Flames Robbie Stock Wins DVHL Scholarship
The Flames send their congratulations to 2012-13 Flames 18AA goaltender Robbie Stock, who was awarded a Scholarship from the DVHL. The announcement of the scholarship was made during the May DVHL meeting.
The DVHL scholarship goes to high school seniors who have played who have played in the DVHL for at least 3 or more consecutive years and who plan to continue their education beyond the 12th grade. Selections are based on applicants essay score, scholastic achievement, and extracurricular activities without regard to race, sex, religion or financial need.
Applications must also write an essay of 500 words or less on “What have I learned form playing a team sport”. It must also be accompanied by the applicant’s high school transcript showing grades, SAT score, GPA and class rank.
Stock was one of only two scholarships handed out by the DVHL this past season.
In a letter to Stock, DVHL President Colleen Marinari said, “On behalf of the DVHL, I would like to congratulate you for being chosen as one of our recipients for the DVHL Scholarship! The scholarship awarded will be in the amount of $1,000.00. This award is meant for you to use for your books or miscellaneous expenses that you will incur when you attend Slippery Rock University. We would like to make the presentation to you in August at our meeting with the membership. Again, congratulations!”
The Flames Congratulate Robbie on this outstanding achievement!
Interested in becoming a Team Manager?
Team Managers play a vital role on each and every Flames Team. They are the communication center for the team, they work closely with the coaching staff, they help arrange and organize non-league games, tournaments and more. If you are interested in becoming a Team Manager, you can apply on line by clicking here. (You can also find this form in the “Teams” menu.)
Phantoms Spotlight Flames in Latest News Release
Click the image for a larger view
The Flames got a prominent mention in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms most recent newsletter, where they discussed Phantoms co-owner Jim Brooks visit and presentation at the Flames banquet in April. Brooks was there with Phantoms VPs Dennis Begley and Erik Hanson, and showed a video of what the PPL Center will look like when complete. Thanks to the Phantoms and their commitment to youth hockey in the Lehigh Valley!
Be sure to follow the Phantoms on Twitter at @LVPhantoms and on Facebook at Lehigh Valley Phantoms for all the latest news on what will soon be the AHL’s premiere franchise!
Flames Banquet Draws a Crowd – Photos and Story
The Sands Event Center in Bethlehem was the site of the Lehigh Valley Flames Second Annual Banquet. The event brought in almost 700 players, parents and dignitaries from across the Lehigh Valley. Jim Brooks, co-owner of the Adirondack (soon-to-be Lehigh Valley) Phantoms was on hand to give the attendees a sneak peak of the PPL Center, the Phantoms new home rising in the center of Allentown. Also present were DVHL commissioner, Jay Finnegan, representatives from Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, and many more.
Most of all, it was a time to pay tribute to all of the players who have represented the Flames throughout the 2012-2013. For the complete story and photographs, click here.
Riley Cote Visits Lehigh Valley, Takes In Flames Evaluations
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5Former Flyer and current coach of the Adirondack Phantoms Riley Cote visited the Steel Ice Center on May 1st to promote his High Performance Hockey Camp and to observe a night of evaluations for the Lehigh Valley Flames youth hockey teams. According to the Morning Call (see linked article, below) Cote remarked, ”The Phantoms will be here next year playing in a brand new building and we can’t wait. We’re trying to establish a relationship with youth hockey here in the Lehigh Valley and getting a foot in the door helping to develop it.”
Flames President Sandy Steidel was also quoted in the Morning Call article: ”With the Phantoms coming, we are taking advantage of Riley’s camps and the opportunity to have a professional coach of Riley’s caliber promoting hockey.”
For the complete Morning Call story, click here.
The visit was also covered by Service Electric Channel 2′s Sport Scene:
Riley Cote Is Coming To Evals on May 1st
Former Flyer and current Adirondak Phantoms coach Riley Cote will be at the Steel Ice Center on Wednesday, May 1st from 6:30-8:30pm during our last night of Bantam evaluations. Don’t miss this chance to meet Riley who will be answering your questions and also accepting registration for his High Performance camp which he will be holding at the Steel Ice Center later this summer.
