February 20th, 2010 - Despite a gallant effort and a "hand"some goal toward game's end, the RoughRiders prevailed over the Town of Oyster Bay team led by Supervisor John Venditto. We look forward to our continued rivalry and thank them for their continued support.
 

January 30th, 2010 - thanks to all in the Suffolk PAL for their challenge. We know your kids got an appreciation for what these special athletes are all about and look forward to a continuing bond and another game.

January 16th, 2010 - the RoughRiders gained new friends and respect from the gang at McQuade's. Vowing a different outcome in a rematch, they were wowed by the team play of the RoughRiders and left the arena shaking their heads after an impressive 13-1 win by the RoughRiders. Thanks to Jimmy, John, Rob, Theresa, Lauren and all at McQuade's.

January 9th. 2010 - The RoughRiders thank the Seaford K of C for their challenge and exciting game, ending in a 5-3 RoughRiders win. Their continued support is very much appreciated. A re-match is in the works.  

December 5th, 2009 - the RoughRiders faced an incredible challenge from the West Point men's hockey team and escaped with a 2-1 victory. Our many thanks to Coach Riley and all at West Point who continue to support our program. We salute the men and women of the USMA and wish them the very best in their service to our country.

October 21st, 2009 - Mr Bryan A. Del Bondio, president of Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley, Ca. presented a check to Long Island Sled Hockey for $25,000 as the Mark of Distinction Award winner for 2009.  Mr. Del Bondio was genuinely impressed and moved by the athletes in our program.  We thank Mr. Del Bondio, the entire Markham family and the folks at Marina Maher Communications for their tremendous help to these special athletes.  Thanks also go to Dan Casey and the rest of the FDNY's Hillside Hurricanes for accepting our challenge for a game to kick off the presentation.

 

August 28, 2009 - YOU HAVE DONE IT, YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! 

LONG ISLAND SLED HOCKEY IS ONE OF THE TWO RECIPIENTS OF A $25,000 GRANT FROM THE 2009 MARKHAM MARK OF DISTINCTION AWARD PROGRAM!!!!!

YOUR PERSEVERANCE, YOUR DILIGENCE, YOUR ENDURING MY ANNOYING DAILY "REMINDERS", YOUR SUPPORT AND COMPASSION FOR THIS GROUP OF VERY SPECIAL ATHLETES HAS YIELDED A TREMENDOUS DIVIDEND!!!!!

I CAN NEVER REPAY YOUR EFFORTS.  I CAN TELL YOU, AS I TOLD YOU FROM THE START, THAT YOU COULD SUBMIT YOUR DAILY VOTE FOR FOUR WEEKS AND "YOUR" REWARD WOULD BE THAT YOU WOULD FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELVES.  YOU HAVE ALL ANSWERED THE CALL.

I JOIN ALL THE SPECIAL ATHLETES IN THANKING YOU SO VERY, VERY MUCH.  PERHAPS TINA TURNER PUT IT BEST:

"YOU'RE SIMPLY THE BEST, BETTER THAN ALL THE REST, BETTER THAN ANYONE, ANYONE I'VE EVER MET."

 

July 10th-12th - After thrilling 5-1, 3-1 and 4-3 victories over Connecticut and the two Ottawa teams, the RoughRiders played the Connecticut Wolfpack for the RoughRiders Cup. A goal with 4:49 left in the game put the RoughRiders ahead 3-2, and they withstood a furious finish to retain the RoughRiders Cup, a "three-peat". Many thanks to the Wolfpack, Ottawa's Barbarians and Valley Bandits for a truly memorable and emotion-packed tournament. To the RoughRiders - you continue to amaze, not able to  match lines with opposing teams and yet able to gel and accomplish your goals. From the goaltending, defense and a persistent and tenacious offense, you never gave up. You make all who watch, participate and support your efforts extremely proud. You should ALL be extremely proud of yourselves. UNBELIEVABLE JOB!!!

May 8th, 2009 - the RoughRiders were able defeat a game Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs team and look forward to next year's rematch. We also thank them for their fundraising efforts for our program. Thanks again guys and girls...

