BBL/Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey Association

Team News

Mini Mites
The Mini Mites represent the entry level into the association. These kids range in age from 3 up to 7 years old. Last year the Mini Mites team had the opportunity to play during the first and second periods of the MN Wild Game at the Xcel.

Sr. Mites Black

The Sr Mite Black team, coached by Mike Gonrowski, Joe Huber, and Marcus Messer, recently went up against the Sauk Rapids Green team demonstrating their strong team efforts!

C Squirts

"Becker/Big Lake C Squirts take home Sportsmanship Award at Sartell Tournament"
On Friday January 7, 2005 the C Squirts fought hard against Edina, but suffered a 4-2 loss. Goals were scored by John Messman during the first period, and Jason Tonneslan in the second period. Edina was able to catch up and pass us in the later part of the second and third periods of the game but the BBL players did not make it easy for them. All 4 goals were scored by the same Edina player. Goalie Jeremy Pogue had a record 30 shots on him and did an awesome job covering the BBL net. BBL was only able to put 8 shots on net.

On Saturday January 8, 2005 the C squirts played West St. Paul. West St. Paul scored the first goal in the first period. John Messman scored the first goal for BBL in the second period. Both teams were pretty equally matched and each team served one penalty in the second period. West St. Paul managed to put to pucks into the net during the third period leading to a 3-1 over BBL. Jeremy Pogue had 16 shots on net, by West St. Paul. BBL had 7 shots on net.

On Sunday January 9, 2005 for the final game of the tournament, BBL faced Centennial. BBL managed to come out strong for their 7:00am game scoring two goals in the first period. Goals were scored by Same Ewald and Cassie Monson with assists by John Messman and Sam Ewald. Centennial scored one goal in the first period as well. Both teams served 1 penalty during the first period. BBL scored 3 more goals in the second period. Goals were scored by Sam Ewald (2) for a hat trick, and John Messman. Again, both teams served one penalty in the second period. Pete Olson of BBL managed to put the puck in the net for another goal in the third period. Centennial also scored one in the third period. No penalties were served in the thrid period. Thus, the final score--BBL C Squirts 6 and Centennial 2. BBL had 29 shots on goal. Centennial only had 9.

Each player was awarded a participation medal. The players, coaches and parents were awarded the "Team Sportsmanship Award" for the tournament. BBLYHA tries to emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork more so than winning. Hats off to the C Squirts for taking home the Sportsmanship Award! Thanks to the players for giving your fans a great show!

Head Coach Tim Houghton and Hat Trick maker for game, 3 Sam Ewald, are seen here receiving the Sportsmanship Award.

A spectacular save by BBL goalie during the game on Sunday against Centennial.

Becker/Big Lake B1 Squirts Go North

Our Becker/ Big Lake B1 Squirts had a great experience travelling to Hoyt Lakes up in the Iron Range to see where the roots of Hockey were formed. Our coach, Chris Hansen, suggested that we set up some games with the Iron rangers to show our boys what really good hockey is all about. The Rangers were more than accommodating and were really excited that we would travel all that distance to play them in 40 below temperatures.Hoyt Lakes Arena rolled out the red carpet to our Eagles with customized old fashioned wooden lockers in the heated locker room. The boys felt they were treated like the pros.

BBL played Virginia on Saturday morning and won 10-6. They faced Mesabi East on Saturday night and won 12-2. Afterwards, our team had the Rangers over to our hotel for a potluck. However, the highlight of the entire weekend turned out to be Sunday mornings event. After the announcer introduced all of the players, 4 of our players, Adam Hayes, Zach Johanns, Luke Molus and Levi Monson were traded to Mesabi East and 4 of their players were traded to our team. The 8 boys took center ice, took off their jerseys and exchanged them with the opposing team. They took their place with their new team. Parents of the traded boys went to sit with their new team as well. BBL included 7 year old mite, Austin Graber to their net as their goalie. The game was all about fun.

This was true hockey sportsmanship at it's finest. We were treated to a pizza party from the announcer and rink staff after the game. Great hockey was played, good friendships were made and a fantastic and memorable weekend was had by all. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the teams and arena staff for their hospitality.

Pictured from BBL are Coach Hansen, Coach Darsow, Coach Johanns, Collin Buness, Alex Darsow, Levi Monson, Adam Hayes, Travis Nelson, Zach Johanns, Colton Graber, Ben Cencer, Richard Eisenreich, Luke Molus, Keegyn Atkinson. (Austin Graber not picture.) Pictured from Mesabi East are Coach Gregorich, Coach Karkinen, Coach Hirsch, Anton Benes, Richard Craven, Hannah Gregorich, Clayton Gries, Derek Hirsch, Zachary Kainz, Gustav Karkinen, Travis Kemp, Briar Linnel, Jeffery Loftus, Christian Runquist, Zachary Wood.

Skating with the Pros!
* Three of the skaters from the B1 Squirt Team traveled to Duluth in August to learn from the pros! Colton Graber, Zach Johanns and Travis Nelson participated in a Red Line Hockey camp and are seen here with their coaches: Guy Gosselin, Olympic Team in 1988 and 1992; Skeeter Moore, Sweden team, Amarillo Rattlers and San Angelo Outlaws; Bill Watson, Chicago Blackhawks from 1985-1989; Dan Jablonic, US Wheeling--ECHL and Sweden league teams. These skaters learned first hand the drills and techniques developed by Red Line Hockey that our coaches learned at the start of this year and are using this hockey season.