Team Thread: Vermont Frost Heaves

[Jimmytwotimes]

Heaves release 2010 Schedule

The Champlain Cup will take place in Barre, VT over three days Dec 27, 28 and 29 between Vermont, Manchester and Quebec. Winner takes the cup.


Preseason Champlain Cup
Quebec @ Vermont 27-Dec Sun 2:05 PM Barre
Manchester @ Quebec 28-Dec Mon 7:05 PM Barre
Manchester @ Vermont 29-Dec Tues 7:05 PM Barre

Vermont opens the season with 5 straight road games
Jan-3 @ Manchester
Jan-9 @ Puerto Rico
Jan-16 @ Halifax
Jan-28 @ Oklahoma
Jan-30 @ Maryland
Feb-2 vs Manchester
Feb-6 @ Rochester
Feb-13 @ Buffalo
Feb-19 vs Puerto Rico
Feb-20 @ Manchester
Feb-28 vs Halifax
Mar-5 vs Oklahoma
Mar-6 vs Buffalo
Mar-12 @ Quebec
Mar-16 vs Manchester
Mar-20 @ Maryland
Mar-27 vs Maryland
Apr-2 vs Halifax
Apr-8 vs Rochester
Apr-9 vs Quebec

[basketball facts]

Maybe it is just me, but I think that it is bad when a team announces it's schedule before the league office announces the schedule. The schedule is not up on the PBL web site, yet you have teams doing their own thing. No chain of command

[Jimmytwotimes]

I completely agree. If the teams have to wait for the PBL to release the schedule, who knows when that's going to be. At least some of the teams think it's important to get the info out to their fans and the media.

[runninref]

The complete schedule is posted on the PBL website.:mrgreen:

[The Sweeper]

Jan-3 @ Manchester
Jan-9 @ Puerto Rico
Jan-16 @ Halifax
Jan-28 @ Oklahoma
Jan-30 @ Maryland

That's a lot of frequent flyer miles right there (minus the trip to Manchester, of course). At least we finish out the season with 4 home dates.

[misenern]

Jan-3 @ Manchester
Jan-9 @ Puerto Rico
Jan-16 @ Halifax
Jan-28 @ Oklahoma
Jan-30 @ Maryland

That's a lot of frequent flyer miles right there (minus the trip to Manchester, of course). At least we finish out the season with 4 home dates.

Wow. That travel is insane.

[Alumni96]

That's a ridiculously bad schedule. Team has no home games for an entire month? That can't be good.

[Jimmytwotimes]

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: November 17, 2009


Vermont Frost Heaves fans in central Vermont can rest a little easier after the team reworked the location of two of its home games, giving the Premier Basketball League franchise a total of nine home games in Barre and four in Burlington this winter.

When the schedule was announced last week, the team was slated to host six games at Burlington's Memorial Auditorium and four regular-season and two Champlain Cup preseason, non-league games in Barre, and some fans were upset with the low number of games planned for Barre.

"We got it to nine and four, though we almost got it to 10 and three," said Barre Mayor Thomas Lauzon. "Which is quite a bit better than what we started with."

The two games directly involved with the switch are the Feb. 2, 2010, contest against Manchester and the March 5, 2010, game against Oklahoma.

Both games were to be played in Burlington and will now be played in Barre.

"It was in response to doing what we thought was best for the Frost Heaves," Vermont general manager Michael Healey said on Monday.

The team worked with officials at the Barre Auditorium to find dates when the building would be available, having to work around the Division II, III and IV Vermont Principals' Association boys and girls state championship basketball tournaments, which will be played over the last week of February and the first week of March.

The team tried to move the March 27 game against the Maryland GreenHawks to Barre, but that date is a snow date for the VPA basketball tournaments.

"We agonized over that one," Lauzon said. "We wouldn't know until 24 hours before the game if the Aud was available."

Vermont will also host Puerto Rico (Feb. 6), Manchester (March 16), Halifax (April 2) and Rochester (April 8) in Barre.

Halifax (Feb. 28), Buffalo (March 6), Maryland (March 27) and Quebec (April 9) will all face Vermont in Burlington. The Quebec game on April 9 will wrap up the regular season. Vermont, entering its fourth season as a franchise, has never lost in Burlington.

In all, Vermont will face rival Manchester five times, including one game in the Champlain Cup tournament and in the league-opener at Manchester on Jan. 3. Vermont will play Halifax and Maryland three times and the rest of the league – Quebec, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, Buffalo and Rochester – twice.

[Juniper]

With that schedule, it could be a long season. Best of luck to you up that way.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Wow. That travel is insane.

The only good thing about this is you get half the away games out of the way right off.

[Juniper]

You are right about that, but you could be far in a hole, when you start playing at home.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Heaves hold tryout at Rice

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: November 25, 2009

The Vermont Frost Heaves held another tryout on Vermont soil on Monday afternoon, putting over a dozen basketball players through drills and scrimmages at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington.

"We got a few answers on some guys. Hopefully we'll get one out of there, that's my goal," Vermont head coach Jeff Strohm said. "If we get one, then it's a good day for us."

The three-hour camp featured the Frost Heaves coaching staff – including Strohm and assistant Joe Salerno as well as Marty Derda, who also was on former Frost Heaves' head coach Will Voigt's staff last season.

Not exactly an invitation-only camp, the afternoon was geared toward players the coaching staff wanted another look at and players who had contacted the team.

"It was guys who popped up, some guys who had called us," Strohm said.

A few athletes returned to the Green Mountain State after participating in the team's widely publicized Vermont tryout camp held back in October at Essex High School. One newcomer, Ivan Johnson, came nearly straight from Voigt's training camp in Bakersfield, Calif., where he is the new head coach of the NBA Developmental League's Bakersfield Jam.

Johnson, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard and small forward, was cut from the Jam last week and joined more than a handful of other guards at Rice on Monday, trying to earn a roster spot on the Premier Basketball League team.

