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| | | | | | RYAN HEADS TO STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY |  |  | | by mary malvagna posted 05/08/2008
CHRIS RYAN HEADS TO STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
The Bobcats are happy and proud to announce that Chris Ryan will be attending and playing hockey at Stony Brook University for the upcoming 2008/2009 season. Stony Brook boasts a very strong Division I Club Hockey program and is a member of the ECHA Conference in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Acquired in mid-season, Chris provided some much-needed scoring punch during the latter half of the season and accumulated an excellent 13-10-23 line in 25 games. In addition to adding some significant playmaking ability and production to the Bobcats’ offense, Chris was a strong character presence in the locker-room, consistently being one of the hardest workers on and off the ice.
Before coming to the Bobcats, Chris was a very successful and productive three-year player in the Eastern Junior Hockey League. Prior to playing in the EJHL, he was a member of the 04/05 Applecore Junior “B” Regular Season Champions in the Empire League, scoring 44 points in 45 games and finishing 9th overall in league scoring. Chris is well known for his storied high school hockey career at Holy Cross. During his time at Holy Cross, he was a Catholic High School First Team All-League selection and the league’s leading scorer in both the 02/03 and 03/04 seasons. He was also named the Catholic High School Varsity Player of the Year for the 02/03 season.
His youth hockey career, where he spent most of his years with the Long Island Gulls, is also filled with many great memories and accomplishments. Most notably, he was a member of the Gulls 2002 Bantam State Finalist and International Silversticks Champion, which was considered by many to be the best Bantam-aged team in the country that year. As a Midget-aged player, he was coached by long-time Gulls Midget Coach and Wall of Fame inductee, Frank Hillman, and was the Captain of the 03/04 Gulls Midget Team. Chris also competed in the Empire State Games for the New York City team from 2002 to 2004. In 2004, he was named Captain of the New York City team.
Throughout his entire hockey career, Chris has shown himself to be a player and student of great character and integrity. His respect for his coaches, peers and family is unmatched. For those reasons, this author is certain of his future successes in life.
The Gulls and Bobcats organizations would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Chris and the entire Ryan family, and wishes him the very best as he embarks on his academic and college hockey career. | | |  | | | | | | | MATT GILLEN HEADED TO WILLIAM PATTERSON | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 05/08/2008
GILLEN HEADS TO WILLIAM PATTERSON UNIVERSITY
The Bobcats are happy to announce that Matt Gillen will be attending and playing hockey at William Patterson University for the upcoming 2008/2009 season. William Patterson boasts a Division II Club Hockey program that will be participating in the SECHL for the upcoming 08/09 season. William Patterson had one of the top records in ACHA Division II hockey this past season. Acquired late in the year, Matt was a solid contributor during the Bobcats’ stretch run, which saw them finish only 4 points shy of an automatic bid to the Tier III Junior “A” Nationals. During his 10-game tenure with the team, Matt finished with a very respectable 3-3-6 line, adding his gritty play in the corners and his overall play-making ability to the front line.
By way of background, Matt was an AJHL ALL-Star during the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons, finishing 7th overall in scoring during the 05/06 campaign. His storied high school hockey career includes New Jersey All-State Public High School 1st and 3rd team selections in 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, he was the MVP in 2003 and 2004 at Bayonne High School, where he accumulated an eye-popping 180 points in three years. Matt was also a three-time member of the Garden State Games All-Star Team.
Matt expects to be a key contributor and leader for William Patterson, where he also hopes to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or Physical Therapy. The Bobcats would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Matt and the entire Gillen family, and wishes him the very best as he moves on with his academic and hockey career | | | | | | | | | | COREY CONTE COMMITS TO LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 05/06/2008
CONTE COMMITS TO LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE
The Bobcats are proud to announce that Corey Conte has committed to the Flying Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College for the upcoming 2008/2009 season. Corey becomes the ninth Bobcats player to commit to play college hockey for the 08/09 season. Lebanon Valley is a strong academic college and is a member of the ECAC West, which some consider to be the strongest Division III hockey Conference in the United States. Acquired late in the season, Corey added a much-needed physical presence on the powerplay and in front of the net, immediately making a positive impact and contributing to the Bobcats’ late season run at the AJHL regular season title. Corey averaged almost a point per game during his 15-game stretch with the team and was also credited with 2 important game-winning goals.
