip and experience. Good Night, talk to you all tomorrow. Janice

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• July 20th, 2007

  Hello everyone,

  Today has been another hot day with a high of 104 breaking all previous records----lucky us. The boys had their first practice and welcomed the cool rink since most of the houses they are staying at do not have any air conditioning with the exception of Thompson and Williams who not only have air conditioning but are enjoying an in-ground pool. Who would have believed the rookies would have lucked out. The boys practiced fairly well, they were doing their best to impress the other team and make Lindsey proud.
  The ice is very soft making passing difficult but in 100 degree heat what can you expect. Another complaint on the bench was that the water that they had to drink was carbonated--that is common here. I quickly went to the bar and bought 2 cases of water (no gas) for the bench and instructed everyone to take the bottle with them and refill it tomorrow.
  After practice I actively tried to get information about their experiences with their families---I was told "What happens in Trencin, stays in Trencin", so after a little more prodding I did find out some interesting things that they encountered----1) The windows here are not screened which allows a lot of bugs into the houses, as a matter of fact Allen Dye was having problems keeping a bird out of his room. 2)Zach Brancato's family packed him a lunch for after practice with enough food for 10 kids--and they all helped him eat it 3) Ryan O'Connell's family were surprised when he only had 2 sausages for dinner (Their son ate seven). 4)Several of the boys announced that corn was a popular topping on pizza. 5)Danny Kearns reports that he swam in green pool water and feels he is almost fluent in Slovakian.
  6) Many of the boys report learning words that were not listed on our help card and should not be repeated in mixed company. Finally we all wished Tyler Jones a happy 17th birthday.
  That is my report for the day. I believe all the boys are experiencing this culture in different ways but it has been an eye opener for all.

  Tomorrow we practice in the morning, Play Basketball and Soccer against the Trencin team and play our first game at 7:00 PM tomorrow night.

  Stay cool and enjoy your AC
  Janice

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• July 19th, 2007

  Hello to all,
  WE HAVE ARRIVED :)
  We arrived to record breaking 102 degree temperatures in Vienna this morning, so much for the cooler weather we were hoping for. The flight was long (nine and half hours). The plane was not crowded so we were able to spread out. The boys made themselves at home and it was rather amusing to see them all donning their orange blackout blinders wearing them on top of their heads etc. We only encountered one problem, British airways lost Justin's hockey bag but they promised to deliver it today. Peter Filip Sr.

  met us at the airport in Vienna. We took a 2 and a half hour ride to Trencin. We meet our billet families at the rink and had a group meal. Most of the Trencin players spoke English and all the boys seemed to get along very well. After lunch/dinner the boys presented the billet families their gifts then left with their billet families for the night. We are seven hours ahead of St. Louis

  Tomorrow we have a practice at 2:15. After that the players will attend the music festival.

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• July 17th, 2007

   

  July 17, 2007

  OUR LAST PRACTICE WAS LAST NIGHT AND EVERYONE WAS FLYING HIGH, GREAT PRACTICE. THE KIDS ARE GETTING VERY EXCITED AND MOST OF THE LAST MINUTE DETAILS HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. A LOT OF THE BOYS HAVE BEEN E MAILING THEIR BILLET FAMILIES AND THE RELATIONSHIPS HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO BLOSSOM. THE GUYS ARE DECKED OUT WITH SOME GREAT LOOKING UNIFORMS AND OTHER APPAREL ALONG WITH SOME GOODIES FOR THERE BILLET FAMILIES. THE BOYS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A JOURNAL, SO HOPEFULLY THEY WILL TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE DOWN THEIR THOUGHTS AS THIS WILL BE AVERY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR THEM. THERE ARE A FEW PEOPLE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK AT THIS TIME, TO BARB BENSING AND SANDY DYE A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME AND ORGANIZING, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IS FINALLY HERE! TO JOHN MACARTHUR OF JOHNNY MAC'S FOR MAKING SURE THAT THESE BOYS LOOK GOOD WHILE REPRESENTING ST LOUIS AND THE USA. TO THE CHESTERFIELD BOARD FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN TAKING ON WHAT WE HOPE WILL BECOME A LONG TIME TRADITION AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TO MY WIFE DOTTYE FOR MAKING ME LOOK GOOD, HER WISDOM AND ADVISE IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON.

  WE LEAVE TOMORROW AFTERNOON AND WE WE REPORT BACK DAILY, THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST AND TO ALL THE BOYS, LETS GET READY TO PLAY SOME HOCKEY.

