When it all started last spring Coach Morton stated then that this new East Enders Under 21 team would be competitive.  And competitive it was.  Throughout the season this team took time to simply put together the right pieces and then slowly move in the right direction, together as a team. 

In August, one parent asked if the team would be expanding from the current roster of 13 players.  His obvious concern was that regardless of how good the squad looked, how well we had done in Michigan, the numbers would catch up with us.  He was given the standard Program answer, "Its always a work in progress."  In September, after winning at Mercyhurst with just 13 skaters, the same parent re-visited his concerns but with a slight twist.  He asked if the team was going to be selective when filling out the remaining rosters spots.  Once again he was given the Program staple.

In November, with the Gardner Cup around the corner, the same parent asked if we had any players in the weeds to compliment our current 15 skaters.  This time he was told that there were a few players still out there and time would sort things out.  By New Years, after a great showing in the Flint, Michigan Showcase and a great 7 game run to the Paul Coffey Finals, the parent expressed his confidence that the team really looked ready for a great stretch drive run.  He was told then and there that we still needed to fill a spot or two and it was taking shape...yes...but there was still lots to do.

As we hit the last regular season game, the roster of 18 skaters was set and the playoffs loomed.  Although we had a shakey first round and went undefeated, it wasn't without some familiar kinks in the overall team armor.  As the Semi-Finals got under way those kinks were quickly worked out but not without finding ourselves behind 4-0 in overall points.  Although a number of good Midget callups were used, the opponent took advantage of our injuries and line up changes and advanced to the finals ahead of this good young squad.

What was probably missed throughout the regular season and, moreso in the playoffs, was the simple fact that we had the youngest squad in the entire Under 21 Division.  Both of our playoff opponents had 15 and 12 (19 & 20 yr old)veterans playing each game while we used only 6 veterans.  But we made a commitment to improve our Program with youth and develop the team concepts with a more dynamic approach.  Although we hit a few bumps along the way with scheduling issues and growing pains with our new organization and some player selections that didn't work as we expected, we did maintain our focus to the Program outline and developed quite an exciting new young team for the Under 21 division.

With a number great prospects both within our own Midget program and within the GTHL, the Program will continue to improve upon the previous season and develop a new core of solid players.  The 2009-10 season already has the earmark of being the Programs best year and hopefully the 2009 tryouts will find a few gems that will see the plan to its end.   Getting East Enders AAA Hockey off the ground was accomplished but continued success will require further commitment and development by solid team management and player commitment.

See you at Tryout Time.