The Howard Huskies continued their deliveries to local first responders today with a complimentary dropoff to Howard County Fire & Rescue Station # 10 at Rivers Park.  This is part of the Huskies partnership effort with Ledo Pizza in Clarksville.  Thanks for all you do !

Showing their continuing support for our local first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Howard Huskies in partnership with Ledo Pizza of Clarksville, MD delivered pizza and wings today to the Scaggsville Fire Station in Maple Lawn.   The staff at the firehouse were thrilled !  Big thumbs up for all you are doing for our communities !

The 2020 Timmy Nicolai Award Winner is:

Luke Mueller – Midget Blue 18UAA

CONGRATULATIONS LUKE!!!

This award is for an outstanding Midget level player and person (player, student, citizen), not just the best player on a team. Midget level coaches (U16 and U18) are asked to submit their nominations along with a written bio or letter of recommendation explaining why the candidate should be considered for the Nicolai award.

Each year The Huskies present one Midget level player with the "Timmy Nicolai Award". Travel and Rec players are eligible to be nominated for this award.

Today's banquet update is the Coaching Award! The winner of the 2020 John Buba Coaching Award is...

Gerard Boarman – Bantam Silver

CONGRATULATIONS GERARD!!!
Each season, the Howard Huskies recognize a coach that has displayed selfless dedication to the Huskies Organization and to the enhancement of youth ice hockey. The John Buba Coaching Award is given to the coach that has exemplified these traits.

This year’s winner of the LaDue Family Award is:

The McGall Family – Phoebe, Jim, James, and Owen!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
The LaDue family award is presented to an entire family that has shown commitment, dedication and service to the Huskies.
The Howard Huskies take pride in our commitment to community and to family. We encourage our players to value the idea of family and of community first and athleticism second. In 2004, the Howard Huskies lost two members of our family, Brandon LaDue and his father Richard LaDue. Brandon’s jersey number, number 19 has been retired and is emblazoned on our home ice in Columbia. Each season, the Howard Huskies present two awards in recognition of the Ladue family.

The Howard Huskies take pride in our commitment to community and to family. We encourage our players to value the idea of family and of community first and athleticism second.  In 2004, the Howard Huskies lost two members of our family, Brandon LaDue and his father Richard LaDue. Brandon’s jersey number, number 19 has been retired and is emblazoned on our home ice in Columbia. Each season, the Howard Huskies presents two awards in recognition of the Ladue family.

The first of these, the Brandon Ladue Sportsmanship Award, is given to the Peewee player that has demonstrated sportsmanship to the highest level. Players are nominated by their coaching staff. A single player is chosen from all nominees to win this award.

The 2020 winner of this award is the type of player every coach wants on their team and is a positive influence on and off the ice.  He works hard on every shift and in every practice, and always has a smile on his face.  He delights in his teammates success , and in helping create opportunities for them.

The winner of the 2020 Brandon Ladue Sportsmanship Award is:

Noah Cheskis – Pee Wee Gray

The dictionary defines sportsmanship as “fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest.”  In sports, the athletes at the highest levels set the standards on sportsmanship. They are seen as leaders and role models in  the sporting community. The Howard Huskies consider all of our athletes as elite and expect from them, the highest level of sportsmanship. Each year, we recognize this expectation with this award.

The Robert L. Falk sportsmanship award, named after our former club President, is given to the Squirt player that has demonstrated sportsmanship to the highest level. Players are nominated by their coaching staff. A single player is chosen from all nominees to win this award.

This year’s winner is tough and plays mean but is always fair, plays hockey the right way – 110% but under control and within the rules.  She always shows true sportsmanship and is extremely deserving of this award.

The 2020 Robert L. Falk Sportsmanship Award Winner is:

Peyton Yeager – Squirt Blue/Lady Huskies

CONGRATULATIONS PEYTON!!!

The Bill Boarman sportsmanship award, named after our former club President, is given each year to the Bantam player that has demonstrated sportsmanship to the highest level.  Players are nominated by their coaching staff with a single player ultimately being chosen from all nominees to win this award.  The group of nominees this year represent an exceptional group of talented players who elevated their respective teams, and our club, not only with their skill on the ice but with their entire approach to the game and the high level of sportsmanship they demonstrated no matter the situation.

