A learning Experience!

Although the first trip to Toronto for the OTTF Spring Classic did not yield any wins, the 2000 boys proved that they can compete with anyone. In the four preliminary games, the boys compiled a 0-3-1 record. But the positive was that the goal differential was only 5 total goals, including a one goal loss to the eventual tournament champions the YS Sharks. The talent level is there, now we must learn to play as a team and move the puck better. That was the noticeable difference for our boys.


Next up our final tournament for the Spring. The boys will be heading back up to Toronto for the Ronald McDonald Tournament, June 6-8, where they will again face top 2000 competition.


Please wish the boys luck!

Well, the bubble burst this weekend in Detroit...

The 2000 Mega Men headed to Detroit with an un blemished 8-0 record. After two lopsided victories, against TPH and Belle Tire at the Showdown in Motown, the boys suffered there first loss of the season, Saturday evening, to the reigning Mite 2000 Silver Sticks champions, the 2K Rebels. The Mega Men fell behind early, 3-0, but battled back to tie the score at 4 early in the second. The 2K Rebels proved to be too much for the boys as they were handed there first loss 8-5.

The next morning, the only thing standing in the way of a rematch with the Rebels was team TPH, a team the Mega Men defeated 9-2 earlier in the tournament. TPH proved to be too much to handle this time around, as the boys were unable to solve their netminder, even though they fired 38 shots. The boys were handed a disapointing 5-4 loss, leaving them in third place for the tournament.

This was truly a great time and definitely a learning experience for all involved. We look forward to building on the successes thus far and improving our games for the future.

Next up, a trip to Toronto, May 8th - 11th, for the OTTF Spring Classic. The boys will again be tested, as some top 2000 programs will be in attendance. Hopefully we can correct some of our deficiencies and continue to grow as a team.

Please wish the boys luck when you see them!

Two More Wins for the 2000 Pittsburgh Mega Men!

Day trip to Amherst is a huge success!

After an uncharacteristic sluggish start in the first game against the Western NY Selects, where the boys found themselves down 3-0, they got a late second period goal, which energized the team and opened the flood gates. Trailing 3-1 heading into the third period, the boys reeled off 6 unanswered goals to pull away and win the first game 7-3.

In the second game, the two teams battled pretty evenly until the third period, where the Mega Men's relentless pressure wore down the Western NY team, as the boys outscored the Selects 6-2 and went on to win 9-4.

This was the final game action before the boys head to Detroit for some serious competition. All four Pittsburgh Mega Men teams ('97, '98, '99 & '00) will be in action, in the Showdown in Motown (Belle Tire) Tournament. Please wish all the teams good luck as they head off to Detroit April 24th - April 27th.

Go Mega Men!

CONGRATULATIONS 2000 MEGA MEN!!!!!

Congratulations to the 2000 Pittsburgh Mega Men for taking home the championship in the Rock 'N Roll Cup in Cleveland.

The boys were untested in the first 2 games of the tournament, winning by a combined score of 26-0, playing against two house teams from Ontario and New York.

In the third game, the competition and the intensity picked up. Battling the top 2000's from Cleveland, the boys earned a hard fought 8-3 victory to head into the championship undefeated. Heading into the third period, the score was 4-3, the Mega Men turned it up a notch and were able to put the game away in the third.

That set the stage for a rematch with the 2000 Cleveland team in the championship. Clinging to a 2-1 lead entering the third period, the boys again were able to pick up the intensity to add 2 third period goals to seal the victory. Both games were extremely hard fought battles, that brought out the best in both teams. Thanks to a total team effort on both offense and defense, the Mega Men were able to capture the hardware.

Next up, a trip to New York for a rematch with the Western NY Selects on April 13th. Wish the boys luck!

First Real Game Action.....

