| I would like to take a moment to wish all of our extended SLU hockey family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! As well, I would like to thank all of our players, coaches, staff, administrators, families and fans for your commitment to our success on and off the ice. In looking back over the first semester I have seen many positive things amidst this semester of change and adjustment. Here is a quick recap of our late summer and first semester memorable events: Summer Mini Camp, players get to know each other for the first time... August, families' travel to SLU, freshmen and all players move in...School begins... Tryout Camp begins... Teams are selected... Practices begin... Team shows great tempo and quickness... Success in pre-season at SMS - 2 wins... Golf Outing - New Location, Forest Park - New Faces, positive fund-raising effort... Alumni Team wins the Alumni Game, first time ever... D1 opens season against Iowa State - First game adjustments better effort in second game... Split with Oklahoma... First bus trip - Philadelphia, PA... Take 2 out of 3 games on the road, sweep Lehigh... Another split at home with SMS... Back on the road - Catholic Tournament - Niagara Falls... Freshmen and team starting to bond... Juggle the lines for scoring... One win - John Carroll, loss to eventual new champs - Mercyhurst, hard fought OT loss - Niagara... Return home preparing for a tough schedule stretch... Drop two games to Michigan Dearborn... Time to face Ohio #2... Rough games... Team performs admirably with a close game on Friday night, two good periods on Saturday but ran out of gas, great experience and character builder for young team... Great rivalry continues with Arizona, we'll get �em back in Tucson, January - 2005... Tremendous road trip to the U.S. Naval Academy... Goaltenders dual in Navy game loss... Solid line combinations emerge... Scoring breakout in win against Delaware #18... Very evenly matched game vs. Towson #19... Homecoming for Chicago freshmen last weekend of the semester vs. Robert Morris College... Tough results on first night against good offensive team... SLU goes on the defensive Saturday night and has the discipline to work within a defensive system of play... Overall Record... 8-17-0
All in all, I am proud of the way that our team has come together through good times and challenging times. This is the only way that a young team shapes itself and positions itself for success, staying together, staying committed. True competitors rise up and answer a challenge and our team members will be asked do just this as we enter the second semester. This team will have success in the second semester through commitment to each other and to systems of play that fit our team's personnel and needs. We must be diligent and dedicated to our efforts. The coaches are totally immersed in striving for success. The players now understand the importance of taking responsibility for their team; it's reputation and ultimately will enjoy their successes. This team has been challenged with coming together on the ice and off the ice and I would like to thank the players, coaches, families and fans for remaining dedicated. I would also like to recognize the team President, Eric Dresbach who has done a terrific job guiding the club through the administrative and financial decisions that at times have been tough, but necessary to ensure our clubs overall success. He has vision to understand exactly what this club needs to remain on a positive path.
| Finally, I would like everyone to be aware of the following team goals: |
| Short-Term Goals |
Long-Term Goals |
- Academic Success for All Players
- Improve Win / Loss Record
- Continued Financial Stability
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- Focus on Recruiting
- Move Campus Rink Project Forward (Hire Executive Director)
- Return to National Ranking and National Tournament?
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| Thank you for your support and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! |
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