In the words of his coach; “This year’s winner is a role model for his teammates.  During heated moments in games he demonstrates good sportsmanship and respect and offers advice to his teammates.  He offers kind words to his opponents, win or lose.  His coach able attitude, modest demeanor, maturity, leadership behavior, respect for teammates and coaches, opponents, officials, along with his love of the game made it very easy for me and my staff to nominate him for this award.”

The 2020 Bill Boarman Sportsmanship Award Winner is:

Charlie McCormick – Bantam Gray

CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE!

The Howard Huskies 18U team forced a third and deciding game in the best of three Maryland State playoffs with a thrilling 3-2 overtime shootout win over the Tri City Eagles today at the Columbia Ice Rink.

The Huskies lost on Saturday to the Eagles 7-5 in Laurel, MD but rallied today at home at the Columbia Ice Rink.  Down 1-0, the Huskies tied it on a goal by Pat Meckel in the first period.  After a scoreless second frame, Tri City took the lead early in the 3rd period.  The Huskies battled back right away and tied it on a shot by Jack Callaghan off a faceoff deep in the Eagles zone.  Both teams traded chances throughout the rest of the game and into overtime but nobody could tuck one home.

In the 5 player shootout, Tri City could only score once on Huskies goaler Ben Algatt but two goals by Wes Crofoot and Ryan Chapin sent the near capacity home crowd into a frenzy at the buzzer.

Game 3 will be held at the Columbia Ice Rink next Sunday, March 8th at 10 a.m..

It is with great sadness that we learned former Huskies President Bill Boarman passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Bill was instrumental in building the foundation of what has grown into a premier hockey organization in the country. His dedication to providing a place for Howard county children and families to gather during the winter months to develop into well rounded people. What started out as a small group of players and families dedicated to hockey in the early 1970's grew into a club of over 350 players by the time he stepped down as the Club President 10 years later and close to 500 today. Bill’s commitment to growing the program organically created the largest in house program in the Baltimore Washington area. He always believed that a club’s strength lies in the development of the program from the in house and youngest age groups up which provides the foundation for growth and success of the program. To offset initial costs he began the used equipment sale, donuts and coffee concessions and used older players from the club to referee the house league games. Making hockey affordable for everyone was something that he always stressed. The impact this had on the community can be seen today as countless alumni of the program that he built can be seen today both in our club and in all parts of the country playing, coaching and parenting the next generation of hockey players. (3 of Bill’s grandsons are playing on HCYHC Travel teams @ the 12UAA, 14U A and 16UAA levels respectively and his son Gerard is currently a HCYHC Coach and member of the club’s Board of Directors

It's time for Board of Director nominations.  Please complete the form below and email to Bob Tibbs at bobtibbs@comcast.net if you are interested in running for a vacant seat on the board.  The term is 3 years.

The hard deadline for nominations is Saturday February 29, 2020 at 12 noon EST.

On October 30, 2019, a memo from Jim Smith, President of USA Hockey, was sent to all USA Hockey members. The memo described a significant change to Rule 601 (e.3), providing for a stronger penalty for hate language. Specifically, the penalty assessed for a violation of Rule 601 (e.3) is now a Match Penalty.

Send Huskies President Bud Buonato your Senior's Picture, Their Huskies 2019-20 Team, their HS and what their plans are/ College they are attending in the fall and we will post their picture and congratulations.

The Huskies are pleased to announce  Shawn Grant as our new Hockey Director.  Coach Shawn Grant has worked the past three seasons as a Head Coach for Team Maryland as well as teaching lessons through Wolfe Hockey Development.  Prior to that, Coach Grant worked as Volunteer Assistant Coach for Clarkson University men’s team for 5 seasons and 2 seasons with Clarkson’s women’s team (3-time NCAA Champions).  Coach Grant’s additional collegiate coaching experience include 1 season as the Assistant Men’s Hockey Coach at Neumann College, 1 season as the Assistant Women’s Hockey Coach at SUNY Potsdam, and 2 seasons as the Assistant Men’s Hockey Coach at SUNY Potsdam.  Coach Grant also coached youth hockey in his hometown of Potsdam, NY for 7 years, which included helping lead the Potsdam Icestorm U16 girls’ team to back-to-back State Championships (2013 & 2014) and finished 2nd at USA Nationals in 2013 and 3rd at the USA Nationals in 2014.  

