Wrap-up day

So what happens when a season comes to an end?

Well, let’s backup a little to get the story started.

A FINAL GAME, A BIGGER PICTURE

The Manitoba Moose saw the 2015-16 schedule come to an end Saturday night in Austin, TX; a 4-1 loss to the playoff-bound Stars preventing them from finishing with four straight wins.

But despite the loss, and the club’s non-playoff status, there was evidence of growth on both team and individual levels this season.

From a team point-of-view, the campaign closed with a 14-15-1-1 stretch (dating back to the start of February), and the Moose ended up with 37 points from their 38 home games.

And when it comes to individuals there was progress from the rookies through the most experienced players with five moving up from the Moose to make their NHL debuts with the Jets (Hellebuyck, Morrissey, Lipon, Kosmachuk, and De Leo) – not to mention more veteran players who went up to help the parent team.

EXIT MEETINGS – A BUSY TIME

With all that in mind, and after one final travel day from the road, the club held its exit meeting day with players Monday.

And what a day it was with plenty of ground to cover for staff and players alike; a “five station” whirlwind through MTS Iceplex.

Here’s the scoop on the five stops: player meetings with hockey operations staff, player medicals and consultations regarding summer training, a chance to autograph souvenirs, time with the media, and final stop to gather equipment and say goodbyes.

Each player was given a time to meet with the staff and the schedule started with the players wearing letters (Albert, Cormier, MacWilliam) leading the way with younger players/less experienced players following.

In all it made for a full day with the first meeting mid-morning and the last one going late in the afternoon.

MOVING ON

Soon the players will branch out to their off-season bases to rest a little and then it’s all about preparing to take things to another level when training camp rolls around.

It was a season short on wins, but it wasn’t a season short on caring, effort, learning, or bonding.

There are many who will return to the organization, and others who will move on, but it’s safe to say the vast majority will feel somehow better for having gone through the experience that the 2015-16 experience provided.