June 20th, 2009 - with a large contingent of Elks, as well as Lynbrook's Mayor Curran, and Trustees Beach and Becker, the RoughRiders prevailed with a shutout victory and will once again await the 2010 challenge. We thank New York Lodge #1 for their continued support and were glad to see village support from Lynbrook's Board.

April 24-26, 2009 - after an emotional contest Friday evening which saw the RoughRiders come back from a 5-2 third period score, scoring four unanswered goals for a 6-5 win, the team came up one goal short of making the medal round on Sunday. Thanks to all the athletes, family and friends for another great weekend. We WILL be back. 

March 14th, 2009 - despite a strong effort by their goalie, Summit Security fell to the RoughRiders 7-1, allowing LI Sled Hockey to retain the Summit Cup.  Thanks to Nick and Bob Auletta and all at Summit for their continued support (and a great lunch!). We look forward to our 2010 rematch.
 

February 28th, 2009 - Despite a game effort by the Green Machine IceCats, the RoughRiders, led by a hat trick from Tommy Gillece, came away with the victory.  Thanks to Ken Uher, his staff and all with the IceCats for their support and fund raising efforts. We look forward to an annual rematch.
 

January 17th, 2009 - for the 2nd year in a row, the Black Knights hockey team at West Point welcomed LI Sled Hockey in a demonstration game at Tate Arena. We were proud to present them with our organization banner and admire their dedication and commitment to our country. We thank Coach Riley and the entire West Point team for their invitation and compassion and look forward to our third trip next season.

 

July 11th-13th, 2008 - Both RoughRiders' Blue and White teams had a great tournament. The Blue team played an exciting Sunday Bronze medal game against Canada's North Bay Ice Breakers, losing 3-2 in an action-packed contest. The White team, trailing 3-1 in the third period to their rival Ottawa Valley Bandits, roared back to tie it 3-3 with little time left and then won 4-3 in the first minute of Sudden Death OT!!!  The RoughRiders became the first team to win back-to-back Cups. All the teams in the Invitational are to congratulated for a wonderful weekend of exceptional play. A brief hiatus follows, with the '08-'09 season staring in October.
 

May 2008 - Many, many thanks to the Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Parade Committee!!!  As the 2008 local charity, Frank Martin and Don Meigel were presented with a check for $26,000 for our athletes at their annual awards meeting.  Your efforts never go unnoticed.  Thanks again to Michael O'Reilly and all involved for their support and compassion.

 

April 2008 - After a 7-3 victory over the Connecticut Wolfpack the RoughRiders faced a rematch against the Ottawa Barbarians for the O'Keefe Cup.  Despite a courageous effort, the Barbarians emerged victorious, with the RoughRiders capturing the Silver medal.  We will continue to strive for a different result in '09.

March 2008 - the RoughRiders took on challenges from the Syosset Braves and Bellmore/Merrick Bulldogs, in two thrilling games, resulting in two shutouts for the RoughRiders.  We thank both groups for their support and look forward to next season's rematches.

 

January 26th, 2008 - After defending the Summit Cup in a 7-0 victory over a talented Summit Security team, the RoughRiders joined the Summit team for a wonderful brunch at Minnesota's, hosted by Summit. Our thanks go out to Bob & Nick Auletta and the entire Summit family for their continued support and compassion. Thanks also for the new equipment donated for future challenge games.
 

January 19, 2008 - The RoughRiders accepted the invitation by the US Military Academy and traveled to West Point to play the Cadets. The short demo/game resulted in a 5-0 victory for the RoughRiders, with both teams sharing in a mutual respect for the talents, dedication and courage of all the athletes. We thank Coach Riley, Asst. Coach Sherry, the Black Knights and the entire West Point family for the invite, for the challenge, for the opportunity. We wish you all the best and hope for a return match. The entire RoughRiders family salutes you and wishes you the best in your service to your country.

