For the first time in two months the Varsity had a full squad on hand vs Monroe . Although the results were not pretty , having a full bench was a welcome change to the sparse gathering of the last several games.. Truth is , Monroe is now a scrimmage game for the Eagles - albeit a heated one. Since the revised Section IX format; which eliminates any competition for league placement or playoffs, and O'Neill dropping their program, the Eagles are now the sole D2 team in the section. They will play in the first round of the state Regionals vs Section 1 regardless of their record.
Section IX needs an overhaul. With the new State mandate of a 20 game schedule , the majority of games are independent from the league. Scheduling games has become very difficult since other teams use up their allotment of games to play their league schedule. Joining forces with Section 1 , which has numerous teams in many divisions , would make for some practical sense.
Burke Catholic is exploring its options. There is the possibility of playing in the Catholic School league or the newly formed Harvey boarding school league for next season. The local rivalries have been good. Scheduled games within the area can continue ; but it's time for a better format.
Proud to be an Eagle: Despite getting pushed, shoved, and taunted ( a poor display of sportsmanship by their opponents) , the Varsity boys took their lumps in stride. The upperclassman showed true character
in maintaining their composure, the underclassman gave it their best effort, collectively the team supported each other. Easy to be supportive while winning, but a true test of character is how you act in defeat.
Skating in Circles:
Glad to see Senior Craig Mende and family all ok after a fire destroyed their house ..Hockey equipment survived and Craig , being the ultimate team player, showed up to play..... Junior Connor Dolansky and Nick Musco, back from a long stretch on the DL, starting to get their hockey legs back...Mr. Dolan still recovering from a snow blower accident and we wish him the best--.ALUMNI STUFF...Burke's all time leading scorer, Jason Healey, lighting it up for the Junior B Hitman--tied for league scoring title...Burke Alumni , Tommy Mahoney and Chris Reinfried , leading ACHA Siena to a #1 ranking in the Northeast D1 Club Ranks...Billy Hluchan(American University) and Greg Bruschette ( Iona) trading in the skates and winning several battle of the bands contest with their group Shack...all three captains-- Mike McAteer, Mark McAteer, and Richard Hudzik all accepted to Johnson & Wales University ( mercy).........
Weekly Schedule:
Thursday : Regular Practice
Friday: Varsity Game vs Harvey--@Katonah--4pm-Bus leaves school 2pm
Friday: JV practice 4:45
Saturday : JV vs Albany Academy--7:45 @ Ice Time