"It was almost all guards, which we expected," Strohm said. "Unfortunately the bigs don't pop up so often."

Players report to training camp on Dec. 14 and the pre-season exhibition Champlain Cup tournament tips of on Dec. 27 at the Barre Auditorium. The league schedule does not start until Jan. 3, 2010.

[Jimmytwotimes]

John Williams has moved up to the next step.

The Bakersfield Jam has announced the acquisition of John Williams, a former All-Region First Teamer from Bryant University who also stood out for head coach Will Voigt's Vermont Frost Heaves last season.
"We are glad we were able to finalize this deal and add John to the roster," said co-owner David Higdon. "Obviously Coach knows him quite well, and we've spoken to a lot of other people - he has gotten rave reviews from everyone."

Williams graduated from Bryant University in 2006, after scoring over 20 ppg and shooting over 44% from three-point range in back-to-back seasons. Following his senior season, he was honored as Co-Player of the Year in the Northeast-10 Conference.

"Having coached him in Vermont, I can say that John is a great addition to our team - he sets a great example with his attitude and effort," Coach Voigt said. "He has worked hard to develop his game, and I am excited to see him get to showcase his skills in the NBA D-League."

Williams will likely be asked to add some scoring punch to a team that has dropped its first two games at Albuquerque and Los Angeles. He was a full-time starter and the second-leading scorer for the Frost Heaves last season, pouring in 15.3 ppg on a robust 52.2% FG shooting, not to mention 43.4% from beyond the arc.

"After only being able to practice for so long, I'm definitely psyched to get out there and play a real NBA D-League Game," said Williams. "I'm just very excited to get out on the floor, and very ready to contribute."

Williams scored 13 points in 23 minutes in his first game with the Jam.

To make room for Williams on the roster, the Jam released guard Akeem Wright. In two games for the Jam, Wright averaged 4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 14 minutes.

[misenern]

Nice debut.

Do you consider Aaron Cook an upgrade for this year?

[Jimmytwotimes]

When Cook was on the first Frost Heaves team, he was a great 3pt shooter. Not a bad ball handler either. If he hasn't lost any skill or has gotten better, he will be a huge part of the Heaves success this year.

[Jimmytwotimes]

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: December 10, 2009

The Vermont Frost Heaves are just a few days away from their first practice of the 2009-2010 season, even though they won't play an official league home game until February.

The team will head to Vermont over the weekend in order to begin strength and conditioning testing Monday morning. The Heaves will hold their first practice that afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at the Barre Auditorium. The team will practice primarily at the Aud but may practice at other central Vermont locations.

"Nobody will be more excited at 4:30 on Monday than me," Vermont head coach Jeff Strohm said. "It will be fun to be in a gym and practicing, and then the journey begins."

During the past three seasons the Frost Heave players have lived in South Burlington, but this year the Frost Heaves will call the Days Inn in South Barre home.

"We're excited they're going to be a part of the Barre community," Strohm said. "We're excited about fans getting to know them."

While the team has released information on a handful of player signings, there are five others Strohm talked about on Wednesday, including a Vermonter: former Missisquoi Thunderbird Ross DeMasi. DeMasi was named a Division II All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches while at Southwest Minnesota State University. The 6-foot-8 forward led the Mustangs in rebounding with 8.9 rebounds per game and was tied for leading-scorer honors last season. He also helped the Mustangs to the NCAA D-II Elite Eight in Springfield, Mass., where SMSU fell to Cal-Poly Pomona in the quarterfinals.

Kendrick Price made a big splash at the Frost Heaves tryout at Essex High School this past October. According to Strohm, the Michigan product will be aboard this season.

Another top candidate to guide the Heaves is David Carson, a 6-foot-8 forward out of IPFW. Carson often put up double figures in scoring for his team and was one of the Mastadons' best rebounders.

Rodney Epperson, who played his college career out at St. John's, has also joined the team. The 6-foot-7 forward was one of the best junior college players in the country, ranked in the top 10 by several outlets.

Guard Tony Robertson – familiar to University Connecticut fans – has also joined the Premier Basketball League with the Vermont Frost Heaves. Robertson played in the Huskies' backcourt with Ben Gordon, now with the NBA's Detroit Pistons.

Those five will join former Frost Heaves Aaron Cook and Marcus Austin – who have returned for another season in blue and white – as well as early signees Ken Ottrix, Brandon Ball and Jay Greene. In all, more than 15 players will participate in the training camp. On Dec. 19, the team will host clinics in both Barre and Burlington and then return home to the Aud to host a blue-and-white scrimmage at 6:30 p.m. The scrimmage is free and open to the public.

The team will also host a day-long event on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January. Strohm's first chance to see competition will arrive on Dec. 21, when the Frost Heaves travel to Halifax to scrimmage the Rainmen.

"It's important for us to do with so many road games," Strohm said of the exhibition game. "It will give us a chance to be on the road, a test run almost. It will cost us a day of practice, but we thought it was worth it to do that."

The team will host a three-day Champlain Cup tournament at the end of December and opens league play at Manchester on Jan. 3, 2010.

[Jimmytwotimes]

I have heard nothing but amazing things about Rodney Epperson. Could be one of the top players in the league this year.

[misenern]

I have heard nothing but amazing things about Rodney Epperson. Could be one of the top players in the league this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW7yhS4A1ZQ

Obviously you can't read too much into a five minute highlight real, but he does a lot of things most 6'8 guys in the PBL can't. His jumper isn't super pretty, but he can shoot from outside and he looks like a good ball handler and slasher. I see that he also played pro in the DR and France. It will be interesting to see how his game is in the PBL.

[CHris902]

Epperson looks good.

