If you are looking to play hockey in the Berkshires, there are a few options:
The Berkshire Rattlers, is essentially a town team playing a the Tier III and House Level.
The Salisbury Redhawks, a team just down the road from the Rattlers in Salisbury, Ct, seems (at least for the 2010-11 season) to have a deeper pool of players and thus a greater number of teams operating at a higher level of competition. I suspect -- but don't know for sure -- that all Salisbury teams are registered as Tier III.
The Berkshire Bruins, based out of Pittsfield, Mass, but also using rinks in Williamstown and Sheffield, has the largest pool of players and in recent years has put together legitimate Tier II teams as well as made efforts to develop an elite squad.
For more competitive youth hockey options, Berkshire residents need to travel to either the Springfield area or into Albany and Troy territory.
Good luck.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Season Never Ends....
But the team blog does go on vacation.
Check back in the fall for information about the Berkshire Rattlers or visit the official Berkshire (Rattler) Youth Hockey website at http://www.berkshirerattlers.com/.
Check back in the fall for information about the Berkshire Rattlers or visit the official Berkshire (Rattler) Youth Hockey website at http://www.berkshirerattlers.com/.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What's Coming Up
Coming off a really great weekend, the fun just keeps heading our way. Here’s what we’ve got to look forward to over the next 7 days:
1) Practice tomorrow (Wed) night at 7:15 pm on Rink 2 at the Jackman Stewart Athletic Center (better known henceforth as “the Jack”).
2) For Saturday, ignore the schedule because the game against Troy has been cancelled – it is Valentine’s Day. Instead, we will practice on Saturday morning at 11:30 on Rink 2 at the Jack.
3) Sunday, we play Millbrook at 11:00 am at the Jack.
4) On Presidents’ Day, Monday at 10:20 am, it’s win-or-go-home time as we travel to the Olympia in Springfield, Mass to play the WTM Peewee B squad in the Division 6 Mass Playdowns. Here is a link to directions to the Olympia: http://olympiaicecenter.com/directions.htm.
5) If we win on Monday, we are set for game 2 of the Playdowns at the Olympia against Franklin County Peewee B. Game time is 10:10 am.
1) Practice tomorrow (Wed) night at 7:15 pm on Rink 2 at the Jackman Stewart Athletic Center (better known henceforth as “the Jack”).
2) For Saturday, ignore the schedule because the game against Troy has been cancelled – it is Valentine’s Day. Instead, we will practice on Saturday morning at 11:30 on Rink 2 at the Jack.
3) Sunday, we play Millbrook at 11:00 am at the Jack.
4) On Presidents’ Day, Monday at 10:20 am, it’s win-or-go-home time as we travel to the Olympia in Springfield, Mass to play the WTM Peewee B squad in the Division 6 Mass Playdowns. Here is a link to directions to the Olympia: http://olympiaicecenter.com/directions.htm.
5) If we win on Monday, we are set for game 2 of the Playdowns at the Olympia against Franklin County Peewee B. Game time is 10:10 am.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What's Coming Up
A number of people have been asking about the Mass Playdowns and State Tournament. Before I detail those dates, it probably makes sense to give you a sense of how the Jimmy Welch Schedule is shaping up. By the way, I would encourage everyone to have our team keep our focus on the Jimmy Welch. As I say every year, the Jimmy Welch Tournament is the single best barometer of how we are playing as a team. While the other tournaments are important, the Jimmy Welch Tournament is really the benchmark by which we measure ourselves.
1) Jimmy Welch Tournament
Although the schedule is not yet final, it is likely that we will play 2 games on Friday and 2 games on Saturday. We should also expect that those games will fall in the afternoon and early evening. If we are lucky enough to be in the finals, those will be held on Sunday.
There are 5 teams in our division: Saratoga B (we played them at Kittredge), a Clifton Park Team, Northern Berkshire and a team from Rhode Island.