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• June 29th, 2007

  WELL, OUR FIRST PRACTICE AS TEAM USA/CHESTERFIELD WAS THIS PAST TUESDAY AND IT DIDN'T GO AS PLANNED. AFTER BEING TOGETHER FOR SEVEN MONTHS AND GETTING EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER AS A TEAM, IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THESE GUYS HAD EVER SKATED TOGETHER. THERE WAS NO FLOW, THE PACE WAS SLOW, AND THE INTENSITY LEVEL WAS POOR. THIS FROM A TEAM OF GUYS THAT WERE AS CLOSE AS ANY TEAM THAT I HAVE EVER BEEN A MEMBER OF, SO SOMETHING WAS OUT OF WHACK. AT THE END OF PRACTICE, WE HAD A SHORT TALK, REMINDING THEM THAT THIS TRIP WAS NOT A SPRING VACATION, BUT AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME TO EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT CULTURE AND HOCKEY EXPERIENCE. I THINK THE BOYS WERE A LITTLE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO DURING THEIR SPARE TIME IN TRENCIN, FORGETTING THAT THIS TRIP WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING IF IT WERE NOT FOR THEIR HOCKEY ABILITIES.
  AFTER GIVING THEM A LITTLE ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT I WAS HOPING FOR, AND VERY OPTIMISTIC THAT THEY WOULD COME BACK LAST NIGHT WITH A MUCH BETTER PERFORMANCE

  NOW THIS IS THE TEAM THAT I HAVE COME TO ADMIRE SO MUCH. TONIGHT'S PRACTICE WAS GREAT, THE GUYS WERE INTENSE, THE TEMPO WAS HIGH, AND THE GUYS WERE FLYING. BRING ON THE SLOVAKS!!!. THE BILLET ASSIGNMENTS WERE GIVEN OUT AND IT WAS EXPLAINED TO THE GUYS THAT THE PEOPLE IN TRENCIN DON'T GENERALLY LIVE IN HOMES AS LARGE AS OURS AND THAT THEY REALLY DON'T HAVE THE ROOM TO TAKE IN 2 BOYS PER FAMILY MOST OF THE BOYS WILL BE STAYING INDIVIDUALLY WITH A BILLET FAMILY, BUT I BELIEVE EACH FAMILY HAS A BOY THAT PLAYS ON THE TRENCIN HOCKEY TEAM. TRENCIN IS A TOWN OF ABOUT 50,000 PEOPLE SO MOST OF THE HOUSES ARE VERY CLOSE TO EACH OTHER SO I AM SURE THE BOYS WILL BE HANGING OUT WITH EACH OTHER MOST OF THE TIME.

  THE ITINERARY IS UP AND THE BOYS WILL BE BUSY, BUT ALSO HAVE ENOUGH FREE TIME TO ENJOY THE CITY.
  WE ARRIVE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA ON THE MORNING OF THE 19TH AND WE WILL BE MET WITH A BUS THAT WILL TAKE US ON A 2 HOUR TRIP TO TRENCIN,SLOVAKIA. WE WILL UNLOAD OUR HOCKEY GEAR AT THE RINK, THEN MEET UP WITH THE BILLET FAMILIES AND THEN WE ARE PUTTING ON A DINNER FOR ALL THE FAMILIES AS A THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE BOYS FOR THE NEXT 9 DAYS.

  ON FRIDAY THE 20TH WE START RIGHT UP WITH A GAME AGAINST MARION GABORIK'S TRENCIN TEAM (HE PLAYS FOR THE MINNESOTA WILD BUT IS FROM TRENCIN) WE ARE TRYING TO GET IN A PRE SKATE BEFORE THE GAME BUT NOT SURE IF IT WILL HAPPEN. THE REST OF THE DAY WILL BE OPEN AS THEIR IS A HUGE MUSIC FESTIVAL RUNNING FOR 3 DAYS THAT ENGULFS THE ENTIRE CITY, SO I AM SURE THE BOYS WILL ENJOY THIS.

  SATURDAY 21ST WE WILL PRACTICE WITH THE TRENCIN TEAM, SHARING THE ICE AND COACHING STRATEGIES. I AM PERSONALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW THEY OPERATE AT PRACTICE. PRACTICE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY HALF THE TEAM PLAYING IN A SOCCER GAME AND THE OTHER HALF PLAYING IN A BASKETBALL GAME. I AM NOT SURE HOW WE WILL FARE AGAINST THEM IN HOCKEY , BUT I DON'T LIKE OUR CHANCES IN THE SOCCER GAME AND PROBABLY THE BASKETBALL GAME TOO, EVEN THOUGH OUR GUYS ARE ALREADY STARTING TO TALK A GOOD GAME.
  THAT EVENING WE WILL FINISH UP WITH A GAME AGAINST THE TRENCIN JUNIOR TEAM.