I wonder if the Frost Heaves and some of their fans are going to keep throwing up the self righteous "our guys are all high character players" stuff this year with Ottrix and Epperson on the team. (I have no serious beef with what Epperson did, but Ottrix I am not impressed with... but I can't wait to ride both of them when the Heaves go to Halifax for the preseason game)

[bluenoser]

Epperson looks good.

I wonder if the Frost Heaves and some of their fans are going to keep throwing up the self righteous "our guys are all high character players" stuff this year with Ottrix and Epperson on the team. (I have no serious beef with what Epperson did, but Ottrix I am not impressed with... but I can't wait to ride both of them when the Heaves go to Halifax for the preseason game)

Not trying to set you up, Chris, I'm just lazy - what did they do?

[CHris902]

Ottrix drank his way through and then out of his NCAA career (which is his business and I don't really care about) and was arrested and charged with drunk driving (which is no longer his business and is moronic and a threat to the lives of innocent people).

Epperson had forged transcripts from his JuCo in order to get to St. John's and allegedly was receiving under the table cash from his JuCo program, which is why he left St. John's after one year. (I actually think they academic/financial expectations on NCAA athletes are absurd and I think we should just do away with the whole NCAA student-athlete system... but that's another discussion) I don't particularly care all that much, I am just wondering how it will jive with the squeaky clean image that the team cherishes so much.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Things change, people change. I'm sure if the players can't act like respectable citizens, then they will be shipped down the road. Can't really hold something over these guy's heads for the rest of their lives. Hopefully if was just a matter of young and dumb syndrome and they have recovered from it.

[Jimmytwotimes]

South Burlington, VT - The Vermont Frost Heaves will kickoff their 2010 Premier Basketball League season when 15 players report to training camp on Monday December 14. Led by first round draft pick Ken Ottrix out of Slippery Rock and returning Frost Heaves Aaron Cook and Marcus Austin, the 15 players will be vying for only 12 roster spots.
"It is going to be a tough, competitive camp" states Head coach Jeff Strohm, "We will be looking to see who wants to work the hardest and give everything they've got." The day will begin with physicals and injury screening for all the players being conducted by the staff of First in Fitness in Berlin and the Central Vermont Medical Center Physical Therapy Services.

Actual on court practice begins at 3:30 at the Aud and will continue twice a day during the course of the first week. The Frost Heaves first pre-season game will be in Halifax on December 21, 2010. After that the Frost Heaves return and gear up for the Champlain Cup pre-season tournament between Vermont, Quebec and Manchester on December 27-28-29 all at the Aud.

Season Tickets are on sale by visiting

www.vermontfrostheaves.com

or calling 802-578-7056. Individual Game tickets will go on sale by the end of next week.

2010 Vermont Frost Heaves - Training Camp Roster

# Name. Pos. Hght. Wt. DOB College / Hometown

2 Jay Green PG 5'8" 160 12/15/86 UMBC/ Whitehall, PA

4 Aaron Cook SG 6'2" 190 10/27/83 Hartford/ Randallstown, MD

3 Brandon Ball PG 5'11" 180 6/01/86 Michigan Tech/ Grand Rapids, MI

20 Ken Ottrix PF 6'9" 225 11/13/84 Slippery Rock / Seattle, WA

1 Marcus Hall SF 6'5" 195 12/13/87 Robert Morris/ Buffalo, NY

21 Kendrick Price PF 6'9" 230 7/15/86 Michigan/ Boston, MA

31 Matt Hall SG 6'4" 190 3/12/86 Stonehill/ Springfield, MA

32 Tony Robertson SG 6'3" 195 7/25/80 UCONN/ Providence, RI

42 Ross Demasi PF 6'8" 220 SW Minnesota St./ Swanton, VT

25 Marcus Austin SF 6'6" 210 4/10/83 Eastern Michigan/White Plains, NY

14 Rodney Epperson SF 6'8" 205 9/08/82 Mountain State/ Queens, NY

24 David Carson PF 6'8" 230 6/07/86 IPFW / Gary, IN

12 Keith Davis SF 6'5" 205 Savannah State

6 Andrew Davidson SG 6'3" 180 6/21/84 Emporia State / Roanoke, VA

50 D'lancy Carter C 6'10" 270 St. Bonaventure's

13 Bobby Shedd SF 6'5" 190 8/12/86 Johnson State/ Johnson, VT

[Jimmytwotimes]

Frost Heaves sign 7-foot-2 center


By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: December 18, 2009

In a way, the Vermont Frost Heaves made their biggest roster acquisition in the organization’s history this week, signing 7-foot-2 center Jared Carter.

Carter, a 270-pound native of Georgetown, Kentucky, was drafted by NBA Developmental League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants and played in four games this month, logging 12 minutes, two points, three rebounds, two turnovers and two personal fouls. He will join the team tomorrow and will be available for Monday’s scrimmage at Halifax.

“We’re thrilled to have him,” Vermont coach Jeff Strohm said. “He’s big, he’s strong, and he’s skilled.”

Carter played his collegiate career at NCAA Division I University of Kentucky.

A full story will appear in tomorrow's Times Argus.

[scrappy]

Interesting. I just Googled him and found this kind of interesting article about his less than inspiring career at Kentucky. Just thought I'd share:

http://www.kentucky.com/818/story/713761.html

He must have had talent to get recruited by a program like Kentucky (although I'm sure merely being 7'2" put him on the way to getting noticed). Hopefully the Frost Heaves can help him find the "eye of the tiger" his college coach thought he was missing.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Interesting. I just Googled him and found this kind of interesting article about his less than inspiring career at Kentucky. Just thought I'd share:

http://www.kentucky.com/818/story/713761.html

He must have had talent to get recruited by a program like Kentucky (although I'm sure merely being 7'2" put him on the way to getting noticed). Hopefully the Frost Heaves can help him find the "eye of the tiger" his college coach thought he was missing.

That's the way all these big guy's in the PBL college career were like. I hope a couple of them can be productive this year.