By way of background, Corey is an alumnus of the Metropolitan Junior “B” Hockey League, where he was Captain of the New York Saints and an MJHL All-Star during the 2006/07 season. During the 03/04 and 04/05 seasons, Corey was a key contributor for the New Jersey Wildcats Junior “C” team, which captured consecutive Junior “C” National Championships. He was also a CHA All-Star during the 04/05 season. Corey was also Captain of his Clarkson South High School hockey team, earning First Team All-County honors in both the 03/04 and 04/05 seasons.
Corey hopes to make an immediate impact on the ice at Lebanon Valley, but most importantly, would like to pursue a career in Business Administration. The Bobcats would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Corey and the entire Conte family, and wishes him the very best as he heads to Lebanon Valley College to embark on his academic and college hockey career. | | | | | | | | | | ROSSIDIS HEADS TO CORNELL FOR DIVISION I CREW | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 03/12/2008
ROSSIDIS HEADS TO CORNELL FOR DIVISION I CREW
In an unexpected turn of events, the Bobcats are very happy and excited to announce that Tommy Rossidis will be attending Cornell University in the Fall of 2008 as a member of its Division I Crew Team. He will be joining his older brother, Michael, who is currently a member of the team. Despite Tommy’s potential as a hockey player and his expected return to the Bobcats next season, joining Cornell’s Crew Team was an opportunity he could not turn away from. As one of the eight existing Ivy League Schools, Cornell is considered one of the best academic institutions in the country. Combining that level of academics with an opportunity to compete athletically at the Division I level is a tremendous accomplishment
As a 1990-born player, Tommy was the youngest defenseman on the Bobcats this past season. Despite this being his first year of Junior “A” hockey, Thomas quickly adjusted to the speed and physical nature of the game, ultimately making very significant contributions to the success of the Bobcats. A number of significant injuries to the team’s defensive corp. early in the season provided Tommy with some unexpected opportunities and forced him to take a more prominent role with the team. He responded to that challenge, playing in 35 games and providing a consistent effort day in and day out. Moreover, Tommy’s work ethic, determination and overall commitment to our off ice program made him one the strongest players on the Bobcats and will serve him well on those cold winter mornings with the Cornell Crew Team.
By way of background, Tommy participated in the Empire State Games for Long Island in 2007 and was a High School Vytra Cup All-Star in 05/06 and 06/07. It should also be noted that Tommy is an excellent student, making the Honor Roll every single semester in high school. He is also a member of the German Honor Society and is a “Future Business Leader of America”.
The Bobcats would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Tommy and the entire Rossidis family, and wishes him the very best as he heads to Cornell University to embark on his very challenging academic and athletic career.
| | | | | | | | | | McALEER GOING EARLY TO FITCHBURG STATE | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 03/12/2008
McALEER GOING EARLY TO FITCHBURG STATE
The Bobcats are very happy to announce that Thomas McAleer has committed to the Falcons of Fitchburg State College for the 2008/2009 season. Thomas will be joining his teammate Travis Bertolotti at Fitchburg and will be playing for the Falcons as a natural freshman. In today’s college hockey landscape, it is very unusual (and difficult) for players to receive commitments to play college hockey in their first year out of high school. This accomplishment is a testament to Thomas’ high skill level and his performance for the Bobcats’ this past year. Fitchburg State is a member of the ECAC Northeast, a seventeen-member conference, which boasts some of the strongest Division II and III hockey programs in the country.
