Thank you South Muskoka

Thank You South Muskoka

Most people don’t know that I was born and played most of my hockey growing up in Northwestern Ontario. I moved to Atlantic Canada about 6 years ago because my Dad changed jobs. Although I had opportunities to play Junior A with 3 other leagues in Ontario and New Brunswick it was Brian Henley (Rylan Henley - Als) who convinced my father to bring me to the GMHL. I was playing in my last year at Rothesay Netherwood Prep School in Rothesay, New Brunswick. I had played for Brian and with Rylan for a few years in Ontario and our families are good friends. It was good advice and I would like to thank Brian even when it was a little hard on my father. Dad sits on HNB’s Board of Directors. Dad’s tough and can weather a lot of storms.

In 2007, after graduating from Rothesay, I attended the GMHL draft in Ontario. After the first on-ice sessions and presentations I had three teams interested in me. I spoke with my Dad and told him I wanted to go to South Muskoka. I asked was there anyway he could make that happen. After a couple of discussions John Klinck and Gord Carey told me they would draft me in the second round if I was still available. They had already committed to another player first. I took them on their word and I was drafted by South Muskoka as the first pick in the second round. I was happy.

After 2 seasons in South Muskoka our team and I accomplished a lot. We won our GMHL division and the league championship. Last year I was nominated as Goalie of the Year and played in the all-star game. These are good accomplishments. That’s what makes this hard. I will not be returning to South Muskoka. I will be back to Gravenhurst to visit. Today I’m just moving on with another chapter in my life.

On August 18th, 2009 I made a 4 year commitment to Salem State College to get an education and play for the Salem State Vikings in quest for a NCAA Division III Championship. South Muskoka was aware of this offer and held my starting position with their hockey team until everything was finalized. The Shield supported our decision. Thank you Gord. I certainly appreciated it.

I would like to thank the following (in no particular order) and if I forgot anyone I’m truly sorry:

My family – Parents Todd, Katherine and sisters Ashey and Kelsey – for continuing to sacrifice and support all my hockey endeavors. I couldn’t have made it this far without your commitment and support. Thank you and I love you.

My second home and parents – Peter and Peggy Schofield. With the exception of home I don’t think I ever lived anywhere where I enjoyed it more. Their family embraced me, supported me and I’m sure they loved me. Even though I’m leaving I know their door will always be open and I know our door is always open for them. Thank you Peter and Peggy. Even though we talk on the phone I will miss you.

To Dave and Rhonda Ruppert. Thank you for being there for me the last two years. Your hospitality and kindness will always be appreciated and I’ll make sure to let you know how I’m surviving in Salem. I’ll miss you and be back to visit soon.

To Boston Pizza, Dap and Gravenhurst Minor Hockey. Thanks for all your support and helping me stay active outside of the GMHL. BP, thank you for the job opportunity and all the work experience I got there. Dap, thank you for being a good friend and for putting up with my constant broken gear. GMHA, thank you for letting me help out with your association and good luck in the future and good luck Jamie. It was a pleasure coaching you.

To the residents and fans of South Muskoka. Thank you. You are the best. Thank you for supporting the Shield and I hope we never disappointed you.

To John Klinck and Gord Carey. Thank you for drafting and supporting me. I enjoyed my time in Gravenhurst and consider myself a proud alumnus. Not only did I grow as a hockey player I know I’ve grown as a person. South Muskoka deserves a lot of credit. My family and I are honored to promote South Muskoka and Gravenhurst. I am leaving with nothing but positive memories. I will be following the Shield’s quest to repeat as GMHL champions. Thank you and good luck.

I believe I have played for four exceptional coaches since I started hockey 15 years ago. Two were in minor hockey, one at Rothesay and Dallyn Telford. I want to thank Dallyn for coaching me and making me a better player. If anyone can guide South Muskoka to back to back championships its Dallyn Telford. He’s a player’s coach and good person. He knows how to get the best out of his player’s and how to communicate with people. I will miss playing for him. Thank you and good luck Dallyn.

To my teammates. I enjoyed playing between the pipes for you and with you. Good luck in your quest for the cup this year. I will be cheering. Good luck playing forward Adam. You got great hands. Make Atlantic Canada and New Brunswick proud. I’m sure you will be exceptional on the PP. Work hard and play hard guys. Keep them guessing…

From between the pipes in Salem, Massachusetts and the Salem State Vikings,
Yours in hockey and a proud Shield Alumnus,

Eric F. Pye