Wrapping up 2020-21 with the NA3 Generals

This is a brief recounting of the season from my perspective, as well as my first entry in nearly 3 years. Forgive me if I’m rusty.

The end of the 2019-20 campaign

It’s hard to say goodbye.

When the 2020-21 NA3 campaign began, I was in a rough mindspace. I was pretty depressed, feeling a bit lost & losing confidence daily for a myriad of reasons. With a powerhouse team that looked poised to compete for a title, the previous season ended in an emergency cancellation after just 1 playoff game. I can still remember the feeling I had during that last game, mere hours before the season suddenly ended. That feeling of the unknown, grappling with uncertainty and the real possibility of the season suddenly dissolving without conclusion. By the final horn, word had come that the leagues had made their decisions and that was the end of it. I said my goodbyes to some of the team that day, hopeful we’d somehow reconvene again, maybe in a month’s time, maybe a month and a half. We wouldn’t.

After months of waiting, hockey would eventually resume with a new season. Come mid-November, I was desperately itching to get some creative momentum going again. I had shot a couple of NAHL games in November, but COVID restrictions took that team away from me for the next 4.5 months, which didn’t help me with the empty-feeling I was experiencing. It wasn’t until December where I finally began shooting NA3 games, and that aforementioned funk I was in followed me around in the early stages of the year. I didn’t completely know the team too well and felt pretty lackluster about what I was producing - so not only did I feel disconnected from the boys, but also from my work. It wasn’t a fun time. It could have been worse, but still - for some reason, I felt further than ever from the standards I was setting for myself. 

As the year progressed, I was able to find a little more of a rhythm shooting-wise and started feeling comfortable enough to spend time around/on the bench (always masked) without feeling concerned about contracting COVID. Aside from my viewfinder fogging up all the time (thus, consequently hoping whatever I shot was in-focus), I felt pretty good behind the mask. That was a big weight off my back and helped clear my conscience to a degree, trying to remain safe. I was dying creatively, not being able to go my usual 125% and get more personal with the team. 

The weeks seemed to go by quicker and quicker as I got to know this year’s team. Before I knew it, the late additions had been made and the roster was set. The boys tend to open up more to me as the season goes on, and they are all pretty comfortable with the camera, which makes things that much better in forming bonds. I’m probably (on average) 14 years older than these boys, but being around them brings that youthful energy back out of me and I feed off of it.  By the time the playoffs were around, I was not only in a much better spot mentally, but really felt one with the team and tried to bring whatever positive energy I could. 

The team survived a round 1 scare from Long Beach, before taking them out in 3 games. thanks to a big road effort in game 2 and the offense coming around in game 3. Hot goaltending from the Sharks nearly cost the Gens the series, but they were able to dig deep and persevere. The boys would be matched up with New Jersey for round 2 and would need to channel similar energy to which they did in the previous series. After a second straight game 1 loss, I joined the team on a road trip out of state for the first time, as it might have been my last chance to catch them this season. Life had gotten busier over the recent months and I was working around the clock to keep up with my photos outside of my full-time job, but by this point I really wanted to be there with them and help make it feel a little more like home. The team had come to feel like the metaphorical little brothers that I never had.

Did the trip inevitably create even more work for me? Sure. But all the while, I was able to take in the boys’ personalities (outside of the rink) on the trip, which is refreshing because I always enjoy getting to know them all, depending on their own comfort levels with me. Being an introvert, myself, I can understand and appreciate not necessarily wanting to open up to a dude who follows everyone taking their photo. Anyway, the trip to New Jersey was a successful one from both the Gens standpoint and my own. The team scored a big victory that kept the series going and I got to nap + talk with some of the team on the ride home. 

The following night, the team punched their ticket to the Fraser Cup championship rounds for the first time, which felt like at least partial-vindication for the previous season’s sudden cancellation. I wasn’t sure at the time, but it would be the last time I would see the team as they competed on a larger stage with the rest of the league’s best teams. Without going into great detail, I watched from afar as the team learned some hard lessons about what it takes to compete against other teams in those later rounds. Still, I am so proud of what these boys were able to do this year in a season with wackiness both off AND on the ice (I’m looking at you, Carson).

With all of that said, I never really took the opportunity to say goodbye to the boys in person. In lieu of that, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the team/ some of my experiences with them, in no particular order.

Tyler Kaminski - what an addition you were to this team. He carries a quiet tenacity on the ice that you could feel from anywhere in the rink. Tyler brought it every game and earned the A he wore with his fearless play. He really felt like an ideal fit for the team upon his arrival late last year, and this past season proved just as much. 