[CHris902]

Yeah, if you're 7'3" and have any real basketball talent at all you're not going to be signing up to play for any of these PBL teams. It'll be interesting to see Carter line up against Alleyne over the weekend. They seem like guys who followed very similar collegiate career paths and both seemed to lack any sort of killer instinct because they're just too nice.

[scrappy]

Yeah, if you're 7'3" and have any real basketball talent at all you're not going to be signing up to play for any of these PBL teams. It'll be interesting to see Carter line up against Alleyne over the weekend. They seem like guys who followed very similar collegiate career paths and both seemed to lack any sort of killer instinct because they're just too nice.

If only Carter could just trade Jay Greene a couple of inches for some of his excess killer instinct and basketball IQ. Of course then neither one of them would be in the PBL anymore.

[misenern]

Anyone have the results for the Manchester-Vermont Champlain Cup game?

[Alumni96]

Manchester won 138-116. Manchester has a ton of offensive weapons and they hit a huge amount of 3's. Even their bigs shoot 3's.

[misenern]

Manchester won 138-116. Manchester has a ton of offensive weapons and they hit a huge amount of 3's. Even their bigs shoot 3's.

Yeah, that's what they looked like in Halifax. Looking at their roster and their results so far it seems like they plan on using some crazy, guard heavy, run and gun style of play. But it's working and it should be exciting to watch.

[CHris902]

From the Millrats' mailing list:
Millrats Take Champlain Cup

(December 29, 2009 Barre, Vermont): The Manchester Millrats captured the Champlain Cup Tournament by defeating the Vermont Frost Heaves 138-116 in Barre, Vermont.

Manchester entered the final game of the preseason series with 13 "quarter points" - courtesy of a 136-97 win on Monday night over the Quebec Kebs. By virtue of winning tonight's game, Manchester won the Champlain Cup Tournament. Vermont was last season's defending champion.

The Frost Heaves jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead before Manchester settled down and got back into the fray. A 27-9 run the remainder of the quarter boosted the Millrats lead to 29-18 after one.

The second quarter erupted into a track meet as the Frost Heaves outscored Manchester 38-35. The Millrats Anthony Anderson picked up his 5th foul just prior to the intermission.

The Millrats pounced on Vermont in the second half pushing the lead to as much as thirty, at 103-73.

Manchester was led by Lou McCroskey with 25 points, Dwight Brewington 24, and Anthony Anderson and Marlowe Currie with 21 apiece. Vermont was led by Brandon Ball's 22.

Manchester and Vermont meet each other again in 5 days as the Frost Heaves travel to the Fieldhouse on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University. Tip off is slated for 4:05pm and doors open 1 hour prior to tip off.
Tickets are on sale online at www.millrats.com or at the door.

For more information please feel free to email Millrats GM Ian McCarthy at millrats@gmail.com or visit: www.millrats.com or www.thepbl.com.

[CHris902]

Looks like there are some PR storms ahead in Vermont: (http://www.timesargus.com/article/20091231/NEWS01/912310343/1002/NEWS01)

Barre mayor outlines his ties to Frost Heaves

By Steven Pappas Times Argus Editor - Published: December 31, 2009

BARRE — About a week after a city councilor accused him of a conflict of interest, Mayor Thomas Lauzon recused himself twice during Tuesday's regular meeting, and also provided city leaders with a detailed breakdown of his involvement with the Frost Heaves.

During the meeting, Lauzon, who owns several properties around Barre valued at nearly $5 million, stepped down when a property he is involved with came up as part of a discussion about the former police station.

Then, when a discussion about the contract for the Frost Heaves' rental for the Barre Auditorium came up, Councilor Paul Poirier, who raised the initial concern about Lauzon's potential conflict of interest with the team, asked Lauzon to step down and sit in the audience.

Earlier this month, Poirier said the mayor had violated the recently approved conflict of interest policy by defending a plan for a "corporate skybox" for fans at the Aud. Lauzon acknowledged publicly that a perceived conflict might be present, and apologized in an article in The Times Argus.

Poirier told the paper at the time he was seeking an explanation of Lauzon's involvement with the Premier Basketball League team.

That explanation, minus dollar figures of Lauzon's financial investments in the team with his wife Karen, were distributed to councilors on Tuesday night.

In his two-page letter to the City Council Lauzon stated, "I have been an enthusiastic fan and supporter of the Vermont Frost Heaves since their initial season three years ago. "

Lauzon goes on to detail how he became an owner of the team and what that means.

"In July of this year, I was approached by (former owner) Alex Wolff regarding my interest in furthering the team in central Vermont. While Alex's support and commitment to the team had not changed, the demands of a high travel career and a young family required that he re-prioritize some of his activities. Alex asked me to accept the role of managing member of Bump in the Road Enterprises, LLC.

"During several subsequent conversations, I inquired whether one of the original investors would be more appropriate in this role. It was explained to me that Alex had discussed that possibility with several of the initial investors, but that none were willing to commit to this extent to the organization or the position."

Lauzon explained that Bump in the Road Enterprises LLC is a Vermont limited liability company, made up of members "who have invested funds in the organization."

"Generally speaking, the member interest is held on a pro rata basis commensurate with that members' investment as a percentage of the total investments made by members," he wrote.

In effect, the managing member is an investor who manages the limited liability company, and is "charged with keeping the books and records of the company, setting a budget, and communicating with the members. The managing member essentially has final and sole decision-making authority over contracts and management issues."

"(Alex) thought of me because of the past support I had given the Frost Heaves, my commitment to Barre and what he characterized as 'my ability to get things done.' I'm sure the fact that no one else wanted the challenge had something to do with it as well."

Lauzon said he took on the "assignment" given the following conditions:

He would serve for a limited period of time.

His length of service would be dictated by the length of time required to solicit a group of central Vermont residents to serve on an investment/management board.

He would have authority to base the team in Barre.

He would have authority to move the player housing from Chittenden County to Barre.

He would have authority to make changes to the business model at my discretion.

He would have authority to pursue an ownership model that would eventually transition ownership to the fans.

Wolff accepted the conditions.

Then Lauzon outlined what appears to be a series of decisions to help position the struggling team better for the season that opened last weekend.

Over the next few months, he said he analyzed "historical financial information and spoke to several potential members of the planned central Vermont investment/management board. "

"Based upon my analysis, it was apparent to me that the existing business model, given the level of expenditure, simply wasn't sustainable long-term. In addition, the likelihood of long-term success was further threatened by the current economic climate."

"Early on, Karen and I made the decision that we would not solicit additional investors until the beginning of the season. The main reason for that is that we felt it was important to move the office, move the housing and implement the changes to the business model first. Part of the business model that we developed was that we would fund the team until the beginning of the season," he wrote.

He said by October, he had reworked the business model to "what I believed was a more reasonable and sustainable level and transferred the franchise assets to VFH Management, LLC."

At the same time, former head coach Will Voigt took a job as the coach of the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

"It's a testament to the organization's reputation that word spread quickly and the Frost Heaves received many inquiries regarding the head coaching position," Lauzon told the councilors.

The team then hired Jeff Strohm as coach.

Lauzon said he will meet with several central Vermonters about investing in VFH Management LLC.

"It would be our intention to divest ourselves of our ownership interest by approximately Jan. 15, 2009. We will not divest through sale," he said.

"We will divest by giving our ownership interest to those who make a commitment to the Frost Heaves, with the condition that the team remains based in Barre and that ownership is ultimately made available to the fans.

"While we are not entirely comfortable with our accelerated divestiture and are a little apprehensive about the ultimate effect, the recent events and controversy have Karen (Lauzon) and I concerned that my continued involvement could serve as a distraction for the Frost Heaves and their management team."

Members of the council did not make any public statements in response to Lauzon's letter or the details of his involvement with the team.

Read Lauzon's complete disclosure online at timesargus.com.

steven.pappas@timesargus.com

[Jimmytwotimes]

Millrats Defeat Vermont 102-93

01/03/2010 07:34 PM

(January 3, 2009 Manchester, NH):\\ The Manchester Millrats opened the regular season with a 102-93 victory over the Vermont Frost Heaves, putting on a show for the fans who braved the snowy weather outside.

Manchester jumped out early and captured a 31-22 lead after the first quarter and carried a 43-35 lead into the intermission.

Vermont closed the lead with it's efficient offense, cutting the Manchester lead to 70-67 with 8:40 remaining in the third quarter.\\Alexus Foyle's three pointer, followed by a steal and lay in by Marlowe Currie, pushed the lead back to to eight at 75-67.\\A quick shot by Vermont led to a breakout and two handed slam by Foyle and a new double digit lead, 77-67.

The Frost Heaves responded with an 8-0 run, cutting the lead back to two. Al Stewart's jumper in the lane barely beat the shot clock, making the score 79-75.

The two teams went nip and tuck throughout the end of the third and deep into the fourth quarter. David Cooper's three pointer, his second of the game, sealed the win for the Millrats, pushing the lead to an insurmountable 97-89 with under a minute remaining.

"It was great to win our home opener, the crowd was pumped up and really into the game," stated Millrats forward David Cooper, also a part owner of the team.

The Manchester offense featured a balanced scoring attack with five Millrats scoring in double figures. Dwight Brewington led the Millrats with 19 points while Anthony Anderson and Marlowe Currie added 15 apiece. Stanley Ocitti contributed 11 points to go along with 12 rebounds. Lou McCroskey also chipped in with 10 points. Vermont was led by 22 points from newcomer Stephen McDowell.

With the win Manchester begins its quest for a 2009-2010 Premier Basketball League championship with a 1-0 start, while the Frost Heaves drop to 0-1.

Heaves keep getting new players in. The newest signing Stephen McDowell led the Heaves in scoring with 22pts. A lot better showing by the Heaves in just a couple days against Manchester. Once this roster is FINALLY set the Heaves will be a solid team. That 7 footer they signed isn't amounting to much so far.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Looks like there are some PR storms ahead in Vermont: (http://www.timesargus.com/article/20091231/NEWS01/912310343/1002/NEWS01)

PR storms?!? Maybe, but the mayor and his wife were the only people who wanted to deal with this loser of a business proposition. He should be praised. Forget a conflict of interest. Barre should take their cue from Winnipeg. The mayor there owns the Northern League baseball team and does well financially for himself and the city of Winnipeg.

I tried to point this out about the Frost Heaves back in October. They lack revenue streams and cannot survive in the immediate future:
http://www.oursportscentral.com/boards/showthread.php?p=123207#post123207

Earlier this month, Poirier said the mayor had violated the recently approved conflict of interest policy by defending a plan for a "corporate skybox" for fans at the Aud. Lauzon acknowledged publicly that a perceived conflict might be present, and apologized in an article in The Times Argus.

Corporate skyboxes sound like a good idea to me. Those people need more revenue streams, although the skyboxes won't work if alcohol isn't being served.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Frost Heaves have video up of their two home games plus highlights. Also says you can watch live games too. There won't be a home game till early Feb to see if the games are streamed live. This is the link off the Heaves website.

http://www.cvtsport.net/home?catid=30

[Jimmytwotimes]

Strohm fired as Frost Heaves coach, Salerno named replacement


By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: January 22, 2010

Vermont Frost Heaves head coach Jeff Strohm was fired on Friday morning after four months at the helm, and assistant coach Joe Salerno of Montpelier has been named head coach, according to the team’s owner and general manager Michael Healey.

“As part of the new ownership and management group, I felt it was time to move in another direction,” Healey said. He would not, however, comment on a specific reason why Strohm was released.

“I’m not going to comment on any of that,” Healey said. “I just want to point the team in a new direction - I honestly felt it was time for a change. It’s a private matter between the team and the management. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

“I am shocked,” Strohm said. “All I’ve tried to do is run the organization in a first-class manner. I think like everyone I am shocked. All I have done from day one is put the franchise, players and staff first. I am just in complete shock.”

Healey, who served as the team’s director of operations for the 2006-07 season and was elevated to general manager in 2008, bought the management rights for the financially struggling team from Barre Mayor Thomas Lauzon earlier this week.

Vermont is currently 0-3 and at the bottom of the nine-team Premier Basketball League standings. Vermont is the only team without a league win, though the Frost Heaves did beat Quebec in the first game of the Champlain Cup pre-season tournament in Barre on Dec. 27. In an exhibition game at Halifax on Dec. 21, Strohm’s first game as head coach, Vermont suffered its worst loss ever, a 45-point blowout to the Rainmen.

Since then, Vermont has lost league games on the road to Manchester (102-93), Puerto Rico (114-103) and Halifax (119-109) in addition to losing the Champlain Cup championship to Manchester at home on Dec. 29. The team travels to Lawton-Fort Sill (Okla.) and Maryland this coming Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Salerno, now the third head coach in Vermont Frost Heaves history, spent two seasons as the head coach of the Montpelier varsity boys basketball team and made an appearance in the Division II Final Four in 2009. The following summer, Salerno, then 27, became the youngest coach and 11th overall to lead the Vermont boys to a win over New Hampshire in the 29th VT/NH Merchants Bank Twin State Rotary Classic.

Also heavily involved with Lone Wolf Athletics National Travel Team, Salerno’s most recent AAU U17 boys team featured current local standouts Billy Boyd and Tanner Benjamin of Hazen, Sam Brigham of Montpelier, and Thomas Jacobs-Moore of Harwood. Directed by Wayne Lafley, former assistant to former Frost Heaves coach to Will Voigt, Lone Wolf Athletics competes all over New England at the top collegiate showcase events and went to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York this past summer.

Salerno also coached overseas in Holland during the summer of 2008 and has worked several national basketball camps.
“Growing up I could see the Barre Auditorium from my bedroom window, and to be able to coach the professional level on that court is really something special to me,” Salerno said in the release announcing him as assistant coach on Sept 29, 2009.

According to Healey, the Frost Heaves have operated at a loss during each of their three seasons and is set to lose more money during this current season.

Sixty percent of the team’s operating budget of $500,000 comes from sponsorships, 25 percent from ticket sales with the remainder from merchandise sales and proceeds from skills camps for youth players. The new business model which Healey hopes to implement soon, is based on fan ownership. If the model is not successful - if enough fans do not buy into the team at $1,200 each over three years - Healey is not sure if the team will survive past this current season.

“I don’t know at this point. It’s too early to tell,” Healey said. “The goal is to finish the season and we will finish the season. I am here to ensure we do finish the season and that is why I agreed to take on this role. And we will.”

An exit strategy, however, is undetermined, according to Healey.

“That’s to be determined,” Healey said. “Hopefully we’re going out with a championship, but as I said, I am an optimist at heart and I honestly believe we’ll be back next year.”

Strohm replaced Will Voigt, who coached the team for the first three seasons of its existence and left the team this past summer to become the head coach of the NBA Development League’s Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam. The Jam is currently 4-17 and at the bottom of the 16-team league heading into Friday night’s game at Albuquerque. Voigt led Vermont to back-to-back American Basketball Association championships and an appearance in the PBL playoffs last season.

The Maryland Greenhawks also fired their coach this week, relieving Rob Spon of his coaching duties and naming Otis Hailey head coach on Tuesday.

“We had high expectations entering this season and we still do,” said GreenHawks General Manager Adam Dantus in a statement issued by the team. “Our 1-4 record is not acceptable. We felt as an organization it was time to make a change and we’re looking forward to the team moving in the right direction with Otis leading the way.”

Strohm, 42, came to Vermont after making two Final Four appearances as an assistant with Division I Utah and Marquette, where Strohm worked with current NBA star and Olympic Gold Medalist Dwyane Wade. He has also been an assistant at Northern Illinois and Western Kentucky and was a finalist to replace Tom Brennan at the University of Vermont in 2003. The Frost Heaves job was his first as a head coach.

In his introductory remarks to fans and media in September, Strohm said: “I’m not going to make a lot of promises, but I’ll make you one. Every day, I’ll do everything I can to prove you right. If you want to write down the mistakes that I’m going to make and that the players are going to make, you’re going to need more paper than there is in this room. We’re going to make mistakes, mistakes of commission, not omission, but I promise you we’re going to make mistakes. But when it’s all said and done, I think you’ll be proud of what we’re going to do.”

[CHris902]

Ouch. Things obviously weren't working in Vermont, but I don't know if its entirely Strohm's fault. He had a fantastic resume and clearly knew what he was doing during games, but that roster just was not built correctly and that's on him to a large degree.

I wonder how much of this is a cost cutting move?

[panchess]

It's all cost-cutting and "wanting one of his own" in. You don't put a high school coach in charge of pros for any other reason. No doubt, Salerno either won't have an assistant or will have a low-cost, season ticket holder type of volunteer.

It's a shame, but these guys are toast. As soon as the lead in the paper is "financially struggling," it's too late to save the franchise in most cases.

[panchess]

Things weren't perfect, but it's hard to say that three 10-point losses on the road to pretty good teams isn't exactly time to push the panic button on performance.

The Charlotte Bobcats (21-19) lost three straight from December 16-20. They are 11-3 since. Even the Celtics have lost three straight and four of five. How come Doc Rivers isn't packing his bags?

[misenern]

I don't know how much of this is really on Strom, but the organization really dropped the ball when they put this roster together. They have some good players now, but the first group of guys were weak. Just finally getting the team together really set the team back.

Either Strom under estimated the talent in the PBL this year or the off-court turmoil found it's way onto the court (which tends to happen).

[The Sweeper]

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11863097

Thursday, January 21st

BARRE, VT --

The fourth season of Vermont Frost Heaves basketball is underway. The team has seen plenty of success in it's brief history, but the realities of the business side of the game has put the future of the franchise in doubt.

"This is our fourth year.", says Frost Heaves general manager Michael Healey. "It takes five years to build any business. You have to give it five years and I want to see us play next year, but right now everything's up in the air."

The Vermont Frost Heaves found on court success quickly. They won back-to-back ABA titles their first two seasons of existance and made the playoffs last year, their first in the Premier Basketball League.

The Frost Heaves also built up a solid fan base, especially in Barre, but the business of running a minor league sports franchise has apparently not matched the positive results achieved on the court.

According to general manager Michael Healey, the Frost Heaves have been operating at a loss all four years of their existence.

"It's come down every year.", says Healey. "We're actually making a great deal of progress, which is why I want to keep trying to make it happen."

Healey says the team has a yearly operating budget of 500-thousand dollars with about sixty percent of that covered by sponsorships, twenty-five percent by ticket sales and the rest by merchandise and youth camps. Unfortunately in a down economy where advertising dollars and discretionary spending has shrunk the numbers don't add up. Healey says the Frost Heaves are committed to finishing this year, but after that it's unknown.

"It's important to our fans. It's important to our players. We have nine other partners in the league with us. We can't leave them hanging in the lurch either, so we have to finish the season."

This week, Healey became the managing member of the Frost Heaves, buying that interest in the team away from Barre mayor Thom Lauzon. He says the plan the team is working on to remain financially viable, one that was the original dream of team founder Alex Wolff, is to turn to the public. Offering shares of the team for sale so that fans can also become part-owners.

"To open up ownership to the fans we'd put a certain amount of stock available to the fans. The initial goal to ask people to pledge $1200 over three years. We collect $400 a year and that would give us our starting operating budget to move forward for the next three years."

Season tickets to the Frost Heaves would be included in the fan shares. Healey says the current season ticket base is around 200. He feels that if they can get between 400 and 500 fans to buy into the franchise that would give the team a sound financial footing going forward, but he knows it's a tough sell in this economy. The Heaves home opener set for February 2nd at the Barre Auditorium and Healey hopes to launch the fan ownership plan soon.

"I'm an optimist at heart, so my belief is yes, we'll be here next year."

[Jimmytwotimes]

According to several sources around the Frost Heaves org. Mike Trimboli will be signing with the Heaves. Trimboli is a former University of Vermont standout PG who just recently played professionally in Europe.


UVM star Trimboli to be offered contract with Frost Heaves

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: January 25, 2010

BARRE - One of the best men’s basketball players to ever come out of the University of Vermont - point guard Mike Trimboli - is back in the Green Mountain State and will be offered a contract with the Vermont Frost Heaves as soon as tomorrow.

“We’re extremely excited to have Mike here,” Vermont coach Joe Salerno said. “He obviously had a stellar career at the University of Vermont, and I think the fans are going to love having him here. More than that, I think he’ll help our team a lot right now. He’s a great point guard, a great leader. He has the poise and maturity we need on the floor.”

Trimboli graduated from UVM last spring as the all-time assist leader with 624, fourth on the all-time scoring list with 2,008 points behind Catamount greats Eddie Benton, Taylor Coppenrath and T. J. Sorrentine. He was named the America East Rookie of the Year in 2006 and conference’s Fan’s Choice Player of the Year in 2007.

Trimboli, who was spotted at a recent UVM men’s basketball game, was at practice Monday afternoon after arriving in Vermont 40 minutes prior to the team’s 11:30 a.m. practice.

“I started talking to Mike two days ago, pretty much as soon as the move was made,” Salerno said, referring to Friday’s firing of head coach Jeff Strohm. “Somebody put a little bird in my ear and told me they saw him at a game at UVM, and we approached him and talked to him about his situation. He had just come back from Poland about three or four weeks ago, he was playing professional ball over there.”

Trimboli spent three months in Poland and moved on to Slovakia before returning to the United States.

Salerno said it is still to be determined if Trimboli would be on the 10-man traveling roster for this week’s games at Oklahoma and Maryland, but was confident the point guard would be under contract as soon as tomorrow, which means another player would have to be cut to make room for Trimboli.

“He’s not under contract yet.,” Salerno said. “Absolutely. I would imagine we’re going to have a contract worked out with Mike by tomorrow morning. We’re going to get him under contract tomorrow. We will have to make a change to the roster.”

A complete story will appear in Tuesday’s Times Argus.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Heaves sign Rice and Trimboli, activate Cook from IR and release Brandon Ball. All three will be on the road trip this week.

BARRE – The Vermont Frost Heaves announced Tuesday the signing of former Frost Heave Dwuan Rice to their roster. The team also finalized its deal with former University of Vermont star Mike Trimboli.

Rice, who played his college ball at Cal-Bakersfield, joined the Frost Heaves during the 2007-2008 season and was an integral part of the Heaves' championship run that season. Playing the point guard position, Rice won the championship tournament MVP for his outstanding play during the team's run to their second title. Rice brings tremendous quickness on both ends of the floor.

"We're excited to welcome Dwuan back to the franchise. He proved himself not only a floor leader and intense competitor during his season here – but also a Vermont fan favorite. He will fit well in our transition style of play," Salerno said.

The Frost Heaves also announce Aaron Cook's re-activation from the team's injured-reserve list. Cook, a member of the Frost Heaves during their championship inaugural season, was injured during the Heaves' training camp in December. He will see his first action on the court Thursday night in Oklahoma. "Aaron's court leadership and scoring ability were sorely missed during our first three games this season," said Salerno today, "but he is now 100 percent ready and his return will improve our team on many levels."