Terry Denike, Goaltender Instructor, will Attend Evals
We are happy to announce highly regarded goaltender instructor Terry Denike will attend our Flames Goaltender evaluations on May 2nd. Terry’s resume is an impressive list of accomplishments:
- Minor Hockey: Oakville Rangers AAA (OMHA) and Mississauga Senators AAA (MTHL)
- Junior A Tier 2: Weyburn Redwings Jr. A tier 2 (SJHL)
- College Hockey: Full Scholarship to Lake Superior State University (CCHA NCAA Division 1)
- Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in 2001 NHL Entry Draft (5th Round; 152nd Overall)
- Professional Hockey Experience: Five years in the ECHL, CHL, and SPHL
- Began and concluded his career with the Reading Royals (ECHL)
Commitment Fees and Registration for the 2013-14 Season
You can now make your Commitment Fee and take care of all of your 2013-14 Season Registration activities by accessing your on-line account by clicking the button above. Throughout the season, you can access this information by going to the “Registration / Your Account” menu. You can also find the Season Fee Schedule in this menu as well.
Fee schedule is as follows:
- May 1, 2013 — Commitment Fee Due for Midget AA teams ($300)
- May 5, 2013 — Commitment Fee Due for Bantam, Peewee and Squirt AA teams ($300)
- May 15, 2013 — Commitment Fee Due for all other teams ($300 for Squirts thru Midgets; $150 for Mites)
- June 15, 2013 — First Payment Due
- July 15, 2013 — Second Payment Due
- August 15, 2013 – Third Payment Due
- September 15, 2013 — Final Payment Due
Registration for Evaluations is now Open
Player evaluations for the Lehigh Valley Flames 2013-2014 go until May 2, and the Registration page is now live! Click here to go to the Evaluation Registration Page.
Lehigh Valley Flames Annual Banquet Happens This Sunday
A reminder that our annual banquet is this Sunday, April 14th, at the Sands Event Center.
- Doors open at 4:45 PM.
- Food will be served until 6:15 PM.
- The awards presentation will follow.
- There is a cash bar.
- Please remember to bring your ticket order confirmation with you for entry. You must have this confirmation information in order to enter.
- Please park in the parking lot by the Sands Event Center box office.
- All entries and exits to and from the banquet event will be at the door right next to the box office.
50/50 RAFFLE. Bring a bit of extra cash for the 50/50 raffle that will be held at the banquet! Prizes include gift cards to restaurants, discounts off next season’s fees, and of course the 50/50 money.
AWARDS PRESENTATION. During the awards presentation, players and coaches will all sit together with their teams near the front of the stage. Look for the signs labeled with your team name. Families will sit behind the teams.
If you have any questions — or if you have not yet ordered tickets but still have interest in coming — please contact the Flames Special Events Manager, Dana Bender, by clicking here.
In Memory of Mike Rohrer
The hockey world, and our hockey family, lost a great man this week: Mike Rohrer. Mike coached for the Lehigh Valley Flames, Bethlehem Blast, Lehigh Valley Comets and Nazareth scholastic. He touched so many, impacted the masses and will be sorely missed by all.
Please join with us by keeping Mike’s family in your hearts and minds during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the Rohrer family has asked that donations can be offered to Lehigh Valley Flames, P.O. Box 996, Cherryville, PA 18035. We are indebted to Mike’s support of the Flames and youth hockey. To read the full obituary from mall.com, click here.
A celebration of Mike’s life was held on Monday, April 1, 2013, at the Palace Center in Allentown.
Election Notice
Flames Families: It’s that time of year again for the annual General Meeting of the Flames and elections for Board of Director positions for the next two years. Per our bylaws, a current list of the nominations for all open Board positions must be sent to all current members ten (10) days prior to the General Meeting and election. Click here for more information.
Coaching Approvals for 2013-2014
Flames Hockey Operations has approved a number of coaching positions for the 2013-2014 season. These coaches have also been approved by the Board of Directors. Click here for the current list.
Hockey Night With The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Is Back!
The Lehigh Valley Flames Hockey 2012-2013 season has come to a close, and now that spring is here, that means baseball season has arrived! The Iron Pigs have once again invited us for Hockey Night!
- Game Date: Sunday, April 21st
- Game time: 1:35pm
- Please send me how many tickets you will need.
- Money MUST be to me no later than FRIDAY, MARCH 29th!
- I will pick up tickets and distribute at banquet (I could use a volunteer to help with that since I will be helping with the banquet.)
