Sincere thanks from the Baileys

Thank you Woodstock
Sat. Jun. 19, 2010

Dear Editor,
 
When our son left home to move to Woodstock to play hockey with the Woodstock Slammers, we were not confident he had made the right decision.  Playing junior hockey has its risks,physical and otherwise. We had heard a few horror stories and we were worried about him finishing high school, coping with peer pressures, earning ice time with the team and simply being treated fairly and respectfully.  
 
Now, four and a half years later, we simply want to say thank you to the Woodstock Slammers organization and to the town and wider community of Woodstock.  Our son, Brogan Bailey, did make the right decision and has grown and developed as a hockey player and, more importantly, as a young man because of it.
 
Thank you to the teachers and administration of Woodstock High School.  Brogan's teachers communicated with us regularly, keeping us up to date on his progress.  He graduated with honours from Lunenburg High School after that first year away from home.  Thank you to the billet families who ensured Brogan was cared and undoubtedly more comfort than he has come to expect at home.  Thank you to the Woodstock Slammers organization for the professionalism with which they deal with their players entrusted to their care.  Thank you to Danny Braun for his belief in brogan's abilities, thanks to Jason Tatarnic and the rest of the coaching staff for their mentorship and leadership, thanks to Andrew McCain for his sponsorship and dedicated involvement in the development of young hockey talent.  Thank you also, to the citizens of Woodstock.  Living so far away we weren't able to be in the stands often to cheer the Slammers on, but Brogan would always let us know how much the enthusiastic (and LOUD) support of the fans meant to him and his teammates.
 
Outside the rink as well, he has made many friends and fells very "at home" in Woodstock, a compliment to the community and the quality of the people who live there.  The gear is packed away for another season and Brogan will be moving on, but please know that we are grateful for the time he spent there and will always hold a special place in our hearts for Woodstock.  GO SLAMMERS!
 
Sincerely,
Rachel and Mike Bailey
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia