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Pictures above from Far Left
Rookie Season 2000-2001 Age 5. After one year of public skating entered
the hockey world. Above Middle and Right 2001-2002 season. Devyns second
and final year of initiation hockey (level 6 year olds Grade 1 of school).
No scheduled games but a great learning experience. In his only tournament concluding the season at Harbour Station in Saint John his picture appeared (one on the left) on the cover of the Telegraph-Journal Insert for all the team photos of the 2001-02 hockey teams. This Picture was his personal celebration after completing the hat trick. Summer 2002 attended St.Andrews Hockey School for one week. Hosted by former NHL player Charlie Bourgeois. Surprisingly was inserted into the top group of 6, which was great motivation as he was able to witness several players a year older with superior skills. Talented players Jacob Chapman from Brewer, Maine and local friend Ryan Caswell would show him the standards to reach for over the 5 day school. A very tiring experience but what a difference in one week. With already an above average speed, in one single day watched him improve by 4 strides just by pumping the arms forward instead of the lazy side to side. First year Novice (seven year old players, Grade 2 in school) 2002-2003. In a 20 game schedule led the team in scoring with over 35 goals on the season. Played most of the 20 games against mixed teams with seven and eight year old players. Hilite a 4 goal game helping the team to a 6-2 win over rivals from Fundy. Attended the St.Andrews Hockey School a second time in July 2003. Continued to show great speed with players in his age group but this time with the confidence of puck skills also due to the previous season. Again in the top group of 6 but this time a different role becoming more of a leader. Talented player Jordan Knapp from Maine would excel in the areas of puck control and also in physical size. Devyn would respond with a very slight advantage on speed, they became good friends and competitors over the 5 days. Also enjoyed the company from another physical strong player Alex Johnston from rival BlacksHarbour, will be fun to watch the two friends in the upcoming season. The final day for the big game , Devyn would grab 2 goals and add 3 assist in a 9-9 final. With the intention of dividing the group evenly it looks like the coaches did a super job. |
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2004 an exciting year for
Devyn and the local club. Early in the schedule the team would play just
under .500 hockey. Devyn enjoyed some individual success scoring over 20
goals in his first 10 games. During the Christmas break Devyn and teammate
Damian Gallant would tryout and make the roster for the District Triple A
team. This team would not begin until April so back to the local club for
three more months. During January in a local tournament hosted by St.Andrews the coaches would make a move placing Devyn on defence to try some new lines. The move would become permanent, a favorable one for both Devyn and the team. The team since this tournament has gone undefeated in two other tournaments, and only lost one game in their regular season contest. Now enjoying a thirteen game winning streak the players look to close out the year with only two games remaining. Devyn has said his goal total is around 35, but the exciting part is to watch the assists climb. In one tournament the team went 3-0 outscoring the competition 18-3, Devyn had 4 goals and 6 assists over the three games. Some Video Clips 2004 Now the focus is on the 20 game schedule starting April with the Saint John Screaming Eagles Novice Major team. Coaches have already moved Devyn from his original selected position as a forward to defence, much to learn. The Triple A Hockey league completed the end of May with Devyn fitting in for his role as defenceman. In the final weekend tournament, The Atlantic Cup, the team enjoyed more success in one weekend then they had all year. Winning three of four games only losing by one goal to the top team from Nova Scotia. In the playoff format, semi-finals, they again lost by a 2-1 score to the same team who went on to win the gold medal. Proud of the team and an experience I would recommend for others to enjoy. Time to relax and wait for 2004-05 season. |