It's On Us

Let's make something straight: the 2008-2009 Howell Rebels are different from the 2009-2010 Howell Rebels.

There's a couple reasons to support that statement. It's not because last year's team was more talented--and they're not. At this point in the season, the record means nothing. Howell has achieved their goal of making it to the state playoffs.

It's not because this team doesn't have the 'chemistry' that last year's team had. All of these players have the ability to be prolific hockey players and goal-scorers.

Let me tell you why this team has a different feeling than last year's: the fans.

As much as you would wish to believe that the fans do not have an impact on the way a team plays, think again. Look at the other teams, not only in the division, but in the state. Aside from Freehold Township, who really only have fans because Howell does, high school hockey teams generally do not have fans. Trust me, I cover a multitude of hockey teams up north, none of which have fans--and it's a completely different game.

All of last season, the Rebels' fans gave them an edge, it gave them a swagger. Teams, quite frankly, did not want to play Howell because no matter where the game was, the fan-base was there--and they were loud.

Sadly, this year, things are different. The same twenty-to-thirty students are at every game, and are there for more of a social gathering--rather than cheering on their team.

Fans, young and old, starting Monday night, things will change. There will be several hundreds of fans supporting Howell. Certainly, that may be a little much to ask for, but not with the Howell crowd that I remember, the one that was at Ocean Ice Palace last year when the Rebels were eliminated from the state playoffs in the second round.

This team, is more than just a team. For several fans, Howell Hockey has become a way of life. It's certainly not just a team that I happen to write about.

No.

Howell hockey is something everybody in this town has come together for. Whether it be young or old, high school boys, high school girls, mothers, fathers, and grandparents a like--this is something we have all been able to come together and support together.

Let me ask you, in what may be my last day as a Howell Rebels fan because I am a senior, why not be there to support the very people who have given you an escape from the nasty world out there?

Because, oh yes, Howell hockey is so much more than a high school sport.

It's not just a game.

With support, this team has every chance to make a miracle run to the state championship. And there's no better way to celebrate something than with 400 people who love that something as much as you do.

For all of you reading this, that something is Howell Rebels Ice Hockey.