WHAT OUR PARTICIPATING TEAMS SAY ABOUT THE SARAH......

•     My daughter, Brooke has been playing hockey for the last 4 years.  She was invited to join the Amateur Penguins by Nancy King.  Brooke has been exposed to hockey all of her life.  She played deck hockey when she was younger.  She watched as her brothers played ice hockey and she is an avid Pittsburgh Penguins Fan.  Nancy knew that Brooke wanted to play hockey but, at the time it was going to be a little too much financially for us to manage.  Nancy found a sponsor for Brooke (for the first year) and the rest, as they say, is history.  Brooke loves the game of Hockey and her “Hockey Family”.  Playing hockey has been such a great experience for Brooke.  The life lessons she has learned have been i! nvaluable. 

     As I read over the “Sarah” program and read the description of Sarah Backstrom, I could picture Brooke.  She loves the game.  She always plays with intensity and all of the skill she can muster up (even though she might not be the most skilled player on the ice).  She plays aggressively and cleanly.  She recognized the talents of her teammates and opposing players and admires them.  She always gives 110% on the ice and off the ice.  From the first season Brooke played hockey it became her favorite sport even though she continued to participate in soccer, track and dance, hockey is by far her favorite sport.  

     Brooke is a Senior Honor Student in High School and will be leaving for Air Force Boot Camp on September 11, 2007.  Although she will need to hang up her skates for a while so she can serve her country; I’m sure she will return to hockey either as a player or coach.

     I just wanted to take the time to give you a little background on Brooke and to thank you for naming Brooke as the MVP for the Amateur Penguins yesterday.  I can’t tell you how proud Brooke is of her “Sarah” blanket.  It was on her lap on the ride back to Pittsburgh and she was wrapped up in it when I woke her up this morning.  It is a moment she will cherish all of her life.  

     I know Sarah was a special girl with the qualities we hope to see every player as she steps on the ice.  The Sarah Backstrom Tournament is a celebration of life.  Thank you for including us in your hockey family and for continuing to celebrate Sarah’s life.  We will always remember the “Sarah” and Sarah Backstrom. 

  Sincerely,  Lola     Lola Thompson      Brooke Thompson’s Mother

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  My name is Tami Danquer and I help coach with the Syracuse Stars Tier II team. 

  I just wanted to say thank you for the tournament last weekend.  We all had a great time and could tell you put in a lot of hard work to run a tournament that was organized and fun.  It was much appreciated by myself and my players.  (Unfortunately some of our players are from Oswego County and could not dig out of the snow to make it).   Again Thank you for all your time and effort.

  Tami Danquer

  Syracuse Stars U16 Tier II

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  Thanks for having us. We enjoyed the tournament.

  Tom Dellas  Syracuse Stars
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• Before I forget, we had a fantastic time at your tournament and in Erie,PA. Very well run tournament and friendly; your volunteers deserve a lot of praise. A wonderful experience for our players. I will make sure that our next year teams know about you folks.  Take care, Yevet and I hope that you and your team have a restful weekend this coming weekend.

Regards and thank you, Steve Rotz, team manager, Leaside Wildcats PeeWee C.

•  I want to congratulate you and the Erie Lady Lions for your success and hospitality in hosting the Sarah Backstrom Tournament. I also want to Thank  You personally for your patience as the Fredonia Steelers figured out  how to  fund and participate this weekend. We had a great time and the girls  learned a lot about hockey and about the concept of teamwork. They came  home with some memories that won't soon be forgotten.
   I saw Les today and he claimed that his team as well as yours were performing well.   We Appreciate all that you've done.
   Thanks Again
   Chris Leysath, Coaches and the Entire NCCYHA Girls Team
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• Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed our weekend at “the Sarah”.  This was the very first tournament experience for our 14U Homewood-Flossmoor Vikings and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable.  You’ve left us with wonderful memories and a newfound confidence. Hope to see you next year!    Sincerely,  HF Vikings (players and parents!)

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• Our teams once again had a great time at your tournament and we will be back again next year.

   

  Thanks again,

  Chris Rechin Niagara Coyotes