Make Checks payable to “Lehigh Valley Flames” and send to:
Lehigh Valley Flames Hockey Night
c/o Mark Gutekunst
8230 Seemsville Rd.
Northampton, PA 18067
All hockey groups that book a group with us will be recognized on-field during the pre-game ceremonies!
Groups of 20+ are also eligible for the following:
- $10/person includes field level seat with $2 ballpark credit on each ticket redeemable for food, beverages, and souvenirs
- Group announcement and recognition on stadium video board
- Ceremonial first pitch for groups of 50 or more
Thank You
Mark Gutekunst
Lehigh Valley Flames
VP of External Affairs
Defense & Goalie Specific Training Clinic
- April 5th & April 12th @ Steel Ice Center
- Mite through PW: 7:00
- Bantam through Midget: 8:15
For a PDF on this upcoming hockey clinic featuring All American Princeton University and 3-time National Champion Sasha Sherry, and Flames Head Coach and Goalie Instructor Keith Krem, click here: Defense-and-Goalie-Training-Clinic.
- RSVP via email by clicking here.
- Checks payable to LV Flames
- Mail to 902 4th Ave, Bethlehem 18018
- $70.00 (Non-Refundable)
Parkland High School Make It To Finals Of Flyers Cup
Congratulations to Parkland High School, whose hockey team made the Finals of the Flyers Cup, which took place on Tuesday, March 19th, in Warwick. Parkland will be representing the eastern part of the state in the State Championship to be held on Saturday in Aston at 1:30.
There are 10 Flames players who play for Parkland — and this is an unprecedented run for their club. Congratulations to the players and the organization from the Lehigh Valley Flames.
Peewee AA – Wins the Hershey St. Pat’s Day Tournament
PeeWee AA wins Championship at the Hershey St. Pat’s Day Tournament. Great showing by all!! A GREAT way to end the Season!
Flames and Phantoms in the Morning Call’s Groller’s Corner Sports Blog
Check out Groller’s Corner Sports Blog on mall.com for his take on the Phantoms move to the Lehigh Valley, and it’s impact on the region, youth hockey, and the Flames. Flames President Sandy Steidel is interviewed.
Phantoms Practice at Steel Ice Center – This Saturday!
The Adirondack Phantoms are stopping in the Lehigh Valley on their way to the game vs. the Hershey Bears and will hold a team practice open to the public!
WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 16
WHERE: The Steel Ice Center
AUTOGRAPH SESSION: 12:00 – 12:45
PRACTICE: 1:30 – 2:30
ADMISSION IS FREE!
For full details, click here.
Flames Squirt B White Represents Flames At The DVHL Playoffs
Congratulations the the Flames Squirt B White team, with a DVHL league record of 15-5-4, for representing the organization this season in DVHL playoffs. Coach Bob Fyrer’s team finished in 5th place in the Squirt B division, and overall had a 26-9-7 record, after a scorching 14-1-2 start. We asked Coach Fyrer for a few facts about this group of determined players, and here’s what he told us:
- The team had 722 shots on goal with 122 goals (shooting % of 16.9%) while giving up only 63 goals on 411 shots (game averages of 19.5 shots for and 11.1 shots against).
- The 8 losses were by a total of 16 goals.
- We had 20 PPG and 9 SHG.
- From the +/- end, we had 3 kids over +30, 3 over +20 and 6 over +10.
- From the points end, we had one with over 40, 4 with over 20 and 2 with over 10 points each.
- Our goalie’s save percentage was 84.7% so far this year.
- We opened the season by winning the Inaugural Steel Pot Tournament, then placed 3rd at the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Classic and second at the Pittsburgh President’s Day Tournament
- Of our opponents 468 shots attempted, only 411 made it through to the net, giving us a blocked shot rate of almost 8.8%.
- The best part about this team, other than the stats, is that they had fun – kids, parents and coaches.
- Their favorite part of the practices was playing soccer or tennis ball hockey and after each game, talking to them was useless, no matter the coaches’ frustration level, because it was all about the snack and juice pouch.
- Their success was because they embraced the skills development and played as a team within the system prescribed and the parents provided a positive support system throughout the year. The positive energy was contagious!
- We open up in the DVHL playoffs on March 1 at Iceline at 4:30 pm versus the Glaciers. The first round of the play-offs is a double elimination tournament where the top 2 teams advance to a best of 3 finals on the weekend of March 8-10.