I also want to give a final push to make sure that everyone signs to help with tournament duties. The sign up sheets are posted prominently at the rink. This tournament is the major Rattler fundraiser of the year. Our success or failure depends on the tournament running smoothly and that means everyone needs to help out. So, if you haven’t volunteered, please do so.
Also, our very own Theresa Smith has routinely worked wonders with the raffle table. But she can always use a hand assembling the gift baskets, working at the table, selling the tickets. I know that any offers of assistance are greatly appreciated.
2) Playdowns and State Tournament
A few people have asked me to explain the “playdowns” and how they relate to the Mass State Tournament. The playdowns are the qualifying round for the State Tournament, and the State Tournament is the Mass Hockey run tournament that designates overall state champions at the various levels of play. Playdowns are held by district, and are single elimination, ie, if you lose, you’re out. We are in Mass Hockey District 6 and are designated as a Tier II team. Our playdowns are held in Springfield at the Olympia Ice Center, and we are planning on participating.
Our first playdown game is on Monday, February 16, at 10:20 am. Please note that the week of February 16 is the spring break for most Mass schools. Also, Feb 16 happens to be Presidents’ Day. Accordingly, while I was worried about fielding a full team, I now believe that is not a problem.
If we win our game on Feb 16, we play our next on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:10 am. Again, my understanding is that most kids are on vacation so we should not have too much of a problem fielding a team. As for the New Yorkers (Alexi Niemanov, Grace Jennings and Ethan Cohen), I am fairly certain that they are available to play. In any event, if your player has a conflict and cannot participate, please let me know as soon as possible.
If we win both our games in the playdowns, we then qualify to play in the State Tournament which will be held on February 27 – March 1 in Fitchberg, Mass. That is all I know so far about the Tournament. As I get more information, I will pass it along.
3) This Weekend
Just a reminder: on Saturday we have 2 games. The first is at 9:00 at Berkshire, and the second is at 12:30 in Pittsfield. On Sunday we have a practice at Berkshire School. And, of course, practice tonight.
1) Jimmy Welch Tournament
Although the schedule is not yet final, it is likely that we will play 2 games on Friday and 2 games on Saturday. We should also expect that those games will fall in the afternoon and early evening. If we are lucky enough to be in the finals, those will be held on Sunday.
There are 5 teams in our division: Saratoga B (we played them at Kittredge), a Clifton Park Team, Northern Berkshire and a team from Rhode Island.
I also want to give a final push to make sure that everyone signs to help with tournament duties. The sign up sheets are posted prominently at the rink. This tournament is the major Rattler fundraiser of the year. Our success or failure depends on the tournament running smoothly and that means everyone needs to help out. So, if you haven’t volunteered, please do so.
Also, our very own Theresa Smith has routinely worked wonders with the raffle table. But she can always use a hand assembling the gift baskets, working at the table, selling the tickets. I know that any offers of assistance are greatly appreciated.
2) Playdowns and State Tournament
A few people have asked me to explain the “playdowns” and how they relate to the Mass State Tournament. The playdowns are the qualifying round for the State Tournament, and the State Tournament is the Mass Hockey run tournament that designates overall state champions at the various levels of play. Playdowns are held by district, and are single elimination, ie, if you lose, you’re out. We are in Mass Hockey District 6 and are designated as a Tier II team. Our playdowns are held in Springfield at the Olympia Ice Center, and we are planning on participating.
Our first playdown game is on Monday, February 16, at 10:20 am. Please note that the week of February 16 is the spring break for most Mass schools. Also, Feb 16 happens to be Presidents’ Day. Accordingly, while I was worried about fielding a full team, I now believe that is not a problem.
If we win our game on Feb 16, we play our next on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:10 am. Again, my understanding is that most kids are on vacation so we should not have too much of a problem fielding a team. As for the New Yorkers (Alexi Niemanov, Grace Jennings and Ethan Cohen), I am fairly certain that they are available to play. In any event, if your player has a conflict and cannot participate, please let me know as soon as possible.
