The Floral Park Screaming Eagles Roller Hockey League recently completed another successful season. The league concluded in early February when three divisions had playoffs to determine their winners. This was their 17th season.
The Screaming Eagles is an inline hockey league that enjoys the support of the Floral Park community where 300 boys and girls from age 4 through high school learn to have fun while competing with sportsmanship and teamwork.
This season marked a change in leadership. Rachael Penteck ran the league for many years doing much of the work on her own. It was her spirit and hard work that made the league so successful. This year Penteck transferred control to a board of 20 parents and led by Ken Schlechter. The coaches, referees, score keepers and others are all volunteers from the community. Without their tireless dedication the league could not possibly be a success.
The Eagles hockey season runs from October through January. This season the league was able to finish its 12-game regular season before Christmas. But the winter weather pushed playoffs to February. All teams compete in the playoffs.
Each division generally has approximately six teams consisting of 11 boys and girls and all players get equal rink time. This is a non-checking league where the primary focus is on teamwork, having fun and learning new skills. There is a strong team spirit and camaraderie that seems to be absorbed by all of the players. Even on the coldest January days the teams often have strong turnouts and children enjoy themselves at the Floral Park rink, which is next to the town pool.
Those new to skating will be placed in the clinic group where basic skills are taught by both adult coaches and experienced players. Children are then placed in one of four divisions based on their grade in school. The league also has group lessons once per week to help others who would like to work on their skills.
The Screaming Eagles is always looking for young people to join the league. The league maintains a website at www.fpsports.org where there are details about joining the league. Fees this season were $50 to $100 based on league division.