As a 1990-born player, Thomas was one of the youngest players on the Bobcats this past season. Despite this being his first year of Junior “A” hockey, Thomas adjusted quickly to the speed, quickness and physical nature of the game. His solid 11-12-23 line in 46 games was an impressive accomplishment for a first-year player at this level and allowed him to be a consistent contributor throughout the season.
By way of background, Thomas was a member of last year’s Suffolk PAL Junior B team that won the MJHL Regular Season Championship and advanced to the National Semi-finals. He has participated in the NYS Select 15, 16 and 17 Camps and played in the Empire State Games for Long Island in 2006. His most memorable youth hockey accomplishment includes capturing the Bantam “A” New York State Championship in 2005 with the Long Island Royals.
Thomas has also had a notable high school hockey career at St. Anthony’s in Suffolk County. In addition to being named the MVP of St. Anthony’s Junior Varsity team in 04/05, he was selected as a Suffolk County Varsity All-Star in 05/06. He also has four (3 Varsity and 1 Junior Varsity) Suffolk County High School Championships on his resume. In 2007, he was a member of the St. Anthony’s Varsity team that was a finalist in the New York High School Varsity State Championship.
The Bobcats would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Thomas and the entire McAleer family, and wishes him the very best as he heads to Fitchburg State College to embark on his academic and college hockey career.
| | | | | | | | | | THOMAS GALIANI HEADS TO BROCKPORT | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 03/06/2008
THOMAS GALIANI HEADS TO BROCKPORT
Standout forward, Thomas Galiani, has committed to the Golden Eagles of Brockport State College for the 2008/2009 season. Brockport is a member of SUNYAC, which is considered one of the strongest Division III Conferences in the United States. Thomas becomes the sixth player overall from this year’s New York Bobcats to receive a commitment to play collegiate hockey.
Thomas has had an outstanding year for the Bobcats this season and clearly established himself as one of the top forwards in the AJHL. Currently ranking 16th in scoring among all AJHL forwards, Thomas’ 22-22-44 line in 46 games has made him one of the Bobcats’ most reliable offensive weapons. Thomas was rewarded for his consistently strong play throughout the season by being selected to this year’s AJHL All-Star game.
By way of background, Thomas spent his entire youth hockey career with the Long Island Gulls. During most of his Gulls career, he was coached by current Bobcats Coach and Gulls Director of Hockey, Eddie Galiani. As a Midget-aged player, he was coached by long-time Gulls Midget Coach and Gulls Wall of Fame inductee, Frank Hillman. In his second year playing for Frank, he was the team’s leading scorer. In addition to participating in the U-16 U.S. National Camp in 2003, Thomas was a member of the Gulls 2000 Peewee State Championship team and the Gulls 2002 Bantam State Finalist, which was considered by many to be the best Bantam-aged team in the country that year. He has also won a Bronze (2003) and Silver (2004) Medal for Long Island at the Empire State Games. Thomas also spent a year playing for the Oswego Admirals in the highly respected and competitive Ontario Provincial League, and actually has a year of Division III hockey under his belt, where he played for Southern Maine during the 2006/2007 season.
Despite being undersized his entire playing career, Thomas has shown that perseverance and determination are the cornerstones of any successful individual. Known for his outstanding work ethic and strong character, Thomas has never allowed anything to stand in the way of his continued growth and development as a hockey player. Playing in a big man’s game, Thomas has consistently allowed his heart, willpower, physical play, strong skating ability and skill level do all of his talking.
The entire Bobcats and Gulls communities would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Thomas and the entire Galiani family and wishes him the very best as he heads to Brockport State College to resume his academic and college hockey career
| | | | | | | | | | DAN MARSHALL REJOINS ′CATS FOR 2008-09 | | | | | posted 02/25/2008
Dan Marshall to Rejoin 'Cats for 2008-09
Coach Dan Marshall has agreed to return to the New York Junior Bobcats beginning with the 2008-09 season as President of New York Bobcats Junior Operations and as Managing Director of Player Development for the Gulls and IceCats Youth Organization.