If we win both our games in the playdowns, we then qualify to play in the State Tournament which will be held on February 27 – March 1 in Fitchberg, Mass. That is all I know so far about the Tournament. As I get more information, I will pass it along.
3) This Weekend
Just a reminder: on Saturday we have 2 games. The first is at 9:00 at Berkshire, and the second is at 12:30 in Pittsfield. On Sunday we have a practice at Berkshire School. And, of course, practice tonight.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hockey for Week of Jan 5
1) Practice tonight at 7:15 pm in the new Ice Palace of Hockey.
2) Saturday’s game will be at 10:15 am (a change from what was posted on the schedule).
3) Sunday’s practice is at 10:15 am. I would very much appreciate full attendance and arrival by 9:15 so we can talk before we dress.
2) Saturday’s game will be at 10:15 am (a change from what was posted on the schedule).
3) Sunday’s practice is at 10:15 am. I would very much appreciate full attendance and arrival by 9:15 so we can talk before we dress.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Kittredge Starts Tomorrow!
We are set to play tomorrow at 9 am at the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club. Our first opponent is the Berkshire Bruins. Whether we have played them before and whether we won or lost those contests is irrelevant. It’s like the NHL Play-Offs, it is a brand new season.
Let’s all try to be at the rink an hour before game time.
Let’s all focus on the task at hand -- playing hard and with intensity.
And remember, we must play to win every battle and we must treat each shift as if there will be no next shift.
See you at the rink.
Let’s all try to be at the rink an hour before game time.
Let’s all focus on the task at hand -- playing hard and with intensity.
And remember, we must play to win every battle and we must treat each shift as if there will be no next shift.
See you at the rink.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Kittredge Schedule
Bruins vs Rattlers Friday 1/2/09 @ 9am Pittsfield
Schnectedy vs Rattlers Saturday 1/3/09 3pm @ Pittsfield
Saratoga vs Rattlers Sunday 1/4/09 8:15am @ Williams
Champtionship Game:
Peewee B1 v Peewee B2 Sunday 1/4/09 3:30pm @ Williams
The schedule can be found at http://files.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/1572/18242.doc.
Schnectedy vs Rattlers Saturday 1/3/09 3pm @ Pittsfield
Saratoga vs Rattlers Sunday 1/4/09 8:15am @ Williams
Champtionship Game:
Peewee B1 v Peewee B2 Sunday 1/4/09 3:30pm @ Williams
The schedule can be found at http://files.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/1572/18242.doc.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Canada - Soviet '87 (Game 2 of 3)
I believe this is game 2 of best of 3 finals in the Canada Cup 1987. Canada had lost game 1 but would go on to win the finals in 3 games. In any event, the highlights show the goals from one of the all-time great games.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Major Snow Weekend
We notched two nice wins this weekend.
There are a few things worth noting.
Sunday, the team responded strongly to my request that you put more rubber on the net. We had 50 shots on goal. 50 shots. Now that's something.
Those of you not accustomed to the power play, here are the two things to keep in mind. (1) It's all about puck possession. Do not throw the puck away or take a low percentage shot. Spread out and move the puck to create a good shooting opportunity. (2) When we lose possession, two players must be on the loose puck.
Congratulations to Matt Madsen for notching a critical goal against his old squad. And Congratulations to Grace Jennings for upholding the honor of the Rattlers as she faced down her old team mates.
Finally, we need be aware of instances in which we suffer from lackidaisical play. By the way, this seems to be more of an issue in the afternoon. There are times when the team will be flat and slow and listless. Do not wait for the coaches to get you moving. You -- as individuals and as a team -- need to get yourself going. See the quotation above. Or, to quote Mr. Spencer Cookson, "You need to wake the beast."
Overall, a nice effort this weekend.
Here's what's coming up....