Coach Grant left Potsdam, NY his senior year of high school and attended Northwood School (Lake Placid, NY) for 2 years.  During his post-graduate year, he was voted by coaches and players as an Assistant Captain and was voted as MVP of the team, and selected to participate in the Hockey Night in Boston All-Scholastic Tournament.  During his postgraduate year, Grant also travelled and played Jr. B for the Char-Lan Rebels (Williamstown, ON).  Following that season, Coach Grant played Junior A for the Cornwall Colts (Cornwall, ON), leading the league in save percentage (.910) and the second lowest goals against average (3.05).  Coach Grant was recruited, and lived his lifelong dream, to play NCAA Division 1 hockey, in his hometown, for Clarkson University.   During the 1998-1999 season, Grant set the school record for most wins by a Freshman goaltender (25), won the ECAC regular season championship, and posted his career high of 46 saves in the team’s 3-2 win over arch rival St. Lawrence University in the ECAC Championship game, in front of 8,469 fans in Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, NY.  It was the second largest crowd for a hockey game in the arena, trailing the 1980 Olympic game between USA and Russia.  During his freshman season, Grant was voted by teammates and coaches as Clarkson’s Rookie-of-the-Year and was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team.  During his Junior season, doctors recommended that he stop playing hockey due to severe knee injuries.  Coach Grant finished his collegiate hockey career with a record of 37-20-5, .894 save percentage, 2.89 goals against average, and 2 shutouts.

Coach Grant graduated from Clarkson University in 2002 with B.S. in Management Information Systems and a minor in Telecommunications.  He currently lives in Rockville, MD with his dog, Dudley.

All sessions are at Columbia Ice Rink. We will improve players skating and skills in preparation for tryouts and next season. Each session of the program will consist of power skating, puck work, shooting, and small games. They will be divided into skill-specific groups during sessions. There will be twelve sessions over six weeks of the program. Goalies will do position specific skating, movements, and puck work while they are not taking shots. 

Space per group is limited. Drop-ins will not be allowed this year unless a group does not fill up. If there is room for drop-ins it will be announced before the first session. Players should sign up for the age level they will be trying out for this year. If you have any questions about what group your player should sign up for, email Mike Donnellan at Mike.Donnellan@howardhuskies.org

Coaches

Tony MacAulay , Halifax, NS Played Canadian Div 1 CIS Dalhouse University.  Participated in Vancouver Canucks NHL main training camp in 1992. Played 3 seasons Professionally in the ECHL and Sweden. Coached in ECHL in Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks organizations, and Canadian Div 1 University. Current Dematha Prep Head Coach in his 18th year with a few years coaching Professionally in between. 

Brad Powell, Cohasset MA-Calvert Hall varsity head coach. Former BYHC travel coach at Squirt, PW, Bantam. Played NCAA D3 Norwich University with 3 frozen four appearances and a National Championship in 2003. 

Mike Donnellan, Baltimore MD- NCAA  D1 Umass Amherst, Pro-Huntsville Havoc SPHL, Watertown Wolves FHL, Peoria Rivermen SPHL, Missouri Mavericks ECHL, Roanoke Railyard Dawgs SPHL, Evansville Thunderbolts "C" SPHL, attended Nashville Predators NHL main training camp in 2017. 

Matt Powers, Columbia, MD- Jr A Jersey Shore Wildcats, Mt St Mary’s University. Huskies U16 A Coach. 

Cost 

Skaters-$379 
Goalies-$249

Location:Columbia Ice Rink 

Travel Dates and Times: 

March: 23,26,31
April: 1,13,15,20,22
May: 4,6,11,13
Squirt Travel  6:15-7:10 PM
PW/Bantam Travel 7:25-8:20 PM
Midget Travel 8:35-9:30 PM

Rec/Mites Dates and Times:

April:2,6,14,16,21,23
May: 5,7,12,14,19,21
Mites: 6:15-7:10 PM
REC: 7:25-8:20 PM

Lady Huskies U12 finish regular season undefeated and win CBHL Play-offs in 4-0 shut-out!

