Oxford Networks, proud longtime partner

Published on September 16, 2010 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


In order to operate a major junior franchise with an operating budget in excess of 1 million dollars many partners are required. The MAINEiacs are proud of the partnerships that we have had and look forward to. As part of our committment to the community we will be recognizing various partners throughout the season.

While we are always grateful for new partners and associates of the MAINEiacs, we feel privileged, this week, to recognize Oxford Networks for their consistent contribution to our team.

From the start, Oxford Networks has proven to be a dedicated supporter and invaluable partner of the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Going above and beyond their responsibilities as a financial contributor, Oxford Networks graciously offered their Lisbon Street location in Lewiston to hold a press conference this past August, where we announced Bill Schurman as our new Managing Consultant and Governor.

Giving back to the communities in which they live and serve is no strange concept to associates at Oxford Networks. As a Maine-based company established over 100 years ago, they believe in both the importance of providing exceptional service as well as showing their appreciation for positive causes that aide the Maine population. Contributing to charities such as the United Way and the Maine Cancer Foundation, they understand the importance of staying involved in their own communities, and their philanthropy throughout Maine is well recognized.

We are proud to have a long-lasting partnership with Oxford Networks. We value the support they have provided us in the past and look forward to future years of cooperation. The MAINEiacs are made better by the great companies that are willing to work with us to maintain a great Maine tradition.

Oxford Networks is a Maine based telecommunications company providing phone, internet and data services to businesses and residents across the State of Maine. For more information, please check out their website, http://www.oxfordnetworks.com/

- by Jenny Krupski

The Billet Experience - Marilyn & Reggie Desmarais

For hockey players, change is one thing they need to get used to. Moving from place to place can be rough on young QMJHL players, but with billets like Marilyn and Reggie Desmarais, the changes come a little easier.

Reggie and Marilyn have been billets for 4 years, housing the likes of Lucas Labelle, Dany Columbe, Tommy Dery, and for the past two seasons they have housed Sam Henley. They started billeting after seeing their daughter and son-in-law do it. They love the chance to watch the boys grow and fulfill their NHL dreams. Giving them a stable home is top priority.

While talking about her 'boys', Marilyn says "Dany...oh Dany brings tears to my eyes. He was such a sweet kid." It's obvious to see how close they become to their boys.

When talking about Sam, Marilyn had nothing but good words about him. "He was so shy last year, but this year he has really come out of his shell. He is such a good kid. His parents live so far away, so we want to make this as much like home for him as we can."

When asked what it takes to be a billet, Marilyn simply said, "If you want to be a billet, be ready to love them unconditionally and love them as if they are your own, because they are just kids. Oh yeah, and don't forget to feed them!"

-by Gail Tarr

Meet the MAINEiac - Sam Henley

Weighing in at 6'3", 175 pounds, at 17 years of age and in his second season with the MAINEiacs, we introduce #15, right wing, and recently named assistant captain -- Sam Henley.

Might you tell us about your hometown and your family? I grew up in Val-d'Or, QC, with my mom, dad, and two brothers -- one older and one younger. In Val-d'Or, most everyone is passionate about hockey.

Hockey's in your family's blood. Can you tell us about your love of hockey? I started playing hockey when I was five years old. My dad was in the hockey minors in his day so he taught us boys the game, and my mom was very supportive -- she was the one taking me to and fro all the rinks. Both my parents have been extremely supportive of my hockey development. Granted, I played some tennis, golf, soccer, and baseball as a boy, but with the short summers in Val-d'Or, I decided to focus on hockey, as did both my brothers. Growing up, I always looked up to my older brother Cedrick, and wanted to be a great player like he's been. He's in his third year with Val-d'Or (Foreurs) and was drafted by the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. And my younger brother plays too. He looks up to Cedrick and me, and hopes to have similar hockey successes like we've had. He's a good kid and I have high hopes for him.

How do you like your second year in the city of Lewiston? I really like it here -- it's very nice. The people are wonderful, and I really like my billet family. In general, L-A is not really that different from were I live in Val-d'Or. There are a lot of similarities -- the populations are roughly the same -- yet with a few differences, namely it's a little warmer here than in Val-d'Or.

What does it mean to you to be an assistant captain? How do you feel about the team this year? I'm honored to be an assistant captain, and am working really hard to be a positive example both on and off the ice.

This year's team . . . we are such a good group of guys. I may be an assistant captain, but let me tell you, there are so many leaders on this team that I really believe we can have a great year and even make a serious run for the President's Cup. I'm proud to belong to this team of young men and talented players. If we work together, the sky's the limit.

Lightning Round with Sam

What's your favorite movie? The Hangover

Who is your favorite musical artist? Taylor Swift

What's your favorite food/meal? Lasagna

Do you prefer cats or dogs, both, or neither? Cats. And my friend Joe Canhon does too!

Outside of playing in the NHL, what other type of job might interest you as a career? If I doesn't involve professional hockey, I would like to own my own business some day.

- by Kris Kucera

Mamie Ney, Season Ticket Holder of the Week

Mamie Ney loves MAINEiacs hockey, and it's not just because her great nephew Connor Anthoine stood out at training camp this year. (Connor opted to go the NCAA route, as has his brother Mark, who will be a freshman at UMaine this year). Ney, originally from Lewiston and from a family with long-time interest in L/A hockey, says the best thing about MAINEiacs hockey is "Everything!" She quickly emphasizes the high quality of hockey at this level and the chance to share games with family and friends, make it worth the drive from Kennebunk.

That's right. Kennebunk. Ney makes the hour-long, "easy drive up the 'Pike," with XM radio or a good book on tape. Part of the draw is spending time with family in the stands, but Ney echoes the sentiment of many hockey fans that the Colisee is a great spectator arena. She loves her seat in section 5, because "it's so close to the home goal and all the action." Whether you spot Ney knitting behind the net or attending team skates for STHs, there is no doubt she's a Maineiacs fan. "This is great hockey - period."

- by Sarah Alto

Eric "Cheech" Michaud, Staff Member of the Week

If you attend a Maineiacs game you will see a young man running back and forth between the locker room and the bench and other areas at the ABC. This is Eric Michaud aka "Cheech", a 16 year old junior at Lewiston high school and currently assistant equipment manager for the Lewiston MAINEiacs.

He inherited the nickname "Cheech" from when he was little trying to prounounce his name, it came out as "Eric Cheechew" and the name has stuck since. Eric came to the MAINEiacs organization volunteering to help out and fit right in.

This season is a new challenge for Eric. For the first three years has been a game operations assistant and has moved over this year to the assistant equipment manager role. His job is not an easy task. He sets up the team bench, the scouts room and the visitors dressing room. His daily routine includes doing laundry, dealing with equipment issues, and run errands for Coach Houle, Equipment Manager Matt Flaherty and Therapist Brian Morrison.

A good day is when things run smoothly and nothing sudden breaks or goes wrong. "As long as there is good communication between the staff and players then things run smooth," he says. "Commmunication is the key."

Eric loves his job and loves the hockey operations side of it. He feels that this opporunity is a stepping stone for him to go onto the next level. He wants to pursue a career in the sports field being an equipment manager, public relations representative, coach, or anything that is sports related. He wants to learn every job in the hockey operations department.

'Cheech' is a rookie on the bench. The players haven't played any pranks on him....yet, but the season has just begun.

- by Amy Duchette

CONGRATULATIONS TO 50/50 WINNERS:

Friday: Pete St. Pierre of Lewiston $652

Saturday: Matt Chapman of Auburn $703

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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