Dylan Dent - what an addition you were to this team, another player who I saw fit in very quickly with the squad. Dylan really bolstered the blue line depth for the Gens and was an impact player throughout the playoff run, who really took to being a General. In the early stages of getting to know Dylan, he took the time to talk to me about photography and showed just how much he was ingratiating himself into the Gens culture. Within a couple games, I felt like I’d known him for much longer. I wish he’d had the chance to have arrived a long time ago, but appreciate the short time we spent.

Drew Schemmel - I’ve watched Drew grow over the last couple of years and see him continue to gain confidence and presence. He wasn’t a captain, but Drew sure is vocal. You can catch him most games chirping at someone from the opposition, looking to get under their skin. He doesn’t even have to be on the ice for it, either! There he was in NJ just a couple of weeks ago, sitting in the stands going back and forth with some Titans players also in attendance of the game. I will always remember Drew for the lovable punk he is.

Carson Asper - Still my most photographed General ever and one of the most memorable. Carson’s on-ice demeanor couldn’t be more different from how he is off the ice. There are a few that walk the line like him, which has admittedly earned him a reputation. I’ve never seen so many away fans direct their vitriol at one particular individual than they do with Carson. Over the last 2 years, I’ve gotten to talk to him and know him a little better. Like many other hockey players, he is a friendly person and a good teammate, even if he does break his hand fighting a fellow General in practice. Things happen. We move on. I enjoyed my time with Carson a lot and will miss both him and his signature blonde locks.

Deacon More - Such a warm soul with a penchant for giving a smile for the camera during a walk-by, I’m going to miss seeing him around the rink. I can tell Deacon has done a lot of growing up in his time as a General, and showed his leadership skills by wearing an “A” for the last two years. Always bringing his goofy, weird Florida presence with him, Deacon also brought his game on the ice, as a leading D-man in the league as a solid two-way defender who could move/shoot the puck. He made me feel welcome over the last two years and always acknowledged my presence, which meant a lot to me as an outsider. I won’t soon forget him.

Nick Obourn - Nick not only always made himself approachable to me early on, but he also was always quite complimentative of me which helped with getting my confidence back on track. Nick blinked at a lot of inopportune times, ruining several photos throughout the season. But aside from that, he is a straight shooter with a vision for himself. We shared a conversation on the way home from New Jersey where we were able to learn a little more about each other, as well as taking some time to appreciate that particular moment; Spending time with a group of guys that would soon depart one another and likely never all be together in one place again. 

The way a hockey season progresses can serve as a good reminder how quickly things move, and how that translates to life in general. It possesses it’s ebbs & flows, all the meanwhile shaping you as a person and helping you grow.  It all goes so fast, and you have to truly soak it up while it’s happening. Before you know it, 10 years have gone by even though you feel like you hardly blinked. The bonds made in hockey are extraordinary. Anyone who has spent any time around the game understands the effects it has and how we stay connected to it. We learn from one another and make personal strides thanks to each other.  With that said, I’d like to quickly mention the rest of the team.

Jacob Kaminski, who I had the pleasure of really getting to know this season, and who played the role of my personal chauffeur when my car broke down before one of the games. He’s a stand-up young man who possesses many qualities I value, I can’t say enough good things about him. I really enjoyed this addition to the organization.

Gabe Stoner, who was kind enough to have brought me home that same carless evening and talked a bit about his life in Pennsylvania/Colorado. A pretty quiet guy, but always a friendly face and ready to do his part. We didn’t talk a ton, but when we did, it was always pleasant and I enjoyed being around him. Wishing him the best as he finds his next hockey home.

Frankie Cecchetto, who was seemingly always wearing a smile whenever I ran into him, whose warm personality I can still feel from across the Atlantic in Italy. Has been a lot of fun getting to be around him these last couple of years.

Nick Wracker, being the consummate first year Captain and dapper dresser - I was truly happy to see him get the C this year as he possesses good leadership qualities. Nick was always around the rink last year and open to having a conversation. One of a handful of Carolina boys on the team this year, I’m hopeful to see him for another season. Who doesn't like Nick Wracker?

Kas Moncheck, eating up the camera from the first minute and always chatting me up. Might be a top 5 fan of Patrick Garriepy Photography with the amount of photos posed for. Kas was such a good locker room guy, sacrificing his hair, always at the center of conversations, and one of many who truly valued being a General.

Espen Reager, whose presence as a teammate and competitor, I admire greatly. Every team should have 10 Espens. He’s a bright kid with a very down-to-earth personality and looks at things in a pretty straightforward manner. Shines bright in net and on the bench, always encouraging teammates and making big stops.  

Sean Loftus, who complimented my beard early on, before I could even realize who was saying it behind a mask or who he even was - but became someone I greatly appreciated for the humble attitude he brought with him daily. Always smiling, he’s an easy one to be around and another I’m going to miss.

Sean Gorman, another player who loved the camera and was part of the most elaborate post-game celebration photo I’ve ever seen with two of the other General punks in Noah Smejkal and Drew Schemmel (seen below at a later point). He’s a shorthanded beast and another one who likes to talk - I can’t believe I’m about twice this kid’s age.

