Player Profiles
Erin-Hillsburgh Minor Hockey has begun an organization-wide initiative where we will be featuring a volunteer and a player on our Accomplishments page. If there is someone you would like to put forward please contact us: [email protected]
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Bantam LL - Bobby Bates
I want to share the journey of an EHMHA player that I had the opportunity to coach this season.
Back in 2010, the journey began when a young Bobby felt the passion that fuels us all, the LOVE for the Game of Hockey!! The journey has seen him play many roles on his teams from when he started Chips, he had a brief stint in net, became the goal scorer, and now we can also add the Music Man to his hockey resume!
In this LL- Bantam year, with no goalie at the beginning the season, Bobby stepped up on his own and offered to put the pads back on, which he had not done in quite a few years. Jumping back in between the pipes was a huge commitment by both Bobby and his parents.
We have gone through quite a few highs and lows this season vs. Acton and our fellow Erin team. In a year where many players now have jobs, scheduling is always a challenge, not to mention being plagued by injuries.
Thru all this, Bobby has shown he is always ready to focus at practice and games, keeps his cool, and has FUN no matter what the score, leading our team by example.
Ultimately the Respect and Compete he has shown to the EH Devil Crest he wears on his chest, and the Respect he has given to his Coaches, Teammates and Opponents this season is second to none.
I just wanted to give you a personal shout out for that Bobby!!
Thank you - it has made me even prouder, and makes me smile as I put on my coaching jacket each week as a member of this association!
Your hockey journey to date truly exemplifies what it means to be an EH Devil!!
Coach Sid
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Novice BB - Nick Soper
This year Nick has grown to be a major player for the Novice BB Devils. Nick continues to display leadership qualities that are hard to find in a Novice player. The sportsmanship Nick displays to his teammates, opponents as well as his coaches is astounding. But what really sets Nick apart is his eagerness and determination to become a better player.
Nick is constantly working or focusing on a part of his game, early in the season you could find Nick working on his crossovers till he reached a level of proficiency he was comfortable at. Next skill was puck stealing and fore checking. As a winger Nick realized how important it is to pressure the other team into making a mistake and never giving up on the puck no matter who the battle was against. Nick is relied upon by his coaches and teammates with his great board play, getting the puck out of our end and keeping it in theirs. Most recently Nick has started to develop a strong wrist shot, not needing the puck on his stick for long before release. Nicks’ coaches have faith he will be a big part of the Devils playoff run as everything in Nicks game is coming together.
Not only is Nick looking to get better himself, he has reminded us time and again he wants the team to find success and grow as well. Nick may be the most quiet on the team but his actions and words on the bench and on the ice to his teammates speak volumes. These interactions are a major reason the team has found success and chemistry. If Nick sees a teaching point after a play is blown dead, he will address it. If Nick sees someone is offside and doesn’t notice themselves he will wave them to clear or give them a little push and yell of clarity on the way to clear the zone. If someone is tending to play the wrong side of the ice, Nick will make sure it’s clear between him and his line mates where they are supposed to be and when. As a result of Nicks team play he has become one of the most respected players among his peers.
Nick and his parents should be very proud of his efforts this year, they aren’t going unnoticed! Good work, Nick!
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