Friday, Dec. 26, at 7:15 -- Practice. Suspect we'll do something a bit festive given the holidays.
Saturday, Dec. 27, at 10:45 -- Game at Pittsfield. (Let me know if you cannot attend).
Sunday, Dec. 28, at 11:00 -- Practice
Wed, Dec. 31, at 7:45 -- Our Annual New Year's Eve Practice. Come watch the puck drop.
The Kittredge schedule is listed below.
Happy Holidays to all.
Kittredge Schedule
Bruins vs Rattlers Friday 1/2/09 @ 8am Pittsfield
Schnectedy vs Rattlers Saturday 1/3/09 3pm @ Pittsfield
Saratoga vs Rattlers Sunday 1/4/09 8:15am @ Williams
Monday, December 15, 2008
Power Outage Weekend
Despite power outages and icy roads, this may have been our best weekend of play yet.
With a mere 18 days to go before the Kittredge Tournament, we are playing as a team and seem to understand that focus and desire are as important as goals and assists when it comes to playing to the best of our ability. Yesterday’s 2nd Period recovery in the face of a near collapse showed us all that we have learned a few things over the last two months.
We have practice on Wednesday (8 pm), Thursday (7:15 pm) and Friday (7:15 pm).
There are a few areas that consistently need our attention and hard work:
* Being responsible in the defensive end. We need to play the body – NOT the puck – in front of the net. And we need to pick up the open player in front of the net.
* Our defense needs to control the flow of play and take the game to the OPEN ice. That means using the full sheet of ice. That means taking time with the puck and not simply jamming it up the boards or throwing it to the middle of the rink. That means reverse the play to the weak side.
* Our forwards need to get in the habit of playing faster and accelerating when a teammate has the puck. The days of slowing down for the pass are over. Make your linemates deliver the puck to you as you accelerate through the neutral zone.
* And we simply need to put more rubber on the net!!! Shoot the puck, please.
See you at the rink.
With a mere 18 days to go before the Kittredge Tournament, we are playing as a team and seem to understand that focus and desire are as important as goals and assists when it comes to playing to the best of our ability. Yesterday’s 2nd Period recovery in the face of a near collapse showed us all that we have learned a few things over the last two months.
We have practice on Wednesday (8 pm), Thursday (7:15 pm) and Friday (7:15 pm).
There are a few areas that consistently need our attention and hard work:
* Being responsible in the defensive end. We need to play the body – NOT the puck – in front of the net. And we need to pick up the open player in front of the net.
* Our defense needs to control the flow of play and take the game to the OPEN ice. That means using the full sheet of ice. That means taking time with the puck and not simply jamming it up the boards or throwing it to the middle of the rink. That means reverse the play to the weak side.
* Our forwards need to get in the habit of playing faster and accelerating when a teammate has the puck. The days of slowing down for the pass are over. Make your linemates deliver the puck to you as you accelerate through the neutral zone.
* And we simply need to put more rubber on the net!!! Shoot the puck, please.
See you at the rink.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Midweek Talking Points
Last weekend was a tough one.
Our first game was too easy but we played hard.
Our second game was hard but we played too easy.
Our third game was too easy but we played too easy.
So, I guess the weekend confirms the points that the coaches have been making all season:
(1) The game begins and ends with your attitutde. Play with heart and desire, or risk playing poorly.
(2) The letter after the team's name -- the A or B or AAA -- does not matter.
(3) It is not about winnng or losing. You can win (or tie) and feel as if you lost; you can lose and feel as if you won. The scoreboard often does not tell the true story. As a team, we need to get better at approaching each game as a test of ourselves: how we are playing, how we are progressing. Every game is really us versus us. The other team just happens to be there to help us with the test.
Everything else worth saying is contained in the video clip below.
Here's what's coming up the rest of the week:
Practice Wednesday at 8 pm
Saturday at 5 pm (yup, pm) at Bethlehem.
