The second annual hockey puck drop ceremony for the Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League demonstrated how determination and community support can keep a treasured tradition alive.
Dozens of families, friends and community leaders gathered at the James Bohan Hockey Rink in Juniper Valley Park on Saturday, Sept. 7, to celebrate the league’s second puck drop and honor the memory of fallen FDNY firefighter James Bohan, for whom the rink is named.
Days away from the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, MVP Roller also unveiled its scoreboard, finally installed by volunteers at the rink, in loving memory of Bohan.
Paul Pogozelski, who launched the revitalized league around the same time last year, shared admiration with all of the league’s supporters.
He especially thanked the people responsible for bringing the rink to the neighborhood, Eileen Moloney and Margaret Bohan.
“When we first started this, I didn’t know what to do to get this all started. Eileen Moloney was the person that helped me get this all off the ground,” said Pogozelski. “If it wasn’t for people like Eileen, that show you the way and are there to bring the way to you this way, they never got off the ground.”
Moloney orchestrated the placement of the James Bohan Rink at Juniper Valley Park and worked with Margaret, the mother of James, to ensure the Middle Village man’s legacy lived on.
James Bohan, an FDNY firefighter, lost his life on Dec. 18, 1998, while bravely attempting to rescue a woman from a fire in Brooklyn. Raised and residing in Middle Village, Bohan left a lasting impression on his community with his compassion and joyful spirit. Just a day before his death, he and his fellow firefighters walked the halls of Brookdale Hospital, handing out toys to sick children—a memory cherished by those who knew him well.
An emotional Pogozelski reconfirmed Margaret’s everlasting importance to the community and how her son’s lesson is one to keep close to heart.
“Let’s give what we can give while we’re up above the ground, because we’re going to have a lot of days to say that we regret that we didn’t do this or didn’t do that,” Pogozelski said. “So it might not always be perfect. And people might think you’re crazy, and most likely you are crazy. Just keep on going forward. Just keep on doing what you got to do.”
Most of all, Pogozelski thanked The Uniformed Firefighters Association for sponsoring the puck drop and providing the necessary funding to have the newly placed scoreboard and sign at the rink.
Chris Viola, chairman of the UFA, gifted Pogozelski with an honorary FDNY hockey jersey for his commitment to the James Bohan Hockey Rink.
“Hockey is such a great team sport, and having the option for our kids to have a venue to play and to build camaraderie, and not do bad things on the street, is so important,” said Viola, adding that the opportunity for other generations to play the sport is equality important.
The UFA chairman also played in the 104th Precinct Youth Roller Hockey League, which temporarily occupied Joseph F. Mafera Park. Additional community partners, including the Juniper Park Civic Association, also shared their support on Saturday.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed drinks and bagels from Middle Village Bagels before the season’s scheduled games began, featuring a group of players with two years of experience under their belts.
On Saturday, the Stingers edged the High Flyers 6-4. Stinger Nazariy Hirnyak led the team to their opening game win with five goals and an assist. Goalie Artur Prosinski got the win for the Stingers in his league debut, showing a top goaltender potential as the year progresses.
A doubleheader on Sunday featured the Hitmen, who made their debut toward the end of last season, beat the High Flyers 4-1. Hitmen Goalie Alex Sliwa carried a shutout late into the game, only allowing one tally against the High Flyers.
In another league matchup, the Thunder Trucks and the Stingers battled to a 3-3 regulation tie. Thunder Truck Paulie Pogozelski and Stinger Nazariy Hirnyak traded hat tricks in this contest, but the Trucks eventually prevailed in the shootout 2-1. Trucks Goalie Anthony Corso turned away 3 of the 4 shootout shots against him, propelling his team to their first win of the season.
To stay updated on the latest events, more information on the league and a list of sponsors, visit mvproller.com.
