Next Vytra Squad workouts

St. Marys 4  - Prospects 1
2/10/07  vs Freeport Arrows

A letter to the Vytra Squad
from former player, Justin Eisner.

           Islanders show interest
         in keeping “Game” alive
                   (more soon)

               Vytra Backs Out
     Due to the buy-outs and mergers between Vytra Healthcare, HIP Health Plans and GHI, VYTRA has suddenly dropped its support of the annual Nassau-Suffolk contest.
     After 10 years of community involvement and tradition, “higher ups” apparently failed to see the worth of such an endeavor.  It’s inevitable that this move will undermine all the good publicity they’ve established over the past 10 years.
     What’s most irritating about their sudden philosophy is the fact that the notice came less than 60 days before the scheduled event. Corporate sponsors do not pull the plug on their committments 60 days before an event in any committment.
     Both leagues are currently involved in a contingency plan due to Vytra’s irresponsibility.  Watch this space for more news.  Any corporate interest in sponsoring the 11th Annual Nassau Suffolk All Star Game should be directed to the league’s board.

Dear Vytra Cup Players,

You are each about to participate in a tradition that I was fortunate enough to be part of for three consecutive years.  Being selected by your coaches to represent your school in this annual game is both an honor and an achievement you should be very proud of. Stepping onto that ice as one of only 20 players in your county picked for this event is a testament to your dedication and desire to be the best.

I always felt that high school hockey on Long Island never received the respect nor attention that it deserved but thanks to our coaches and players like you this has begun to change. I am currently playing collegiate hockey at Fairfield University and while I have played competitive hockey since I was five years old I believe that competing the past three years in the Vytra Cup for Levittown/East Meadow was one of my more memorable experiences.

You have each played many games in your careers, spent long hours on the ice and made sacrifices to be the best; this is why you’re here! When you sit in your lockers getting dressed for this special game, give some thought to what got you here and look around. Yes it was just the other day when the guy sitting next to you was about to run you, but today you come together united as a group of special hockey players who were chosen to represent the best of Long Island hockey. And you will quickly find out that those enemies from your rival teams are not such bad guys after all.

My Advice to you, for this game, would be to skate each shift like it is like it is your last and play hard for all three periods. Remember that no lead is safe and if you don’t believe in this cliché take a look at the last two Vytra Cups. Finally, make your best efforts to get down to the practices and scrimmages. This ice time is crucial for coming together as a team and being successful.

Having fond memories of being exactly where you are today, I can only say that I wish you each have a great time. Remember that whether or not you ever play another game you will always be a part of a select group of Long Island hockey players to have participated in this event. As one of the greatest hockey coaches of all time once said, "You were meant to be here, this is your time…now go out there and take it".

Congratulations, Good luck, and keep the Cup where it belongs!

Justin Eisner
Proud Vytra Cup Member ‘02 ‘03 & Co-Captain ’04