The Edge FHC: My Site News

WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!! CONGRATULATION EDGE

Nelson Mandela once said , “The Greatest Glory in living, lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson The Edge Gaya prove this statement to be a fact as we stumbled and fell but got back to our feet in chase of our desired goal, of becoming the Hockey fest Champions of 2008 and proving to all and sundry that we were the best team at the festival. Ladies you have done yourself, your parents, your friends and your club –The Edge proud with your outstanding performance led by our outstanding captain Michelle Cesan. The victories in the final three matches and our domination of the tournament in general was both satisfying and gratifying. I am still on a high! I want to thank you the players and your parents for your continued support and undying devotion to our Club. Thank you, Thank you. Have you all realize that our team scored 16 goals in three matches against the top teams in the pool. What a performance!!! I want to thank all the coaches who have assisted over the past year in the wonderful preparation of this team and my special thanks goes out to Tina our Trainer for a wonderful job. This team effort reaped rewards and we have had “A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER”!!! I will never forget our dominance at this years Hockeyfest it reminded me of 2004 when The Edge had Florida dancing with our beautiful harmonic play. This year was no different as the Edge led by Michelle Cesan produced th best brand of hockey that anyone could hope to see while ending the myth that there may be teams in New Jersey that were close to us technically or tactically. That was a dream and The EDGE PLAYERS, our players put on a show that will be long remembered at the Hockeyfest while silencing our detractors and the ‘Doubting Thomases’ in no mean way. It was simply “Poetry in motion.” Hearing the top coaches talk about the Edge Hockey teams gave me 'goosebumps' and the assurance that we were doing something right. The superlatives used made me know that our players are very high on the recruitment list of the top Universities in this country. That is a tradition which we must upkeep. Our approach to the teams preparation has paid off, yet again. We always knew if the girls gave themselves a chance we would succeed as a team, and we have. I wish all the parents were with us to enjoy the victory and the celebrations. But you know we cannot rest on our laurels as I have pointed out at almost every conversation. We have set ourselves a target and we must reach our goal. We must win at least two Under 19 Pools at the National Indoor Tournament while winning the Under 16 category. That is our mission and we will not fail. I have the confidence that our players are the best in the nation and as long as they dedicate and apply themselves , we will prevail. Ladies bask in your glory, you deserve it ! You ensured no one entered your house – The House that the EDGE Built. Our keepers Danielle Rothman and Kelly Sotsky were two of the best keepers at the festival and you both were fantastic but somehow next time we will find a way to get the opposing teams to shot equally at both keepers. Thanks for protecting our citadel. To my defenders, you were superb with our ‘House Leader Molly Johnson doing a great job at keeping the house doors shut. Her confidence in the final three games was remarkable. She led from the back. To the $6,000,000 girl Christina Benvenuti,. YOU are one hell of a player. Your commitment, courage and tenacity is something which all should note. You were superb!! I know as well as you that you ain’t crazy!!! Ha Ha. To the Robbinsville Tiger – Christy Wham you had an exceptional tournament. You played as though the world was coming to an end. You were great and I am certain your Mummy did not know that you could play like that. Just keep it up. To the flying duo of Mary Katherine Mc Neil (MK) and the Wooden Horse of Troy – Tori Sharpless, you were nothing short of excellent. You stepped up in a big way and neither of you ever let a player get by but keep shutting the windows in their face. I have never seen New Heights girls give a players the type of respect that Tori demanded. A Tremendous job and I wish Tori’s dad could have been there to see how “SHARP” she was. Now on to the young ‘Cog” Chelsea Davies who had a great Tournament Chelsea showed that she had the skill and the determination and tenacity to fight to the end. Her passing, tackling and Dribbling skill continue to improve. She acquitted herself very well in the highest company. But this is a secret which she does not know just yet, she will have to double that effort in 2009. Great job and continue being yourself while controlling your temper. Then there is the talented Kim Eng who was used as the ‘Utility Player’. Kim had a very good tournament and showed that she has the ability to be one of New Jersey’s finest players. Though hampered by her asthma Kim ‘tricks on the pitch made our team a stronger one while making her a player that had to be marked at all times. Well done ‘The Chinese chopper’. Kristen Becht had the task of playing at right midfield and ensuring that no one jumped our fence and got into our house. Kristen was tenacious and played superbly during the tournament. I don’t think Kristen know how well she played and her contribution to the team performance. Kristen stepped up bigtime and I was very happy to watch her smile in victory. Don’t stop now, keep on moving. What can you say about Michelle Cesan that has not been said already. Michelle is an inspirational leader who led by example on the field . Her skill, and vision on the field was simply wonderful. Her passing and dribbling forced coaches to abandon their jobs of looking at other players to come watch the Edge play so they can get a glimpse of the ‘Magical Michelle’ at work. Clearly, Michelle is phenomenal and will continue to thrive. Michelle is no doubt the “Player of the 2008 Hockeyfest as she is the New Jersey Players of the Year.” She has no equal!!! Rachel Misko one of our most potent attackers had great tournament. Sometimes she was called upon to play in the link position as she will have to work in that capacity in the very near future. She adapted well and her performance was very good. Rachel is very talented and her passing and dribbling skill looked awesome. She will be formidable in 2009. Emily Cole one of our main attackers showed that she had the skill and the determination and tenacity to fight to the end. Her passing, tackling and Driblling skill continue to improve. She acquitted herself very well in the highest company. Once she remains focused she will continue to do well. Emily is a great team players. Erica Borgo, was handed some of the toughest task at the Festival. She was always being asked to get forward and get back at the ‘rate of knots.: She performed her task very well and her dribbling and tackling was great Erica used her speed to advantage and her passing and vision has improved , She had a very good tournament. If she is asked to work hard in 2008, I wonder what she expects in 2009. But I know she will hugg this opportunity with both hands.HaHa. The powerful Princeton Princess – Elizabeth Annis had a good tournament and showed clearly that she had improved tremendously. Elizabeth’s receiving on the field was par excellence and her tackling and supporting was very good. Clearly, Elizabeth vision and passing has improved and she no doubt will continue on the upward curve. A smart young player. The witty Charlotte Lescroat was very competent every time she went unto the pitch. She was very simple in her play but had the distinction of not having one ball pass her stick, so good was her reception. Charlotte made up for an uncharacteristic miss in game two by hurting ‘New Heights in the final game. A players who does not know how capable she is. She will score many more goals for the Edge. Finally, there is the baby of the team – Debbie Jantzen who performed with distinction. Her performance bellied her age. Debbie had no hesitation in taking on her senior rivals both in defence and attack. Her goal in the second game gave you the indication that she always means business. A very talented player who will soar to great heights in time. A leader in the making. Congratulations once again!!!

KELVIN CHARLES NANCOO