The 2019-2020 U12 Lady Huskies have had an amazing season. They went undefeated in their Whales division playing teams from Montgomery, Chevy Chase, Baltimore, Potomac, and Navy. On Saturday they were awarded the trophy for placing first in their regular season play. After winning their first play-off game against Chevy Chase, they went on to win 4-0 against Montgomery to be CBHL playoff champions. After controlling the game and successfully defending their own net, Mira Kalirai (96) scored the first goal late in the first period and got the scoring momentum started for the Lady Huskies. With three more unanswered goals in the second and third periods, including a break-away by Camden Van Kirk (92), the Lady Huskies finished with a shut-out by goalie Kate Allen (36). “I am so proud of these girls. They really put their heart into this game and played three excellent periods of hockey,” said Head Coach Keith Ramsay.

Comprised of 10 Squirts and 5 Peewees, The U12 Lady Huskies are in their second year as a team. “The amount of growth last year and this year has been noticeable, especially when we play these tougher teams,” said assistant coach Kris Phillips. The Lady Huskies play in two more tournaments to end their season, The Capital Showdown, March 6-8 and the Ponytail Tournament March 14-16 where last year they placed second.

During this segment I will discuss the importance of playing multiple sports as a youth and how to decide which level best helps your personal development.  Growing up, I was a multi-sport athlete having played baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, golf, and, of course, hockey!  Every sport helped improve my skills as a hockey player, and fortunately provided me the opportunity to play Division I college hockey at Clarkson University.  That being said, growing up in Northern NY, we didn’t have AAA hockey in my area, so until I was 17, I played Tier II “B”, which is now Tier II “A”.  Even though we weren’t AAA, and the only players were from my small town of Potsdam, we still produced college hockey players, and some that played professionally, including up to the NHL.

Having previously coached hockey at the Division I collegiate level and knowing many coaches from other sports too, I’ve heard countless times the benefits of playing multiple sports growing up.  There are many pros on a personal level as well.  It helps reduce injuries that occur due to over use and over straining certain muscles.  It also provides different environments for youths to grow form experiences and having different teammates.  Many skills can be enhanced and translated into success when they are playing hockey.  It allows players to understand the importance of being a team player and finding similarities that make them successful at each sport.

I’ve coached at many levels of youth hockey and watched countless hours of games and practices.  I can’t say enough how important it is to be on the correct level for the team you choose to play for.  Every one’s goal should be to one day play in the NHL or at least at the NCAA level.  The reality is, not everyone will be fortunate to achieve those goals.  That’s why I can’t emphasize enough how important SKILL DEVELOPMENT is growing up.  If you want to getter better personally, then it shouldn’t matter what level you are playing on, as long as you are constantly improving your skill and hockey sense.  There are many factors to consider when choosing a team.  The ones that I feel are most important are who the coach of the team is, how much time will the team have for practice, financial considerations, travel, amount of playing time they could earn, and ability to be a strong contribution to the team.  Having coached for Team Maryland AAA, and seeing many AAA games.  I saw many times that there would be players that wanted the notoriety of saying they played for a AAA team, when in all actuality, playing AA would have been better suited for them.  It would have allowed some players the chances to gain confidence and have more opportunities to improve their skills.

“You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way.  Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.”  Michael Jordan

Before an overflow record crowd at the Columbia Ice Rink, the Howard Huskies 18U team captured the Maryland State Tier II AA championship on Sunday with a 3-2 win over the Tri City Eagles.

The huge throng  of hockey fans waited patiently for over an hour for the start of the game, when due to a scheduling snafu the referees did not arrive until just before 11 a.m.. 

The Huskies scored halfway through the first period on a power play goal by Wes Crofoot to jump start the home team.  However, the Eagles tied it up quickly at one a piece when they knocked in a PP goal of their own, and then quickly snaked a 2-1 lead early in the second period on a nice transition goal.   The Huskies rallied and converted a classic two on one break into a beautiful goal by utility winger Noah Kowalczyk to tie it up.   Shortly thereafter Crofoot again on the power play ripped a bar down shot in for his 2nd of the game to give the home squad a 3-2 lead after two periods.

The building was rattling throughout the third period which saw numerous chances at both ends and some spectacular netminding by Huskies goaler Ben Algatt.  Howard went on the power play with exactly 2 minutes remaining and were able to ride out the period en route to the win and the state championship.

With the win the Huskies will travel to Irvine, CA for the USA Hockey Nationals tournament April 1 thru 6.