COACH’S CORNER

With Head Coach Lance Gilbert

March 7th, 2008 -- Hey folks, as I'm sure you've been enjoying the sunny weather that we've had in Portland lately as much as I, it's best to cap out the inaugural season of the Vikings hockey program before the sweet weather sets in for good lest nobody be there at the computer to read it!

With a win – loss record finishing at .500, we have demonstrated that with hard work, talent, and perseverance, our first season was more than successful.  The small but dedicated group of players, staff, and fans put a lot of heart into the Viking's efforts for the 2007-2008 season.  We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to PSU Rec for their support, guidance, and assistance with this critical first season.  We also extend our gratitude to our sponsors and the staff at Mt. View Ice Arena.

At present we are faced with continuing administrative efforts involving scheduling and budget creation.  A note of emphasis should be placed on our intention to establish a Big Sky Hockey Conference for competitive league play and post season competition beginning with the 2008-2009 season.  If a representative of any other Div. II ACHA program, Big Sky school or other, is interested in joining and supporting this effort, please contact me at lgilbert@psuvikingshockey.com. 

I look forward to the return of the core group of players that formed the squad that carried though this first year.  In the meantime, most of us will enjoy some spring and summer adult rec league play to keep the feel of steel frosty and alive.  For those of you going your separate ways for the next few months, good luck, and we look forward to regrouping next fall.

Lance Gilbert
Head Coach
lgilbert@psuvikingshockey.com