Thursday Update

There was only Ryan Hillier on action among the prospects Thursday night as Hillier and his Halifax Mooseheads hosted the Victoriaville Tigres in QMJHL action. For the seventh ranked Mooseheads it wound up being a frustrating loss as they fell in the shoot out 3-2.

Hillier in the losing effort scored his 12th goal of the season shorthanded in the first period and earned the game's "Third Star" for his efforts. Here is something to like as the QMJHL has a stat-called "dangerous shots" which measures scoring chances.

Hillier took six shots in the game and was credited with five "dangerous shots"; that is the kind of stat to be impressed with. Even though Hillier is on the second line, he is still having a solid season for the Mooseheads.

What one really has to like is how Hillier's 12 goals break down, Hillier has five even strength, 4 power play and three shorthanded ones (which is tied for the QMJHL lead). This kind of season is what the scouting services thought Hillier has always had the potential to have.

It is going to be interesting to see how this season plays out for Hillier.

Hockey Weekend Across America

The logo you see to the left is part of program that USA Hockey is get the word out on and Prospect Park is very happy to help. Hockey Weekend Across America is a 3-day event geared to help promote the growth of hockey.

The Weekend is scheduled for Feb 15th-17th 2008 has daily themes and even a section at the USA Hockey website here. From "wear your jersey to school day" to "celebrate your local heroes’ day" the idea is help introduce this wonderful game of ours to newcomers.

If you love the game whether as a player or a fan in the stands let us all come together celebrate this great game and help it grow in the USA. If you need more information let me know and I will help you get in touch with the folks at USA Hockey.

On my part if you are part of a youth hockey group and want to let others know about you "Hockey Weekend" events let me know and I will help you get the word out.

However, let us do more than just one weekend, if you ever got to play this game then remember that once upon a time an adult taught you the game so now do the right thing and help a kid learn how to play. Remember how much fun-playing hockey was for you and pass that joy along.

Even if you never played the game but still love hockey, you can still help. Contact your local youth hockey group as they can always use Hockey Moms, Dads, Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins or just be a friend. There are kids who cannot afford the equipment so maybe a helmet, a set of gloves or even a mouth guard can help make a difference in a child's life.