In his new post, Marshall will take the reins July 1, 2008 for both our Junior and Youth programs.
After 6 years with the NHL New York Islanders, the former Bridgeport Sound Tigers American Hockey League Head Coach will rejoin the Bobcats and Junior Head Coach Ed Galiani and staff next season as newly named President and coach.
“Maintaining an ability to develop players and to have terrific coaches at all levels has been our biggest challenge,” said owner Fred Schoenhut. “To add someone like Dan to our extremely dynamic coaching staff really validates our program and underscores our interest to continue to provide the best growth opportunities for players in our region." Coach Marshall adds; "It is a privilege to be back with an organization and coaching staff I know so well and have been such a part of. The job is not about just being a coach, it is about setting proper examples and leading young men to become contributors in life, on or off the ice."
Marshall will work with the Bobcats, Gulls and IceCats coaching staffs with their upcoming brush up clinics and their tryout evaluations. Dan's character, integrity and ethics are his trademark. Combined with his knowledge of the game of hockey and his ability to mentor young men make Dan's return a remarkable event for the Bobcats, Gulls and IceCats organization.
Welcome Back Coach Marshall! | | | | | | | | | | HENDRICKSON COMMITS TO NICHOLS COLLEGE | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 02/22/2008
HENDRICKSON COMMITS TO NICHOLS COLLEGE
The Bobcats are proud to announce that Zach Hendrickson has committed to the Bisons of Nichols College for the upcoming 2008/2009 season. Nichols College is located in Dudley, Massachusetts and is a member of the ECAC Northeast, a seventeen-member conference, which boasts some of the strongest Division II and III hockey programs in the country. Nichols currently sits in 2nd place in the ECAC Northeast with an overall record of 18-5-1.
Zach made an unusual jump from the Junior”C” to Junior “A” level this year, his first with the Bobcats. Despite the increase in competition levels, his transition was seemless, as he immediately became a key contributor on the team. Zach’s solid play at both ends of the ice, strong back checking, penalty killing skills, and gritty play have all contributed greatly to the Bobcats’ success this season.
Despite being an undersized player, his perseverance and determination consistently came to the forefront. Playing in a big man’s game, Zach consistently allowed his heart, willpower and physical play to be the cornerstones of his success. Known for his outstanding work ethic, character and unyielding resolve, he has not allowed anything to stand in the way of his continued growth and development as a hockey player. Moreover, he is one of the most respected and committed players on the Bobcats. All of these attributes will serve him well as he embarks on his academic and college hockey career.
By way of background, Zach was the leading scorer (37-26-63 in 40g) and an All-Star selection in 2006/2007 for the Long Island Rebels of the America East Independent Junior League. Prior to joining the Rebels, Zach had a notable high school hockey career at St. Anthony’s in Suffolk County. In addition to being named MVP for St. Anthony’s during the 2006/2007 season, Zach was selected as a Suffolk County All-Star. He also has four (2 Varsity and 2 Junior Varsity) Suffolk County High School Championships on his resume. In 2007, he was a member of the St. Anthony’s Varsity team that was a finalist in the New York High School Varsity State Championship.
The Bobcats would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Zach and the entire Hendrickson family, and wishes him the very best as he heads off to Nichols College.
| | | | | | | | | | BERTOLOTTI COMMITS TO FITCHBURG STATE | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 02/20/2008
BERTOLOTTI HEADED TO FITCHBURG STATE
The Bobcats are proud to announce that Travis Bertolotti has committed to the Falcons of Fitchburg State College for the upcoming 2008/2009 season. Travis becomes the third Bobcats defenseman to commit to play college hockey for the 08/09 season. Fitchburg State is a member of the ECAC Northeast, a seventeen-member conference, which boasts some of the strongest Division II and III hockey programs in the country. Acquired in mid-season from the Laconia Leafs, Travis joined a very depleted core of defensemen, immediately making a positive impact and contributing to the Bobcats’ success. He is currently ranked 12th in scoring among defensemen in the AJHL. Moreover, his steady presence on the blue line and strong offensive skills have made him a key component of the team as the Bobcats move forward in their quest to capture a third consecutive league championship.