The boys had their first real game action this Saturday, against a team from the Western NY area, called the Western NY Selects. They played a doubleheader at the Airport Ice Arena and fared quite well. They won the first game 6 - 4, goal scorers were Riley Cooley (2), Justin Adamski, Rickey Boysen, Mitchel Fuchs and the go ahead goal was scored by Michael Hertzberg. Christian Gorscak also pitch in with 3 assists to lead the offensive charge. Neko Borghini backstopped the boys to victory.

In the second game the boys jumped out to a 5 - 0 lead and went on to win the game 7 - 2. The goal scorers were Christian Gorscak (3), Nicholas Solema (2), Rickey Boysen and Brady Hanna. Nico Pidro backstopped the boys to victory.

Next up, a trip to Cleveland, for the Rock 'N Roll tournament, where the boys will battle the Picard Sabres (Canada), Team Cleveland 2000 and the North Olmstead Eagles (Cleveland area). Good luck boys!

Thank You All...

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work for our fundraiser at the Towne Tavern! It was a huge success, fun was had by all and we raised ~$6,000 between both teams! Special thanks to all who donated there money or time to help the boys. Great job!

Now the real fun begins. The boys will begin practice in early March in preparation for there Spring tournaments in Cleveland, Detroit and Toronto (2).

SCRIMMAGE ALERT!!!
The 2000 team will be hosting the Western NY Selects in a doubleheader on March 22nd, at 12:00pm and 3:00pm, at the Airport Ice Arena. Come out and support the boys!

Looking for Something to do this Saturday?

The Pittsburgh Mega Men are holding a fundraiser to benefit the 1999 and 2000 birth year teams, this Saturday at the Town Tavern in Southside. Festivities begin at 4:00pm and will continue on until 8:oopm. The cost to attend is $30, of which $15 goes directly to the teams.

Here are some of the details:

* Unlimited beverages from 4:00pm - 8:00pm (This includes Domestic Bottles, Drafts, Well Drinks and Wine)

* Food from 5:30pm - 6:30pm (Pizza, Wings and Mini Burgers)

* A 50/50 raffle.

* 20+ auction items, highlighted by:
- Autographed Sidney Crosby Jersey
- Mario Lemieux Rookie Card
- Penguin Basket (Highlighted by a Sergei Gonchar signed puck)
- Multiple sets of Penguin tickets
- Pittsburgh Pirate basket
- Golf baskets
- High end tool set
- 3 Free sessions at Puckmasters
- $300 gift certificate to Adams Flooring
- $100 Lamont Gift Certificate

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. Your donations go directly to help further the development of these outstanding young athletes!

Please come out and show your support for these little guys!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! Don't forget, the final clinic for the 1999's and 2000's is on January 13th. The interest level continues to grow, as we prepare to make some very difficult decisions. Good luck and we'll see you then.

One Down, Two to Go.....

The first Mega Men Clinic was a success! It was a bit of a scramble, but all in all, everything went well. Special thanks to Marc Voit, Melissa Lange, Mark Petley and all our on ice assistants and evaluators! See you all on December 9th!

1999 & 2000 Pittsburgh Mega Men Clinics

Parents:
The clinic dates have been set for the 1999 and 2000 Pittsburgh Mega Men AAA hockey teams. All clinics will be at the Airport Ice Arena. The cost per player will be $70, this will cover ice fees (2 ½ to 3 ½ hours) and a numbered jersey, the jersey will be an Easton practice jersey with the Mega Men logo, that the players will get to keep. Clinics are by invitation only, so if you haven’t been invited and are interested, please contact me ahead of time at 412-418-0563 or radamski@consolidated.net. The 1999 Clinics are Full at this time, we are still looking for a few 2000 birth year players.

The objective of the clinics is to give the areas top 1999 & 2000 birth year hockey players the opportunity to continue the advancement of their individual skill sets, but more importantly, build their team centered skill sets. The clinics will also provide the opportunity for your player to be selected to the spring tournament team that will enter into three highly visible AAA tournaments.
We are excited to announce that the clinics will be lead by Kevin Quinn. Listed below are just a few of Kevin’s credentials.
* 10 years - Head Coach – State Champion Quaker Valley Varsity Hockey
* Played 8 years of Junior & College Hockey in Canada
* Founder, Coach & ACE Coordinator – Quaker Valley & Pittsburgh Aviators Orgs.
* Current Head Coach Pittsburgh Aviators Squirt AA

There will be a representative from the Mega Men organization at the first clinic to discuss the clinic objectives, the Spring tournament team and answer any of your questions.