Sunday at 9 am at home vs Bethlehem.
One final point: speed and execution!
Our first game was too easy but we played hard.
Our second game was hard but we played too easy.
Our third game was too easy but we played too easy.
So, I guess the weekend confirms the points that the coaches have been making all season:
(1) The game begins and ends with your attitutde. Play with heart and desire, or risk playing poorly.
(2) The letter after the team's name -- the A or B or AAA -- does not matter.
(3) It is not about winnng or losing. You can win (or tie) and feel as if you lost; you can lose and feel as if you won. The scoreboard often does not tell the true story. As a team, we need to get better at approaching each game as a test of ourselves: how we are playing, how we are progressing. Every game is really us versus us. The other team just happens to be there to help us with the test.
Everything else worth saying is contained in the video clip below.
Here's what's coming up the rest of the week:
Practice Wednesday at 8 pm
Saturday at 5 pm (yup, pm) at Bethlehem.
Sunday at 9 am at home vs Bethlehem.
One final point: speed and execution!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Today's Doubleheader
More on today's (eh-hem) effort later. For now, this video clip pretty much sums up my feelings:
Now do you get it?
Now do you get it?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 6 & 7)
Saturday at 9:45 am, we play Berkshire Bruins B at Berkshire School.
Sunday at 8:40 am, we play Schenectady A at Schenectady.
Sunday at 11:20 am, we play Schenectady B at Schenectady.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Coming Week....
Am I crazy? Maybe….
With that said we have been invited to play Schenectady A at Schenectady at 8:40 am on Sunday, December 7th. Note that this is in addition to the game we have against Schenectady B on Sunday at 11:20 am at Schenectady. I figured as long as we were driving to Schenectady, we might as well get in an extra game. So, we have a game at 8:40 am and then a break and then a game at 11:20 am.
All told, what this means our weekend schedule is as follows:
Saturday at 9:45 am Berkshire Bruins B at Berkshire School.
Sunday at 8:40 am Schenectady A at Schenectady.
Sunday at 11:20 am Schenectady B at Schenectady.
Also, practice tomorrow night at 8 pm.
If you are unable to attend any of the games, please let me know.
With that said we have been invited to play Schenectady A at Schenectady at 8:40 am on Sunday, December 7th. Note that this is in addition to the game we have against Schenectady B on Sunday at 11:20 am at Schenectady. I figured as long as we were driving to Schenectady, we might as well get in an extra game. So, we have a game at 8:40 am and then a break and then a game at 11:20 am.
All told, what this means our weekend schedule is as follows:
Saturday at 9:45 am Berkshire Bruins B at Berkshire School.
Sunday at 8:40 am Schenectady A at Schenectady.
Sunday at 11:20 am Schenectady B at Schenectady.
Also, practice tomorrow night at 8 pm.
If you are unable to attend any of the games, please let me know.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Troy Thankgiving Tournament Champs
Great effort over 4 games.
Today's win was the best of the bunch. We did it as a team with everyone contributing.
In recognition of our great effort, everyone is instructed to take Monday and Tuesday off from hockey practice. We start again on Wednesday at 8:00 pm.
The Kittredge Tournament kicks off in 31 days. Let's be ready.
(The players can explain to the parents the significance of the picture.)
Today's win was the best of the bunch. We did it as a team with everyone contributing.
In recognition of our great effort, everyone is instructed to take Monday and Tuesday off from hockey practice. We start again on Wednesday at 8:00 pm.
The Kittredge Tournament kicks off in 31 days. Let's be ready.
(The players can explain to the parents the significance of the picture.)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Troy Tournament: Day 2
We have done well so far.
But here’s the deal. New day. New Game. New Period.
We start over and play harder. Approach each shift as it is your last.
No next shift.
But here’s the deal. New day. New Game. New Period.
We start over and play harder. Approach each shift as it is your last.
No next shift.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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