From the time he arrived in Syosset, Travis’ work ethic and overall commitment levels have been at the forefront of his success. In addition to being forced to adjust to a new system and team environment, Travis was asked to make an immediate impact and take a prominent role on a team that was depleted with injuries and struggling to find a consistent level of play. Travis responded to that challenge on every level and has excelled on and off the ice during another highly successful Bobcats season.
By way of background, Travis is an alumni of the Metropolitan Junior “B” Hockey League, where he was the Captain of the Hudson Valley Eagles and finished 7th in scoring among defensemen during the 2005/2006 season. His most memorable youth hockey accomplishments include capturing the PeeWee “B” New York State Championship in 2002 and the Regional Silver Sticks Championship in 2001, both with the Long Island Rebels. Travis was also the Captain of that Rebels team.
Travis hopes to make an immediate impact on the ice at Fitchburg State, but most importantly, would like to pursue a career in Architecture or Engineering. The Bobcats would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Travis and the entire Bertolotti family, and wishes him the very best as he heads to Fitchburg State College to embark on his academic and college hockey career. | | | | | | | | | | BIRNSTILL COMMITS TO UTICA COLLEGE | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 02/11/2008
“SCOTTY” BIRNSTILL COMMITS TO UTICA COLLEGE
The Bobcats are very proud and excited to announce that Assistant Captain and long-time Gull, “Scotty” Birnstill, has committed to the Pioneers of Utica College for the 2008/2009 season. Utica College is a member of the ECAC West, which is considered one of the strongest Division III hockey Conferences in the United States.
Those who have watched Scotty play over the years (including this author) will attest to his tremendous talents as a hockey player, including his powerful and accurate shot, explosive skating ability and uncanny ability to turn it on and completely dominate a game.
One would be hard pressed to find another player with a more impressive and storied hockey career. As a former Long Island Gull, Scotty was a member of the 2000 PeeWee State Championship Team and 2002 Bantam State Finalist, which was considered by many to be the best Bantam-aged team in the country that year. Scotty's combined offensive numbers for those two Gulls teams totaled 156 Goals and 119 Assists for 275 Points in 130 Games. Most notably, Scotty's MVP performance led the 2002 Bantam team to the International Silver Sticks Championship. Scotty is also well known for his MVP performance during the 2001 Quebec PeeWee tournament, where the Long Island New York Islanders captured the America's Cup Championship and were International Championship Finalists.
After leaving the Gulls, Scotty went on to play for the USA National Development Program on the U-17 team. Thereafter, he had stints in the USHL (Waterloo) and the EJHL (Applecore). Scotty was an OHL 4th round draft choice in 2003 and was also a highly rated participant in the USA National 14, 15 and 16 Camps. At the National 15 Camp in 2002, Scotty was the #3 rated forward in the entire country.
During his first season last year with the Bobcats, Scotty was an AJHL All-Star, finishing 5th overall in total points while scoring 52 goals in 51 games. He was the primary offensive weapon for the Bobcats as they captured their 2nd consecutive AJHL Championship and 3rd consecutive regular season title, all of which culminated in a semi-final appearance in the inaugural Tier III Junior "A" National Championship. Scotty has continued his dominating play this season and has been a key contributor for the Bobcats, once again sitting among the league's leading scorers and earning another All-Star berth.
While Scotty will always be widely known for his ability to play the game of hockey, this author will always recognize him for his keen sense of humor and innate goodness. His hard work, perseverance and willingness to never give despite the obstacles that were placed before him, have allowed him to attain his dream of playing college hockey.