Please submit your player’s jersey size and payment by 10/21/2007. Please make check payable to “Pittsburgh Mega Men AAA Hockey”. My address is Robert Adamski, 3061 Marie Dr., Gibsonia, PA 15044. You must be paid in full by the above date to ensure your player is able to practice.

Clinic dates are listed below. Each of these clinics is mandatory, if you wish for your player to participate on the spring tournament team.
* Saturday Nov. 10th 3:00pm – 5:00pm 1st Clinic (The 2000's will be from 3:00p - 3:50p & the 1999's will be from 4:00p - 4:50p)
* Sunday Dec. 9th 12:00pm – 3:00pm 2nd Clinic (The 2000's will be from 12:00p - 1:20p & the 1999's will be from 1:30p - 2:50p)
* Sunday Jan. 13th 3:00pm – 5:00pm Final Clinic (The 2000's will be from 3:00p - 3:50p & the 1999's will be from 4:00p - 4:50p)

Please have your player dressed and ready to hit the ice 15 minutes before each clinic start time. We will use this time to mentally prepare the players for the clinic with the objective of maximizing our ice time.

Please confirm your planned attendance and direct any questions or concerns to me at radamski@consolidated.net.

Want to catch a glimpse of AAA hockey...

This Saturday the '98 Pittsburgh Hornets take on the Amherst Knights (NY) in a 2 game set at the RMU Island Sports Center. Game times are 12:00pm and 3:00pm. This is a good chance to check out some hockey at the AAA level and support the local team as well!

Rolling Along....

We are actively reaching out to all players interested in trying out for the 1998, 1999 and 2000 teams. This list continues to grow and many folks seem enthusiastic about the AAA travel team prospect. Please feel free to drop me a line if you or anyone you know is interested in trying out for one of our teams. We are anticipating 2 tryout/open skate dates, one in late November an one in late December. I'd like to have all interested players contact information by the end of October, so the proper communication can be delivered. Thanks to everyone for your efforts and continued support!

Bob Adamski

How About That...

Check the '98 Birth Year Rankings link to the right. If you scroll down to the Squirt AAA division, the Pittsburgh Hornets are ranked #1, ahead of powerhouse national programs like Compuware, Victory Honda and Little Caesar's. Great job fellas!

The '98 Hornet team is made up of predominantly '98 Pittsburgh Mega Men players. They have certainly created some equity for our future teams.

2000, 1999, & 1998 Birth Year Teams

Recruitment is ongoing for 2000, 1999 & 1998 birth year, Pittsburgh Area, AAA\AA travel hockey players. Any players capable of competing at this level, please complete the Contact Sheet in the "Link to Mega Men Forms" section on the right and email to radamski@consolidated.net or thutsko@zoominternet.net. Please spread the word, so we can field the best possible team.

Our anticipated plan of attack is to field a team of 13 skaters, 2 goalies and 3 alternates. We would like to have an open skate sometime in late November, to get a preview of potential players. This will be followed up by tryouts in late December. Upon completion of tryouts, the team will be selected and potential players notified. Once the team is selected and the players have accepted the invitation, the coaches will be chosen. Practice will begin once the PAHL season is complete, some time in March and tournament play would occur in the Spring.

Are you a Quality Coach?

We are currently seeking qualified hockey minds to coach the 1999 & 2000 Pittsburgh Mega Men teams. If you are interested, qualified and dedicated to working\teaching the players the fundamental team play that is required to compete at an elite level, please contact Bob Adamski at radamski@consolidated.net or Todd Hutsko at thutsko@zoominternet.net.