They may spend countless hours on the ice, but the work that many Valley Jr Warriors players do off the ice sometimes overshadows the wins and losses they post throughout the season. Earlier this month, members of the VJW ’99 Selects team took part in the “Swing Like Happy Gilmore Long Drive Contest” at Middleton Golf Course. In addition to having fun and meeting celebrity judges Tim Thomas and Milan Lucic, the Warriors enjoyed the opportunity to help raise money for the Boston Bruins Foundation.
This marks a continuation of the team’s commitment to “giving back”. In February, Mark Lester’s squad participated in the First Annual Turkey Bowl in order to raise money for "Operation Phone Home". In total, the VJW '99 Selects raised a remarkable \$1,025 for the cause. That money was used to purchase prepaid phone cards that were sent to the troops serving in Iraq.
Just months before that, the team took part in The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund bowling event which is an annual fundraising initiative that raises money to help those in need of assistance during the holiday season. Once again, the Warriors were true winners by raising nearly \$2,000 and drawing praise from event organizers.
The team has also been impressive on the ice this season as they advanced to the semifinals of the 2009 Warrior National Showcase held in August. That marquee tournament drew teams from across the country.
In early regular season action, the Warriors have cruised to a strong 3-0 record. In three victories over Central Mass, South Shore and the Huskies, the Warriors have outscored their opponents by an 18-5 margin.
Congratulations goes out to all of the players and coaches on a job well done on and off the ice!
VJW '99 Selects - Nathan Bargman, Brett Blackwell, Mathew Bosco, Liam Burke, Jonathan Caux, Michael Cooper, Ryan Donnelly, Ethan Dore, Patrick Hughes, Joshua Kennedy, Christopher Lattini, Eric Lester, Camden Ludwig, Thomas Mapstone, Kyle Nekoroski, Kasey O'Brien, Sean O'Connell, Jordan Perez, Eric Roberts, Samuel Stone and Stephen Wright.