The Bobcats and Gulls would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Scotty and the entire Birnstill family as he embarks on his academic and college hockey career.
| | | | | | | | | | WHITE COMMITS TO UTICA COLLGE | | | | | by fred schoenhut posted 02/08/2008
MAX WHITE COMMITS TO UTICA COLLEGE
The Bobcat organization is very proud to announce that Captain Max White has committed to the Pioneers of Utica College for the 2008/2009 season. Utica College is a member of the ECAC West, which boasts one of the strongest Division III hockey Conferences in the United States. Proving that hard work and perseverance are the cornerstones to success, Max has enjoyed a breakout 2007/2008 season for the Bobcats. In addition to ranking in the top 15 in scoring among AJHL defensemen this year, Max was named as an alternate to the AJHL All-Star game. On and off the ice, he has been a key contributor during another highly successful Bobcats season. As this season comes to a close, Max hopes to add yet another Championship trophy and National Championship appearance to his Bobcats career.
During his tenure with the team, the Bobcats have won three consecutive regular season titles and captured the AJHL league championship in 2006 and 2007, most recently competing in the semi-finals of the inaugural Tier III Junior “A” National Championship in March of 2007. Max has also experienced great success at the youth hockey levels. In addition to being a member of the Applecore PeeWee team that captured the 2001 New York State Championship and ultimately competed in the National Championship game, Max also won a Midget Minor State Championship with the Long Island Royals in 2003. Max played his high school hockey at Portledge Prep School, where his overall leadership qualities also earned him the title of Captain.
Max’s entire hockey career has been defined by his unyielding resolve, his unmatched work ethic and his complete commitment to becoming the best possible hockey player he can be. With every obstacle or setback he’s had to face, his character and perseverance have come to the forefront, allowing him to experience great success at every level. Moreover, it is Max’s role as a leader, his easy-going personality, his quiet confidence and his ability to find the humor in every situation that has allowed him to become one of the most respected players in our organization.
The Bobcats and Gulls would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Max and the entire White family, and wishes him the very best as he heads to Utica College to embark on his academic and college hockey career.
| | | | | | | | | | DEMAYO COMMITS TO TRINITY COLLEGE | | | | | by fred schoenhut posted 01/03/2008
DEMAYO COMMITS TO TRINITY COLLEGE
The New York Bobcats are very proud to announce that Captain and standout defenseman, Michael DeMayo, has committed to the Trinity College "Bantams" for the 2008/2009 season. Trinity College is a member of the academically prestigious NESCAC League, which is also considered one of the strongest Division III hockey Conferences in the United States. Referred to as one of the small Ivies, Trinity is home to one of the finest academic institutions in the United States.
Michael has been a member of the Bobcats for the past three seasons. During his time with the team, the Bobcats have won consecutive regular season titles and captured the AJHL league championship in 2006 and 2007, most recently competing in the semi-finals of the inaugural Tier III Junior “A” National Championship in March of 2007. In addition to being an AJHL All-Star in both the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons, he was part of the AJHL Select Team that played the United States U-18 Team in 2006. This season, he continues to be a major contributor, ranking 4th in scoring among AJHL defensemen and helping the Bobcats once again find a place among the league’s elite teams.
By way of background, Michael spent most of his youth hockey career with the Long Island Gulls. He was coached by his current Bobcats Coach (and Gulls Director of Hockey), Eddie Galiani, during all of his Peewee and Bantam years. As a Midget-aged player, he was coached by long-time Gulls Midget Coach and Wall of Fame inductee, Frank Hillman. In addition to participating in the U-15 and U-16 U.S. National Camps, Michael was a member of the Gulls 2000 Peewee State Championship team and the Gulls 2002 Bantam State Finalist, which was considered by many to be the best Bantam-aged team in the country that year. Michael has also won a Bronze (2003) and Silver (2004) Medal for Long Island at the Empire State Games and was a former Captain and MVP of the High School Vytra Cup All Stars.