Congratulations !
Nominations for Awards for the 2012-2013 Season
Each season, the Lehigh Valley Flames hands out a number of awards at its annual awards banquet. Whereas some of these awards are decided upon by coaches and individual teams, others are open to nominations from the entire Flames membership. If you know of a worthy recipient, and are eligible to nominate, we encourage you to do so. Click here for all the details. All nominations must be submitted by March 15, 2013.
Flames Award Banquet – Order On Line
The Flames Banquet will be held Sunday, April 14th, at the Sands Event Center! Click here for complete information on this season’s banquet. Order your tickets by accessing this order form. All ticket orders and payments must be received by March 16th, 2013.
Election Notice For Board Positions
Two board positions on the Lehigh Valley Flames Board of Directors are up for election in April. If you are a member of the Flames in good standing, and wish to have your name placed on the ballot, please click here for further information.
End Of Season Coaching Evaluations
It is time for end-of-season evaluations of coaches for your son’s/daughter’s team. This information helps to ensure that our coaches are continually improving, and and is valuable in determining our coaching methods and selections. Click here to go to the Evaluation form. Deadline for submitting your evaluation is March 15th. Thank you!
Camp Corupe is Returning to the Steel Ice Center this Summer!
NHL Minnesota Wild Scout, Chris Kelleher, and former NHL Florida Panther, Ryan Jardine, are back for Camp Corupe 2013, which will be held at the Steel Ice Center this July. For everything you need to know, Click Here. Don’t let this great opportunity pass you by!
Flames at the Phantoms Arena Groundbreaking
Left to right: Rob Brooks, Phantoms owner, Bob Mika (grey sweatshirt), LF Flames parent, Larry Fortunato, LV Flames parent/board member, Steve Miller, LV Flames parent/coach, John Gourniak, brother of the photographer, and Jim Brooks, Phantoms owner
Photo Credit: Peter Gourniak
Powerstride Pre-Evaluation Camp – April 9-10-11
Be ready for the upcoming evaluations with this 3-day camp at the Steel Ice Center to be held April 9, 10 and 11.
- Skating and Puck Handling
- Passing and Shooting
- Balance and agility
Riley Cote’s High Performance Hockey Camp is Coming to Bethlehem July 29th
Riley Cote, coach of the Adirondak (soon to be Lehigh Valley) Phantoms and formerly of the Philadelphia Flyers, is bringing his High Performance Hockey Camp to Bethlehem and the Steel Ice Center in July. Don’t miss you chance … sign up for this camp right away!
To Access the camp PDF file, click here: 2013_High_Performance
Flames Headed For Pittsburgh For Presidents Day Tournaments
Most of our Flames Teams will be in Pittsburgh this weekend for the Presidents Cup Tournament. You can follow the action by visiting the tournament website and choosing your team’s division at the top of the page. Go Flames!
Lehigh Valley Flames Friends of Brad Fox Fundraiser
On the evening of September 13, 2012, Plymouth Township Officer Bradley M. “Brad” Fox made the ultimate sacrifice and tragically lost his life on duty. It was on the eve of his 35th birthday. Brad did two tours in Iraq as a Marine, is married and the father of an infant child. His wife is expecting their 2nd child in March 2013. Brad played youth hockey for the Glaciers in the DVHL and scholastic hockey in the late 80’s and 90’s for William Tennent High School. Brad’s family was well known at the former Face Off Circle Rink in Warminster, PA.
As a show of support to his family, the Lehigh Valley Flames will have a 50-50 drawing during the Presidential Cup Weekend in Pittsburgh, PA. All proceeds will be donated to the Brad Fox Fund, so please help support this cause by purchasing raffle tickets.
Tickets are 5 for $5 –10 for $10 — 25 for $20. Payout—30% for 1st, 20%-2nd & 10% for 3rd.
Drawing will be held on Sunday, February 16th at 10:00pm in the hotel bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Green Tree
For a PDF of the Fundraiser information, click this link: brad-fox-fundraiser
WFMZ Reports on Flames Charitable Efforts
Thank you to WFMZ for picking up our story on the Flames recent charitable activities with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley. You can see their article on the WFMZ website by clicking here.
