12.Jul.2010 at 12
Imperfect end to a successful season (Captain’s Letter)
I needed a little break in order to comment objectively on the end of the 2009/2010 season for Rye. Too fresh was the disappointment after the playoff final lost to Greenwich FHC (0-2) on June 20, which followed the loss to the same opponent in the last league game at the beginning of June (0-1). In between was a hard fought playoff semifinal which was won against serial playoff spoiler Tri-State (4-1).
It would be easy to blame the playoff weekend performance on the obvious: playing the semifinal against Tri-State without Cheetham (red carded in the last league game against Greenwich), the team’s “quarterback”; absences of regulars Geerts and Van Nunen, and the uncertainty around the keeper situation which was only resolved literally 3 hours before the final.
However, it has to be acknowledged that in contrast to the loss against Greenwich in the last league game which seemed more like an accident given the dominance of Rye in that game, the playoff trophy went to the deserved winner. Especially in the first half Greenwich managed to dominate a Rye site which had not been seriously challenged for almost 18 months. Worse, Rye’s offensive machinery which managed to score a (probably record breaking) 86 goals during the 14 regular season games, was uncapable of producing anything countable in not only one game, but two; with Rye opportunities in the final a rare sight.
We won’t bore you with an analysis about the reasons for Rye’s imperfekt end to the season. The club’s unsuccessful try to defend the title must under no circumstances overshadow a very successful campaign over the last 9 months, first and foremost of course the dominant way in which the NEFHA league was won for the first time in 16 years. it was also the first time that Rye was able to field 2 full teams for a full season. Rye II under the leadership of Harry Labana has been improving throughout the year and build a core of players that will build the foundation for future seasons.
As we enjoy the summer between BBQs and world cup gatherings the beginning of the new season in September seems far away. But some Rye members will not be around for the new start. Over the summer Rye will say goodbye to Basti (Schweini) Kording and Chris Kalasch who both joined the club this spring and from day one were great additions on and off the field. Thank you Basti and Chris for your unconditional support over the last few months, and we hope to have you back soon! Also a big thank you to Thibault Nerincx who was a backbone of Rye I in the first half and then flew in from Belgium to support us again in the playoffs. The time in the US has also ended for Aico Van Nunen who is heading for Milan for professional reasons. We we’re sure that we will not have seen the last from Aico! Thank you for all the miles you drove to be playing with us; it is probably a record in the club’s history!
The 2010/2011 will hopefully bring strong new blood for the club in order to compensate for the constant churn that comes with playing in New York, and indications are that Rye has some interesting additions lined up. Let’s hope they make it past the INS at JFK airport!
After captaining the team ever since the club’s re-birth in 2005, I will be taking it a bit easier on hockey and will be handing over the Rye I on-field responsibilities to Chris Cheetham. Over the last 4 years Chris has shown unconditional dedication to growing not only the team, but also the club and hockey in New York in general. There is no double that Rye will continue on the right track with him! Good luck Chris!
With this it remains to wish you all a long and enjoyable summer. Thank you for all your help during the season. Playing hockey in New York takes a lot of goodwill and sacrifices of players and their families, but I hope the sport pays you back with plenty of satisfaction, fun (and the occasional trophy….).
Go Rye!
Patrick Stutz
Captain Rye I
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