Downingtown East HS protest

[Guest]

@DLNSports reports that...



Multiple sources confirm, ALL returning varsity ice hockey players at 2-time reigning state champ Downingtown East have decided to sit out season in wake of firing of coach Dave Hendricks. Monday's tryouts included only JV players. All varsity players asked for refund.

https://twitter.com/dlnsports/status/1034272053501808645?s=21

Don’t know the details of why the coach was fired, but kudos to these kids for supporting their coach.

[Youth Hockey Info]

Haven't they won the ICSHL championship the past few years?

[Guest]

Two class AA PA State titles in a row, and 3 of the last 4 Flyers Cups

[Guest]

Parents from the JV team complained about the varsity team snubbing players who had every reason to be part of that varsity team in place of recruited players who didn't belong in that school system. It wasn't a secret what he was doing instead it was common knowledge throughout DEIH. It was only a matter of time before somebody was going to complain publicly.

The article doesn't say it specifically but I can guarantee it was the parents, they were fed up with the BS.

http://papreplive.com/2018/08/28/downingtown-east-in-disarray-players-protest-after-coach-of-back-to-back-state-champs-is-fired/

[Guest]

Your pissed off because Bobby JV player can't make the varsity hockey team. Well boo hoo. This hockey team is a powerhouse because of the organization who built it and put the effort into maintaining it. You will regret the decision made to ruin a dynasty for kids in the Downingtown area school district.

[Guest]

As I understand it, the purpose of playing ice hockey for the school name is to represent the school the kids attend within their geographical school imprint. When there are players being carted in from outside districts solely for the purpose of winning titles doesn't that degrade the purpose? It's unfair to the kids who do live within the district and want to play but can't because ringers are brought in to replace them. Thank you varsity players for deciding to sit out, now our kids will get a chance and will play. I am applauding you in jest.

[Guest]

How many kids that were on varsity weren’t really East kids?

[Youth Hockey Info]

As of 5hrs ago....

Coach Hendricks has been re-instated. The existing board overseeing operations has been dissolved. Varsity hockey registration has been re-instated and players have been invited to tryout.

http://papreplive.com/2018/08/29/hockey-hendricks-reinstated-at-downingtown-east-board-dissolved-registration-re-opened-for-all-players/

Per PenLive:

In a message from the board to all members – including those who skipped Monday’s tryouts – the following changes were laid out, all effectively immediately. The email was obtained by the Daily Local News.

• New coach Zach Overholtzer voluntarily stepped down.
• Former coach Dave Hendricks is reinstated immediately and will continue his 12-year career at East.
• All current remaining members of the board will vacate their seats, effective immediately, and all interested board members will be nominated and voted upon in the coming weeks.
• Registration will re-open for any players who wish to play this season, and will remain open until Monday, September 3 at 11 p.m.
• If the decision to reinstate Hendricks causes anyone who chose to register to reconsider, they can get a refund of all fees until Monday, September 3 at 11 p.m.
• Justin Smith and Jake Gallagher will coach the JV teams.
• There will be an all-member meeting sometime in September to discuss the future of the club and new board members.

In the email, the board states, “the ultimate goal was to have more kids play hockey, not less.”

It goes on to say the following:

“On behalf of the members of the board, we regret the chaotic atmosphere that our actions have created. There was never any malice or ulterior motives in the decisions made by the group. Every member acted at all times with the best interests of the players as their objectives. Obviously, some issues emerged that divides us. They are now in the past. It is time for the ‘Cougar Community’ to heal. Our wish now is for everyone to play their part in that process, and for as many players as possible to enjoy the coming season.”

[Guest]

Bringing players in from outside the district is nonsense, against the rules and should not be tolerated by and in-district family. IF this is true then those parents had every right to protest and fire the coach. If the coach and his staff acted in this way it greatly diminishes his accomplishments and the legitimacy of the entire league. Shame on them for skirting the rules

[Guest]

The entire board is guilty that's why they've been dissolved. The league should penalize the club, go over their roster with a fine tooth comb to verify legitimate players who have confirmed addresses inside the school boundaries. Let the JV players get their chance and ensure Hendricks is in fact playing those of whom should be on the team.