Mark Brady skates to open ice on the attack. After compiling a 17 - 7 - 2 winter season record and appearing on the "NHL on NBC", the Garden City Wings Middle School Ice Hockey team started it's spring season with a 11 - 1 win over the Bellmore - Merrick Bulldogs at Iceworks on April 18, 2007.

The Middle School team is anchored by sixth grade goalkeeper Zachary Bostrom, who played in most of the winter season games. Rookie netminder Adam Hartog allowed no goals during his first game as a Wing.

The experience gained by several sixth graders during the winter was displayed during the first spring game. Sixth grade forward Ryan Costigan led the team scoring with four points, including three assists. Sixth grade back Mark Brady led all backs with three points and two goals. Sixth grade forward Matt Greco skated aggressively and tallied two goals and one assist.

Three players scored two points during the first game: seventh grade rookie Brooke Van Valkenburg with two goals, sixth grade forward Andrew Morra with two goals and sixth grade center Chris Arena with one goal and one assist.

Andrew Morra takes the faceoff for the Wings. (All photos courtesy of Jack Hartog) Also adding a point was rookie seventh grader Brian Loughran with one goal, and fifth grader Joseph Giarraputo with one assist. The steady defense played by fifth grade back Liam FitzGerald kept the scoring opportunities for the Bulldogs to a minimum. Tim Michel, a fifth grade forward, displayed a knack for attacking the net, a trait that will earn the respect of his teammates as the season continues.

The Wings Ice Hockey Club encourages all students to attend our games at the Iceworks rink in Syosset. All skaters in grades five through eleven interested in playing competitive ice hockey are invited to check our website at www.gcwings.org and to contact our General Manager via e-mail at: wingspan68@aol.com. GO WINGS!!

Matt Greco splits the defense in front of the goal. Chris Arena cuts to the low slot for a shot on goal.