As the NHL (National Hockey League) thunders down the road toward at least a partial delay of the season (hopefully not a full season lockout!), it's time to look in our own backyard for our hockey fix. Malden/East Boston Youth Hockey (MEB) can fill that void nicely. Not only is it considerably less expensive to attend one of our games, but the action and excitement of youth hockey - from Mites to Midgets - can really be infectious!

As we start our season this month, we look forward to building on a great recent history of championships, including last season's undefeated Mites, who garnered several championship honors along the way. MEB's home ice is at the Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Rink in East Boston, and we offer a chance for your children to play from age 4 in our Learn-to-Skate program through hich school with full and half-year programs to allow for teens to play on their school teams as well.

We will all watch and wait with baited breath to see if our beloved Boston Bruins will take to the ice this month in training camp and pre-season games, but for now we will satisfy our thirst for hockey at the local rinks, watching our youngsters learn skills, develop team and sportsmanship traits, and create bonds of friendship that will last long after the memories of the current labor dispute at the professional level fade away into the history books.

Contact us this month to start your son or daughter in a new endeavor or return them to the sport they love.  MEB looks forward to a new season with new team dynamics, new players, coaches, and friendships, and new levels of achievement to be reached while having fun and learning a lot along the way.

Registration forms can be obtained per request by e-mail to mebhockey1@aol.com , or direct questions to Peter Giuliano: 617-966-6598.  Additional details found on our website at: www.mebhockey.com.