Midget 16AA White – SAVES for Pediatric Cancer
The Flames Midget 16AA and 18A teams teamed-up to build some shelving units for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) over the 2013 New Year’s weekend. When their work was done, goaltender Michael Smoker walked away wishing that there was something more that he could do to help.
Only a few short weeks later, Michael’s “SAVES for Pediatric Cancer” was introduced at the 16AA game played against the Warwick Wildcats. ”I wanted to do something more, something to create public awareness about Pediatric Cancer” said Michael. ”I am glad that the Flames are giving me the chance to help raise some money for the PCFLV.” With the SAVES for Pediatric Cancer, the Flames organization is donating $1 for every save the 16AA White team goalies make during a home game. ”But the money is only part of it. Some of these kids are very sick, and they spend a lot of time in treatment, in hospitals and clinics. The puck drops give them a chance to get away from all of that.”
Nine year old Porter Lilley, was named Honorary Captain of the Flames Midget 16AA White team for the game vs Warwick on Saturday (see video of the puck drop). Porter, who will continue to receive treated until 2015, was accompanied by his mother Jen and sister Sadie as they took the ice for Porter’s first “puck drop”.
Midget 16AA White – Honorary Team Captain Sammie Zupko, 7, Drops Puck At Flames Game
Seven year old Sammie Zupko, of Easton, was named Honorary Captain of the Flames Midget 16AA White team for their Sunday game vs the Exton Kings. Sammie, a cancer survivor who’s family receives support from the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, also visited the team’s locker room and met with the team before the game. The Flames went on to defeat the Kings, 6-2. Thank you to Sammie for your inspirational appearance at the game! Please visit the PCFLV website to see how you can help support their mission.
First Generation and the Lehigh Valley Flames
Thanks very much to First Generation for spotlighting the Flames in their most recent Facebook post. FG has been a strong supporter of the Flames since our organization was formed, and of youth hockey for many years. To view the First Generation Facebook page, click the photo below:
Flames Profiled in Lehigh Valley Magazine
The January 2013 issue of Lehigh Valley Magazine profiled the Flames and a few players on the Midget 18A team. The issue is on the newsstands right now, although it is not yet on their website. Click on the thumbnails below to view scans of the photos and article. Many thanks to Lehigh Valley Magazine!
New Items Are Available In The Flames Equipment Marketplace
We’ve had some new equipment added to the Flames Equipment Marketplace recently. Don’t forget to check it out, and remember that this is a great place to buy or trade hockey equipment. Click here for all the details, and a list of what’s available right now.
St Louis Blues Alumni Game Postponed
The St. Louis Blues Alumni Game originally scheduled for this Saturday, January 12th at the Steel Ice Center has been postponed. The games organizers plan to reschedule at a later date. Here is more information courtesy of the event organizers:
After much back and forth today we decided to reschedule this event. The turmoil created by the last minute deal struck by the NHL and NHLPA not only prevented the current players from coming out it affected the alumni who work for the NHL and/or the Blues organization. The short time frame has these alumni traveling and scrambling to get ready for the quick start. We had a couple of alumni committed but in order to bring proper value to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the players and hockey fans we believed the right thing to do was reschedule the event to a date in the summer, after the NHL season ends. We are waiting for the NHL schedule to be released before picking a date. We are still very excited to be presented with this opportunity and look forward to making this an annual event for many years to come. We hope you will join us!!!
My apologies to all. I know many of you were looking forward to this event and the opportunity to help PCFLV. We will be working diligently over the next several months to make this event a huge success. Keep an eye on your email and notices at the rinks. Please pass the word we have rescheduled the game.
Midget 18A – Midget 16AA White –A Thank You From The PCFLV
The following letter was received from Carrie Gofberg of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, in appreciation of the hard work of the Midget 16AA White and Midget 18A players who volunteered their time over the Christmas holidays. Thank you, gentlemen!
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Inc., we would like to sincerely thank you for your recent donation of time and energy to build much-needed shelving and storage units at our office. Your unwavering service and commitment to help PCFLV is truly appreciated. We are always thrilled to witness young people doing remarkable things and acts of kindness for the community and families we serve. Your spirt and enthusiasm absolutely shined through while you worked diligently to get this project accomplished!
Please utilize this letter for your personal records to document that you have clocked over 8-volunteer hours assisting PCFLV with this act of selflessness.
