Thanks For A Great Ride! (1984-2005)

To all my former team parents, coaches, and especially my players, THANK YOU for a great 21 years, it is hard to believe it has been that long. Thank you to my wife Ann for supporting my coaching and being the PWA's biggest fan.

When I started coaching the Pee Wee A’s as a junior at Salem State College, Twin Rinks was still open on Route 114, the Beverly Ice Palace was two hockey rinks, and I had a FULL head of hair. (oh yes, it’s true, check out the team photos on the web site!) From the very first time I started coaching the A’s in 1984 I knew that I wanted to start building a tradition of excellence, excitement, and pride. Being a PWA had to mean something and I believe it did (and still does).

The list of memories I have would be way too long to list, but as I always told my players, the memories of the games will fade, but the memories of all the fun they had will last forever. Pee Wee A teams have traveled to tournaments in Montreal, Lake Placid, Martha’s Vineyard, and of course, who will forget the Thanksgiving trips to Plymouth. I think the Pee Wee A’s have played in just about every rink in Massachusetts!

I could not begin to name all the friends I have made over the years in DYH. I have had the opportunity to meet some really awesome people through coaching and those friendships will last forever.

Remember, “Once A Pee Wee A, ALWAYS a PEE WEE A” After 21 years and 1,288 games, this is Coach Jones signing off for good and once again saying THANK YOU to all.

Mark Jones
mjones@meaddesign.com