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I listen to all these complaints about reffing and coaches and MN hockey, etc. To put it in perspective........heres a little story. I am 21 years old. I have coached youth hockey for 3 years now. Bantams, Squirts, and Junior Gold. I just received a phone call this weekend about a former player of mine. I thought of him and still do - as my fav. kid I have ever coached. His parents have told me that I was a huge influence in his life, especially with hockey. <br>He has Hodgkins Disease. A 10-11 yr. old with cancer. Who cares about reffing, coaches, politics at this point. ITS JUST A GAME!!! Life goes on, but for this kid maybe not. <br>Luckily, I have connections to the NHL - Thank GOD for the lockout - but I can get him a WILD jersey signed and other things like a benefit for him with NHL guys there. <br>PLEASE KEEP THIS KID IN YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. HIS NAME IS ZACH SLAMA AND HE IS FROM BLAINE, MN. ALSO, REMEMBER THAT THIS GAME IS FOR LOVE - NOT TO MAKE THE BIG BUCKS!! HAVE FUN WITH IT AND ENJOY YOU HAVE A HEALTHY LIFE AND HEALTHY FAMILY. DONT GRIPE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT OFFICIATING OR COACHES. APPRECIATE THEM AND THE GAME.<br>THANKS FOR LISTENING AND KEEP THIS YOUNG HIGH SPIRITED KID IN YOUR THOUGHTS. THATS THE GREAT THING ABOUT THE HOCKEY WORLD, IT IS A TIGHT KNIT GROUP.<br><br>THANKS,<br><br>JAKE KUCHENMEISTER<br>BLAINE HOCKEY <p></p><i></i>

Very well said. He's in The Empire's thoughts and prayers, get better! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... lasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p>Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls</p><i></i>

Yeah, he will be in my thoughts and prayers! <p></p><i></i>

Thanks for the message Jake. We have so much to be thankful for.<br><br>Go Zach. Thoughts and prayers for you. <p></p><i></i>