  SUNDAY 22ND WE ARE GOING ON A SHORT TRIP TO VISIT THE BOJNICE CASTLE AND ZOO. KIND OF AN ODD COMBINATION BUT WHEN IN TRENCIN DO AS THE TRENCINS DO. I WONDER IF THEY HAVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMALS IN SLOVAKIA. THAT EVENING WE WILL PLAY A GAME VS TEAM GABORIK.

  MONDAY 23RD WE WILL PRACTICE IN THE MORNING, SPEND SOME TIME IN THE WEIGHT ROOM AFTER PRACTICE AND THEN COME BACK THAT EVENING WITH A GAME AGAINST THE SLOVAKIAN JUNIOR TEAM.

  TUESDAY 24TH WE START UP WITH AN EARLY MORNING PRACTICE, THE PARENTS AND COACHES ARE BEING TREATED TO A THERAPEUTIC SPA JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN, SIMILAR TO THE HOT SPRINGS IN ARKANSAS, I THINK. THE BOYS HAVE THE AFTERNOON OFF TO CHECK OUT THE DOWNTOWN AREA, AND THEN WE WILL MEET UP FOR A GAME THAT NIGHT AGAINST THE TRENCIN MIDGET AAA TEAM

  WEDNESDAY 25TH WE HAVE A 10 AM MEETING WITH THE MAYOR OF TRENCIN WHO WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME US TO HIS CITY. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF THE TRENCIN CASTLE WHICH STANDS ON A HILL OVERLOOKING THE TOWN. LATE AFTERNOON WE WILL HAVE A GAME AGAINST A COMBINATION OF THEIR MIDGET AND JUNIOR PLAYERS.
  AFTER THE GAME THERE IS A PARTY FOR EVERYONE WRAPPING UP THE WEEKS ACTIVITIES BEFORE WE HEAD BACK TO VIENNA AUSTRIA TO SPEND SOME TIME SIGHTSEEING.

  THURSDAY 26TH WE BUS TO VIENNA IN THE EARLY MORNING ARRIVING IN VIENNA AROUND 11AM, CHECKING INTO THE HOTEL, AND THEN ON TO A DAY OF SIGHTSEEING. FINISH THE EVENING OFF WITH A NICE DINNER WE LEAVE EARLY THE NEST MORNING FOR THE AIRPORT AND OUR TRIP HOME TO ST LOUIS ARRIVING THAT EVENING.

  WELL, THANKS FOR FOLLOWING OUR ADVENTURE AND WE WILL KEEP IT UPDATED AS WE CONTINUE ON OUR SLOVAKIAN HOCKEY TOUR. THANK YOU, COACH MIDDLEBROOK

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• June 8th, 2007

  Hello, my name is Lindsay Middlebrook and I am the Director/Coach of the Central States Midget Program in Chesterfield. Our team had a very successful year that just fell short of our goal of going to the National Tournament. This past year I found a group of young athletes who not only were excellent hockey players, but more importantly, a group of quality young men who were dedicated, committed and very respectful who have been raised in home with good family values as shown by the way they carry themselves. When the year ended, there was definitely a piece to the puzzle missing and we were give the chance of a lifetime.

  The team will be traveling overseas to Trencin, Slovakia to play against Midget AAA and Junior teams from July 18 - 28. We will play 5-6 games during our stay against local teams as well as teams from other parts of Slovakia. This opportunity to be billeted with Slovakian families, to experience their way of life and to exchange hockey practices and games with these people will truly be a fantastic experience.

  I hope you will find this entertaining and fun as you travel along with me and the boys because this may well become a yearly trip for the Chesterfield Midget CSDHL team if everything goes as planned. Thank you for your time and to the boys...you better start getting back into shape because you know that they will be ready for us!

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January 29, 2007

Top from left to right: Trent Frederick, Luke Martin, Michael Joyce, Willie Canfield, Logan Brown, Zach Schade, Connor Fitzgerald, Cody Foppe Bottom from left to right: Ty Farmer, Joseph Woll, Brandon Purcelli, Clayton Keller, Brady Tkatchuk, Dominic Caito Coaches (not pictured): Jeff Brown, Keith Tkatchuk, John Fitzgerald

January 9, 2007

December 22, 2006

In addition, the team went out and helped a great deal with the Learn to Play kids. Chesterfield Hockey is very proud of these boys’ accomplishments OFF the ice as well as on the ice.

November 27, 2006

Congratulations to these Chesterfield teams!