Those who visit this web site occasionally will remember a story that was posted in this section about a young man named Jake Force, who is one of the Patriots Hockey Team’s biggest fans.  The article is well worth reading.  For those who might have missed it, or for others who might like to read it again, scroll down in this section to the January 4^th entry titled “Meet Jake.”  You can’t miss it, it begins with a picture of Jake holding up his signature GOAL sign.

A couple of days ago we received an email from Jake’s father, Dan, asking to post the following note on this web site.  It is a pleasure to do so, and here it is:

We would like to express our appreciation to the entire PHS hockey family for the affection and camaraderie they have shown our son, Jake, over the past several years. After moving into a house just a block from the high school ten years ago, Jake and I began attending PHS sporting events at the school. Six or seven years ago, when Jake was just 5 or 6 years old, I began dragging him to an occasional PHS hockey game at the Abbey. It was his first experience with hockey and he fell in love. Before long he was begging me to take him to every home game. Then the away games too. He fell in love not only with the sport itself, but with the coaches, players and their families too. He was a little kid with no siblings on the team, just a desire to learn the game, cheer the team to victory, and make some friends. A season or two later he came up with the idea for the "GOAL" sign that you're familiar with. For the 2011-2012 seniors I think he's been there for their entire high school career. Now mothers of the players hug him, fathers shake his hand, and the players invite him into the locker room. He is thrilled by every one of those gestures.

            Not surprisingly it wasn't long before he showed interest in playing the game, and he recently finished his second season of youth hockey. PHS players have come and gone since Jake began signaling goals for them. But they've all had a positive influence on him. Their behavior both on and off the ice have taught him about sportsmanship, friendship, and citizenship. High school students might not think they have much influence on a little kid. I can assure you they do. As parents we are thankful for showing him a fine example, for accepting him into the PHS hockey family, and for gifts you've presented him. He is your number #1 fan. GOAL!

            Sincerely,

            Dan and Marie Force