 

October 10th, 2007 - LI Sled Hockey selected by the Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Parade Committee as the 2008 local charity to be honored. Check their site (www.rvcstpatrick.com) for more info and upcoming fundraising events. Our most sincere thanks to Michael O'Reilly and the entire committee!!!
 

July 13-15, 2007 - After falling behind 6-0 in the very first period to the Ottawa Valley Bandits on Friday, the RoughRiders DID NOT LOSE  ANOTHER PERIOD THE ENTIRE TOURNAMENT!!! Losing that first game 7-4, the RoughRiders stormed back with 7-2 and 7-1 wins, qualifying for the championship game against those same Ottawa Valley Bandits. Scoring twice in the first  period and never letting up, the RoughRiders skated at a furious pace for three periods, rarely letting Ottawa out of their defensive zone. When the final buzzer sounded, the RoughRiders had come away with a hard-fought and very impressive  6-3 win! The RoughRiders Cup was recaptured and brought back home to Long Island!!! Coupled with their winning the    Canadian O'Keefe Cup in Ottawa just 10 weeks prior, the RoughRiders hold both championship titles in the same year!!!
The ENTIRE RoughRiders team is to be commended for their efforts, determination and courage. As evidenced by the crowd in attendance at the championship game, dry eyes were hard to find but the applause was in abundance. This amazing group of young athletes continues to make us all so very proud. There is NO finer group anywhere, period.
 

June 16, 2007 - The RoughRiders prevailed again in their annual match with Lynbrook's NY#1 Elks Lodge. After a 9-3 win, all participants returned to the Lodge for breakfast. I thank the Elks for their ongoing support and a special thanks to Mark Dease for cooking a great breakfast and Ray Flaherty for opening the Lodge and taking care of refreshments.

May 14, 2007 - Despite strong goaltending by the Syosset Braves, the RoughRiders played a brilliant game and shut them out 7-0.  We thank them for their support and applaud their effort.

May 6th, 2007 - After 3-2, 8-2 and 6-2 wins, the RoughRiders played a hard-fought game against the Connecticut Wolfpack.  Tied 1-1 after two periods the RoughRiders responded with 2 unanswered goals for a 3-1 victory and captured the Inaugural O'Keefe Cup.  Congratulations to the entire team that made the trip.  You continue to make us proud.

April 2007 - RoughRider Brett Blomquist was presented with the New York State Senate Achiever's Award in the Senate LOB in Albany.  Brett joins teammates Captain Bryan Genovese (2005) and Mark Turan (2004) as RoughRiders' recipients of this award from 9th District Senator Dean Skelos.

February/March 2007 - The RoughRiders family extends their thanks to Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto and his team, the Seaford K of C Memorare Council and their team for their ongoing support and challenges. Although the RoughRiders were again victorious in both contests, all teams came away with an increased respect and admiration for the efforts extended. The RoughRiders also thank the "new kids on the block", the Bellmore/Merrick Bulldogs for their first-ever game, a hard-fought 7-2 RoughRiders win. Again, new friendships were formed and hopefully a new annual challenge brought to the table. Our most heartfelt thanks to all three organizations. It's your participation, support and compassion that enables this program to continue to grow and develop.

December 23rd, 2006 - The RoughRiders played an exciting game vs. the Valley Stream Eagles, home from college for the holidays, and skated away with a last-minute 9-8 victory on a goal by Captain Bryan Genovese as time ran out.  Great job by all!!!

December 2006 - the RoughRiders traveled to Ottawa, Canada and played three exciting games. Trailing the first game 6-4 in the third period, two late goals enabled the RoughRiders to come away with a hard-earned 6-6 tie. After an 8-5 win against the Ottawa Bandits, the RoughRiders played the Barbarians in a hard-hitting and classic contest. Down 4-2 after two periods and 5-3 early in the third, the RoughRiders scored two goal in the last three minutes to merit a phenomenal 5-5 tie. Great job!!! We're going back in May in an attempt to recapture the Lanthier_Sauve Cup.