It is absolutely because of generous and dedicated people like yourself that PCFLV is a fixture of hope in our pediatric cancer community!
We can’t thank you enough for your willingness to help our foundation!
Warmest regards,
Carrie Gofberg
Executive Director
Lisa Kappes
Director of Programming
The St Louis Blues Are Coming To Town
Flames families, we want to let you know about an exciting event to be held at the Steel Ice Center on January 12th at 5 pm. Thanks to the efforts and connections of Jim Raynor, the captain of the Men’s League Jackyls team, several current St Louis Blues players and alumni will fly here on January 12th to play a charity game against selected players from the Original 6 Hockey Association men’s league at the Steel Ice center. The Blues players will team up with the Jackyls to help raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, a non-profit organization. The families associated with PCFLV will all be invited to the game and an honorary puck drop will be done at the start.
Confirmed players to date
- Jim(Soupy) Campbell – St Louis Blues alumni
- David Backes* – captain of the St Louis Blues
- Andy McDonald* – Asst Captain of St Louis Blues
- Barrett Jackman* – Asst Captain of St Louis Blues
- Scott Nichol*
- Jamie Langenbrunner*
*The availability of these players is subject to change if the NHL and NHLPA reach an agreement to begin the season. If so other alumni will be available to play.
Playing for the Men’s League team are a number of Flames coaches, including:
- Jeremy How
- Greg Ambrogi
- Brian Braun
- Eric Progen
With the players consent, this game is being promoted as a fundraiser for the benefit of PCFLV. There will be a $5 admission, and a 50/50 raffle during the game. The players will be available to sign autographs from 3:00-4:15 PM in the Steel Ice Center east side party room. NO charge for autographs but $5 admission will be required. Because of other plans associated with this visit they will not be available after the game.
In addition to the above avenues of raising funds for this organization we are asking individuals, companies and clubs to donate as well. The PCFLV is 501 c(3) non profit so donations should be tax deductible. We know that many of you are associated with large and influential employers in the Lehigh Valley. Anything you can do to help would be appreciated. Unfortunately, due to time constraints we are unable to put together any type of sponsor brochure but we will publicize all donors names in a press release after the game.
Individually, please consider donating to the PCFLV. All checks should be made payable to the PCFLV and can be brought to the event or mailed to the organization. Go to the PCFLV website for contact and mailing info. Please make to note on your check or online donation you are making it in conjunction with the Blues charity game.
The Flames would like to thank Flames parent and long-time hockey supporter Tom Bailey in bringing this fantastic event to our attention.
The Flames Give Back
One of the most important things people can do during the holiday season is to give back … to support those who have not been as lucky or fortunate as most of us. On Friday, December 28th, members of the Flames Midget 16AA White and Midget 18A teams took the opportunity to do just that — by volunteering their time to help the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley. Read full story here …
New Flames Merchandise!
Brand New Flames Merch Fundraiser!
New for 2013 — a fundraiser for the Midget 16AA White and Midget 18A teams — we have three great items to round out your collection of Lehigh Valley Flames merchandise, all showcasing the wildly popular alternate arched text Flames logo. These items are on hand and in stock right now, ready for delivery. To place your order go to the “Fundraisers” menu and chose “Midget 16AA White – Midget 18A Hats and Shirts,” or simply click here.
Midget 18A – Midget 16AA White – The Flames Give Back
One of the most important things people can do during the holiday season is to give back … to support those who have not been as lucky or fortunate as most of us. On Friday, December 28th, members of the Flames Midget 16AA White and Midget 18A teams took the opportunity to do just that — by volunteering their time to help the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.
Organized by Tom Bailey, who runs dryland practices for both teams, players arrived early in the morning and built shelving for the Foundation’s storage unit, helping them gain valuable space for the supplies, equipment and other necessities. Along with the work outside at the storage unit, another group of players worked inside the Foundation’s offices, assembling shelving and organizing toys, supplies and other necessities.
The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) is a local, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports the entire family battling pediatric cancer. They provide individual assistance based on the needs of their families, as well as organize events, and special get-togethers to create opportunities for those families to participate in fun and engaging activities, free of charge. These gatherings create a place for parents and kids to find nurturing support within the pediatric cancer community. PCFLV also makes hospital visits with an array of arts and crafts and toys to entertain and distract children during their treatment.
