There is a few things that have happened here at State Wars 9 that are just amazing to me as a spectator and employee.  The number of people coming up to myself and others to thank us for the time they spent here.  I know Mr. State Wars Hockey doesn't like to be recognized, so I won't mention all of the hard work, dedication and care that he puts into this "event".  I call it it an event because, it truly is just that.  It is not like any other tournament, you just get a feeling that you are are around great people.  I have had the chance to work with, deal with,speak to,debate with, coach against, coach with and soon will be playing against and with some of the best people in the sport.   

I have been involved in the sport since 1999 and since then I have come across some great people over the years and I can't forget many of them who have put blood, sweat and tears into this sport.  Many are still around and some have come and gone, but, most of all the people that are still around are the ones who make this sport better.  So many to name and I apologize for those who I forget.  Now, I am a NJ guy, so I may be biased when I say this, but it is very truthful.  I can't forget to thank the coaches who helped me try and rebuild the state of NJ with our 1998 and 1996 teams this year; Keith Henning, Gordon Beattie, Joe Fontanals and Dan Parker....and of course our great managers, Laura Fontanals and Kim Henning.  They have tried to help me rebuild our state with roller hockey and I commend them for their efforts.  

With that being said, I have had the chance to spend some more time with guys from New York like Jason Muro, Anthony Violante(who some call Vito), guys from Pennsylvania like Andrew Kraft(who puts alot of care and effort into his teams so much that the tears showed when his PA 95 team was beaten in the 95 AAA FINAL), Bill Ventura, Mike Gerger and people from California like our Alkali Sponsor Joe Cook and Jay Russell and JJ Fichter a NJ Product who has handled Mission during our time here.  Lets not forget all of the staff members who have helped put this "event" together; from the top....to the bottom from rink set up, to jersey bags to making sure our rinks are ready to go every morning and of course....working their tails off the entire time.....truly another experience and time I will not forget any time soon.  4 more days to go and there is still alot of hardware to be handed out, I am hoping I get a chance to receive some of it!  For now, thanks to everyone who has experienced State Wars 9 with me!

-Denis Jelcic

AKA "The Paperwork Guy"