October 2006 - RoughRiders beat a game LI Gulls Midget Major 18 year old players) team 12-5.  Keep checking this site for the rematch

July 2006 - The RoughRiders missed the championship game by one point after capturing the maximum 8 points in their third game, besting the Ottawa Local Heroes 6-2.  Playing for 3rd place on Sunday, the RoughRiders never let down and beat the CT Wolfpack 3-0, outstanding efforts exhibited by Captain Bryan Genovese and goalie Adam Mertz.  As always, The entire RoughRiders family is extremely proud of each and every one of you. 

June 2006 - Congratulations to Bryan Genovese and Danny Santos on being selected to USA Hockey's first-ever Sled Hockey Player Development Camp. Both athletes will be traveling to Rochester, NY, July 21st-25th and the RoughRiders' family wish them the best!!! 

May 2006 - the RoughRiders played an exceptional game vs. NY Elks Lodge #1, beating them 12-3. Our athletes thank the Elks for their ongoing support and commitment to our athletes. We'll be playing them again in the fall.

May 2006 - The RoughRiders, placed in the "A" bracket for the first time, played some marvelous hockey but fell short of the medal round for the first time in three years, They vow to return next year with better results promised. Great job to all!!!

May 19, 2006 - Catch CBS Sports, Channel 2,  High School Player of the Week as they honor our captain and team leader Bryan Genovese.  Bryan will be honored by CBS for his continued leadership, talents and inspiration.  Should air at approx. 5:40 PM.  We're all proud of you Bry!!!

April 2006 - Shocked and falling behind 5-3 to a much-improved Summit Security team, the RoughRiders responded with 6 unanswered goals for a 9-5 lead, en route to a 12-6 victory.  This marks the fourth consecutive win for the RoughRiders over Summit.  See the Summit Cup on display at Bridie O's in Lawrence.

March 2006 - the RoughRiders accepted two challenges by the men's hockey team from Nassau Community College in an eight day period and displayed a high-powered offense and relentless pressure, emerging with 12-5 and 8-2 wins. Thanks NCC for your support of our athletes.

March 2006 - The RoughRiders played two hard-fought games against the CT Wolfpack.  The Wolfpack pulled out a well-deserved 2-1 victory after falling to the RoughRiders 6-3 in the opener.  Both teams will  meet again in Ottawa in May.

January 21st, 2006 -   Town of Oyster bay Supervisor John Venditto, Assemblyman Joe  Saladino, and their team fought hard but fell to the RoughRiders 11-2. LI Sled Hockey thanks John, Joe and all in TOB for their continuing support.

January 2006 - Following an exciting 2-2 tie the RoughRiders responded with a fast-paced, end-to-end 1-0 victory, with goaltenders from both teams playing the games of their lives. Both games were played against the CT Wolfpack.

November 18th-20th 2005 - . A loss, a win and a hard-fought 2-2 tie bode real well for the RoughRiders in Ottawa, Canada. This last-minute weekend competition was made possible by those who once again contributed to the "Hop"!!!

2005 - After an opening 5-1 defeat, the RoughRiders stormed back with 5-2 and 2-1 wins, putting an exclamation mark on the tourney with a heart-stopping 5-4 victory over the Ottawa Bandits (the team they lost to in Game 1) to capture the first-ever RoughRiders Cup!!!

2005 - After a crushing 1st game loss, the RoughRiders rebounded with 2 wins and a tie to capture the Bronze Medal, the tie won the Bronze in a memorable 3-0 shutout.

2005 - Retain the "Summit Cup" with a 12-4 victory over Summit Security

2005 - failed to make medal round after 3 tough losses in USA Hockey National Tournament in Detroit, MI

2005 - Two hard-fought wins against Chariots of Fire team in Windsor, CT over 1/15-1/16 weekend

2004 - Win the Lanthier-Sauve Cup in Ottawa, Canada

2004 - swept four game tournament in Westfield, Massachusetts against the Chariots of Hope team from Hartford, Connecticut

2003 - Bronze Medal Winners - Intermediate Division - Markham Islanders International Sled Hockey Tournament, Toronto, Canada