Gijs De Shepper, a great guy in the locker room and on the ice, who took so much good-humored abuse regarding his name in stride and with character. Gijs’ acquisition was another that helped solidify the blue line this season, never got too high and never got too low.

Jacob Kosinski, whose family consistently showed love from across the country throughout the season. Had some of the best hair on the team and had a solid season this year. Also wears my favorite number, so naturally, I like him a lot.

The Ramm brothers (Nick & Tyler), who are just climbing the Generals ladder and have made me feel like a teammate rather than a photographer. The last month was just swell bringing you guys on full time and seeing what you were able to add to the team. I love these boys and can’t wait to see how they continue to grow.

James Clarke, a quiet but consistent player who I knew was going to be a great addition from the time it was announced. I remember watching him last season and seeing him stand out on the Skylands team. James is always an offensive threat and possesses solid speed that he often used to beat defenders around the edge. Always willing to drive the net and gets results.

Ben Pizzimenti, who seems to often carry a smile as well as a mindful attitude. Ben is certainly vocal, but has a quiet way of going about his business and how he carries himself. Always smiled for the camera from day 1 last season, making him another player who I could always count on to make me feel welcome.

Payton Felix, who reminds me of myself as a former player, except more talented. Payton is always moving his legs & flying all over the ice. I often get winded watching him go, but it's a sacrifice I can live with. I can never argue with his effort on the ice. Payton had himself a pretty good year, both scoring goals and setting up teammates. Another player with lots of awkward-faced photos this year that didn’t make final cuts.

Jake Hosszu, who was such an important stabilizing addition for this team on the blue line. Brought physicality and some snarl along with the ability to rush the puck and create opportunities.

Nolan Merulli, who could always feel the camera pointed in his direction and couldn’t help but look at it seemingly every time. I laughed out loud at all of the times I noticed this going through images throughout the season. Nolan brought some physicality on the ice and wasn’t afraid to get a little messy. He also likes & studies rocks.

Jackson Lynch, such an affable character and good teammate. Could always count on him to let me know if I was missing something that I should photograph. I mistook a child for Lynchie in NJ, though.

Austin Crisp, who dealt with injuries but was always a constant presence when he couldn’t be on the ice. It turns out he’s pretty good on the ice, too! Was glad to finally see him back for playoffs and hopeful less injuries are in his future.

Patrick Colburne, who stepped up to provide a steady presence in net when the Gens needed it in the playoffs. Also made some highlight-reel saves along the way. Given the shared name, I’m naturally a big fan of the kid .

Raphael Gaughan, who came back to the team on an emergency basis and was a welcome familiar face during the playoff run. Too bad to see the rules prevent him playing but I missed having him around!

Braden Owen, another who always was willing to take time to have a conversation with me and also had the sweetest hip-check all season. Snappy dresser. Heart and soul guy, Braden finds his ways to make his presence felt.

Braeden Kennedy, who like the Ramm brothers, helped provide a boost for the stretch run coming up from the U18 squad. Scored some big goals as the season progressed & looks like a different person from the kid I photographed last season!

Jason Gratz, another player who doesn’t let his size dictate his fearless play - a quality I greatly admire. He also has a surprisingly strong mustache game. Sometimes I see some of the things that he does and subsequently thing to myself, being a former player of similar stature - “I might get killed if I tried to do that in a game”.

And lastly, Coach Locke, who endured my constant paparazzi presence throughout the year while allowing me to do what I need to do in order to produce what I can.

Thank you to everyone for your love and support this year. Please know how much of a difference you made in my life these last handful of months, I’ll always appreciate how welcome you’ve made me feel. Please know how much I love you all and how you have helped make a difference in my life. Night after night, you reminded me once again of why I love hockey so much. I know this didn’t end the way anyone wanted it to, but the sour end doesn’t represent all of the great memories that were made together. Remember the best times you had. Continue to be good to others and keep in touch. You know where to find me.

The 2020-21 NA3HL Northeast Generals are (left to right, top to bottom):

Nick Ramm, Jake Hosszu, Payton Felix, Gabe Stoner, Gijs De Shepper, Sean Loftus, Tyler Ramm, Carson Asper, Ben Pizzimenti, Jackson Lynch, Noah Smejkal, Braden Owen, Nolan Merulli, Dylan Dent, Austin Crisp, Sean Gorman, Drew Schemmel, Kasmier Moncheck, Jacob Kosinski, Braeden Kennedy, Espen Reager, Jason Gratz, James Clarke, Jacob Kaminski, Tyler Kaminski, Coach Darryl Locke, Captain Nick Wracker, Deacon More, Nicklaus Obourn, Patrick Colburn & Raphael Gaughan.