Besides the Flames’ efforts in building and assembling the shelves, plans are in the works to recognize “Honorary Captains” from the PCFLV at upcoming home games for the M16AA White an M18A teams. These “Honorary Captains” will be two children who are battling cancer and who are great lovers of hockey. During the games, plans call for a celebratory puck drop, a locker room visit and a seat in the scorers box for the honorary captains.
The Flames and the PCFLV are also indebted to the Home Depot of Whitehall, who donated over $200 of lumber and materials toward the project. With the lumber secured and a plan of action in place, the players took over (under supervision from Mr. Bailey and other Midget coaches), clearing out the storage unit and offices, building and assembling the shelves and completing the work by lunch time. PCFLV Executive Director Carrie Goldberg Tamutus treated the players and coaches to pizza to finish off the day’s work.
The Flames organization is indebted to the PCFLV for the opportunity to give back during this special time of the year. The PCFLV is located at 3312 7th Street, Lower Level, in Whitehall (across the street from the Whitehall Ice Hockey Rink) in the lower level of the Home Builders Office. Please visit their website at for more information on their incredible mission to help the families who are battling pediatric cancer.
To view all the photos and video from this day, click here.
Steel Ice Center Holiday Hockey Fun Camp
The Steel Ice Center is running their popular Holiday Camp at the end of December. The camp includes power skating, hockey skills and drills and a team sport outside. A video and scrimmage rounds out the day. Click the link below to view the flyer and see what it’s all about:
December Board Meeting is Cancelled
Flames families: The December board meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 13th has been cancelled. The next board meeting will take place on Thursday, January 10, 2013.
Happy Holidays! The Flames Holiday Party is Friday, Dec. 14
On Friday December 14th we invite all Flames players and their families to come celebrate the Holidays with us at the Steel Ice Center. We will have open skate from 7-9 pm and during that time there will be appetizers, snacks, deserts and drinks. We also will be raffling off baskets and other raffle items to some lucky winners! Hope to see you there!
Last call for FLAMES CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS 2012
There are only a handful of these 2012 Flames Christmas Ornaments left. Look for the Pee Wee AA team on Mondays or Thursdays if you would like to purchase one. Makes a great gift for Coaches or Team Managers!
Squirt B in the Rink of Dreams
Players from the two Squirt B teams are joining forces to play in the Hershey Bears rink of dreams on December 15th and attend the Hershey Bears versus Worcester IceCats game that evening at 7pm at the Giant Center. The teams need to sell a minimum number of tickets to the game and still have seats available. Tickets are $18 each and are all together, so Flames families would all be in the same section. Please help the kids and enjoy a relaxing night out before the holidays! For more information, please contact Michelle Ingram by clicking here.
Phantoms Make Name Official: The Lehigh Valley Phantoms
From the Allentown Morning Call: In a nod to regionalism, the minor league hockey team that will play in Allentown’s new downtown arena starting in 2014 won’t be named after the city, but instead will be called the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Phantoms’ owners say they were determined to make a statement that their team will be a regional asset. Read the full story it here.
And read Philadelphia’s take from their great sports blog, The 700 Level.
A Message from the LV Flames President
Dear Flames Families:
The hurricane has impacted all of us, and as many of us still don’t have power, heat or water at our homes, personal life continues to be heavily impacted. The ever changing ice rink status further compounds to the stresses we encounter daily. I am impressed by how all of you react in this difficult environment, managing the multiple challenges which have emerged and continue to change. By supporting each other, we can ease some of the hardships until life returns to something relatively normal.
We have a great network within the Flames families, so let’s continue to reach out and support others in their time of need.
Best personal regards,
Sandra Steidel
President
Rink Status Update
Steel Ice Center and Rink at Lehigh Valley are back to their normal schedule. Bethlehem Muni is closed this week. They will have ice by the weekend, but not for Thursday. However, thanks to the efforts of the 16AA Red, 18AA, PW AA and 16A teams, those teams who practice at Muni on Thursday will be practicing at SIC so we can get everyone in!
Here is Thursday’s schedule for this week only:
Steel East
- 6:15 U6 / U8
- 7:30 Bantam A / Squirt B White
- 8:45 Mid 16AA White
Steel West
- 6:00 PW AA / Mid 16A
- 7:15 Mid 18A
- 8:30 Mid 18AA / Mid 16AA Red