Last Hurrah for Long Time Friday Night Hockey Club Leader

1. In 1994 when I started this hockey adventure, I knew two of you...Scott (Slava) and Paul (Mo). Now the friends I count from the FNHC numbers into the dozens. It is humbling and awesome to recognize the fun we have all had together through hockey, and how its translated to other parts of life (golf, concerts, camping, fishing, jobs, sailing, pro and college football, medical care, funeral homes, kids, and more...). I look forward to the many years of that continuing!

2. "THANKS..." There a few people who I'd like to recognize for their years of dedication,help and support. Slava; for being a part of every major, and many minor, decisions over our tenure of leadership. He of course engineered and crafted our trophy, The Slava Cup. He will remain its caretaker for the time being, it has been offered to the new FNHC leadership for future Championships. And of course - he was there that first night we put on our kid's roller blade pads (they were 5 years old - our kids...) and took to the ice in Rouge with me. We had non-stop grins on our faces for the entire 50 minutes, as we played hockey for the very first time.

Mo; (Iron Orr) our first recruit, and of course the genius behind the entertaining and historical reference web page. The time and money he has invested have been enjoyed by every one of us! It's a key reason we have had successful recruitment and entertaining discussions over the years. Please continue to visit the site (fridaynighthockeyclub.com) for league news and rumors over the spring and summer (watch for golf outing information too). Negotiations between new FNHC leadership and Mo are continuing over the future of the site.

Brian; (Brian Saloka a.k.a Crash) who engineered, crafted, built and brought to our group in the fall of 2000 - the SSU's. The Saloka Scoring Units are to this day envied and inquired about. "Awesome" is everyone's reaction. They will remain the property of La Package, guaranteed to be available when he skates, but also for any FNHC playoff/Championship event regardless of his participation.

Joe; he was the biggest recruiter we ever had. He not only secured our core group (Danny, Faro, Adam, Vito etc..) which has sustained us for years, he also brought the legendary Phenom out among other guests, he has played goalie whenever needed, and filled in for Package and/or Slava when FNHC business needed to get done (collect money, water bottles, pucks etc...). He will continue to serve as Co-Director of the annual golf outing, and is already working on plans for the 2011 even maybe even 2 events...

Bobby; (Ringer) for taking the helm of this ship and trying to keep it fun, relevant, exciting and competitive. He has the support of all those listed above and knows he can count/call on them at any time in the future. We certainly wish him all the best!

3. Finally, I think it very rare in life that a person gets to "exit the scene" when and how they want. To create/start a club from scratch - to watch so many enjoy in it and join in building it - then handing it off in good shape - watching it continue into the future  - all on my own terms... is something I am humbled by and recognize as rare. I am proud of the experiences these years have brought. This period of my life that I have shared with you has: helped define who I am, provided me with all the good things sports should, given so many laughs (pre- and post-game locker room especially), excellent exercise that has kept me somewhat fit, a life time of friends, and an infinite amount of memories. To EACH ONE OF YOU ON THIS EMAIL LIST...  THANKS!

If I don't see you Friday night on our last skate of the season, or this summer on a golf course, or we are unable to share a beverage at a local establishment soon, well then... I will see you next fall on our favorite surface - the frozen one!

for one last time....

-Your Commissioner

:)