Throughout his entire hockey career, Michael has shown himself to be a true student-athlete. In addition to placing his academics first and being an excellent student, Michael has been able to excel on the ice. His relentless work ethic, character and perseverance have defined him as a player. He has never allowed anything to stand in the way of his continued growth and development as a hockey player. Known mostly for his strong skating ability and offensive skills, Michael exemplifies how education and the sport of hockey – and the primary characteristics needed to succeed in both – can combine to create tremendous opportunities for our young men and women.
The Bobcats and Gulls would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Michael, Coach Frank DeMayo and his entire family and wishes him the very best as he heads to Trinity College to embark on his academic and college hockey career. | | | | | | | | | | Junior Bobcats Host Housing Information | | | | | by mary malvagna posted 10/30/2006
Bobcats Housing Program Information
Players on the New York Junior Bobcats Hockey Club are between the ages of 16 - 20, with the majority of them being 18 and 19 years old. For some, this will be their first time far from home and they will need a stable home environment for their stay on Long Island. It is the commitment of the New York Junior Bobcats to provide this for our players.
When a family requests to house a player, the Housing Supervisor or Team President meets with the family in their home. This allows the team representative to meet the potential housing parents and their children, as well as address any questions the family may have. The Housing Supervisor meets with the Coach and General Manager before the season to determine where to place each player. Consideration is given to such things as interests beyond hockey, player's preferences regarding smoking or non-smoking, general lifestyle compatibility and transportation. Some families may wish to house more than one player, and while some players enjoy living with a teammate, others do not so we also consider this when placing players in homes.
The housing family agrees to provide room and board for the player - this means that nutritious food be available to the player, either for the player to prepare or the housing parents to prepare for the player. They also provide the player with his own room. Housing families are encouraged to treat the player as 'one of the family' and not just a 'renter'. As for the player, he should participate in family activities - including chores. He should have his own phone card, as long distance phone calls are not to be charged to the housing family. The player is also expected to follow team and housing program rules, and the housing family is expected to support the Coach's team rules. The housing family may have their own specific rules. Those additional rules or expectations are communicated to the player and to the team.
The Housing Supervisor schedules activities for the players and the housing families throughout the season. Housing parents may attend a monthly Housing Parents meeting.
As you think about what it costs to house a player, consider the following:
This is not a 'money making deal'
There is a monthly stipend to help with the grocery bills.
Season tickets are provided for the family.
Lasting friendships are developed
Generally, housing families, players and the player's family develop very special bonds and remain close long after the player has left the Bobcats program. Many housing families attend the try-out camps, come to home games and often attend many of the away games. They are very supportive of the players both on and off the ice.
If you are interested in housing a player, please contact the Bobcats at (516) 677-9075 or by email through our web site feedback tab www.nybobcats.com
Host Families
Some Bobcats players are housed in our community by ‘host families’. The team’s Housing Supervisor, coordinates placement and manages the program on a day-to-day basis. Most housing families have children currently or formerly involved in youth hockey and enjoy the opportunity to help a Bobcats player while at the same time having a young man around who will serve as a good role model for their own or other children in the community. Players are treated as members of the host parents’ family and quickly become part of the family and of the Long Island community. Living away from home for the first time can be a very rewarding experience for players. Host families and player families both report that participating in the housing program is also rewarding for them as families. Strong friendships are formed between players and families. Many maintain close relationships in the future.
Living away from home is an important part of a player’s social and emotional development. It forces players to be accountable and responsible for their actions and sensitizes them to the needs and experiences of others in their surroundings. As per NCAA rules, a monthly fee is charged to each player. Their payment of their own housing fees protects players’ amateur status. Additionally, the fees help housing families with the added expenses of hosting a player. | | | | | | | | | | |
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