Vermont is back in action this week, hitting the road with games Thursday night in Lawton-Fort Sill against the Cavalry and Saturday night in Maryland to face the GreenHawks. The Frost Heaves' home opener is Tuesday in Barre against the rival Manchester Millrats. Tip-off is at 7:05 p.m.

[CAVSFAN]

the frost heaves may be the ice heaves after leaving Oklahoma. we are in the middle of what is going to be a ice storm here in Lawton this morning.

[CAVSFAN]

CAVS and frost heaves game start time has been changed to 2 pm due to weather conditions in lawton

[The Sweeper]

CAVS and frost heaves game start time has been changed to 2 pm due to weather conditions in lawton

There are a few Frost Heaves fans that made the trip from Vermont at the game today. They will go from there to Maryland for the weekend game. I'm suprised Don didn't figure out a way to go to Puerto Rico.

[CHris902]

Is PR the first game Don's missed since the Fan Van started?

[Jimmytwotimes]

Frost Heaves take Double OT thriller for first win of season

Barre, VT – In a double overtime thriller the Vermont Frost Heaves defeated their arch-rival Manchester Millrats 124-121. Troy Jackson sank three 3-pointers – one in the first overtime and 2 in the second overtime to give the Frost Heaves the win.

In a game that started out with Manchester sinking their first 5 shots for an 11-2 advantage the game ended up tied at the half 57-57. The Frost Heaves built a 91-81 at the end of three quarters but ice cold shooting in the fourth quarter by the Heaves allowed Manchester to get back in the game.

Regulation ended with both teams tied 107 and in a seesaw first overtime, Troy Jackson tied the game back up with a 3 point shot with 13 seconds to play. Troy then proceeded to sink 2 3 pointers in the second overtime to seal the win. It was Vermont’s first win of the season and Head Coach Joe Salerno’s first victory as a professional Basketball coach.

Vermont was led in scoring by Troy Jackson with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Marshall Brown added 18 points and Aaron Cook had 16 for the Heaves. Eric Gilchrese led Manchester with 28 points followed by Dwight Brewington with 23.

Vermont takes to the road for their next game against the Rochester Razorsharks on Saturday February 6, 2010.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Jackson shoots down Millrats

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: February 3, 2010

BARRE – Troy Jackson has now led the Vermont Frost Heaves in scoring in three of the team's five games, but Tuesday's performance had by far the biggest impact as Vermont earned its first win of the Premier Basketball League season, 124-121, over rival Manchester in double overtime.

Jackson scored the game-tying 3-pointer at the end of the first overtime after going 2-for-6 at the foul line and coming up with a big inbound steal. He followed up those heroics by scoring all nine Vermont points in the second overtime including two straight 3s in a 20-second span to secure the long-awaited victory.

"We made a change to go with Troy offensively," Vermont head coach Joe Salerno, who earned his first professional win as a head coach with the victory, said. "We were going to start a little offensive-defensive substitutions with (Aaron Cook) and Troy, but Troy stepped up and hit some big shots, and that's the reason we wanted him in the ballgame."

"I hit the first one, and I always look for a rhythm," Jackson said. "I knew another one was coming, so I just took it on instinct."

Jackson led Vermont with 25 points. Marshall Brown finished with 18 points, Cook tallied 16 points, Ross Demasi chipped in 15 points, Jawan Bailey added 12 points and Dwuan Rice had 11 points.

Manchester was paced by Eric Gilchrese's game-high 28 points. Dwight Brewington added 23 points, P.J. Young had 20 points, and Tyrece Gibbs and Julian Allen finished with 19 points apiece.

Manchester opened the game with three straight 3s but Vermont climbed back and tied it at 13 off a 3 by Bailey. The lead changed hands or was tied on every possession for the next 4:00 before Vermont pulled away for a 27-24 lead headed into the second quarter.

Manchester tied the game at 27 on a 3 by Charles Mason and the lead again changed hands or was tied on every single possession for the remainder of the first half, with Millrat Julian Allen tying it at 57 with a three-point play with 14 seconds left in the frame.

Vermont steadily built momentum in the third and its lead grew to 11 in the closing seconds on a drive by Jackson. Demasi came through with a pair of hustle plays to maintain possession, leading to Jackson's layup, and Vermont settled for a 91-81 lead after three quarters.

The Frost Heave lead grew to 14 on a three-point play by Bailey early in the fourth, but Manchester ripped off a 14-0 run to tie the game at 98 with 5:30 left in regulation. The lead see-sawed over the next 3:30 before Cook scored off an inbound play and a jump ball gave Vermont possession down 107-105 with 28.4 seconds remaining. Vermont's Brown was fouled on a drive, made the basket but missed the and-one to tie the game at 107. Manchester's David Cooper missed a shot in front of his own bench and Demasi secured the defensive rebound.

"We rebounded the basketball," Salerno said. "We were the aggressor on the defensive end and really the rebounds opened our transition game and got us out running the floor a little bit in the open court. We let our 2s and 3s take advantage of some steals and just played off their instincts."

Manchester scored first in the 5:00 first overtime and took a 115-110 lead on a basket by Gilchrese. Jackson took over from there and scored five unanswered points to send the game into a 3:00 second overtime.

"The fans got us through it," Jackson said. "Without them I don't think we'd have pulled it out. We fight like this on the road, and we don't have the extra energy. They gave us that extra umph."

Salerno agreed.

"More so more than anything, our sixth man was the fans tonight," he said. "They really came through in a big way for us in our first home game. They need to know how much that helps us and we couldn't appreciate it any more."

Manchester scored first in the second overtime as well and took another four-point lead as Young hit for 2 as the shot clock expired. Jackson came through again, however, and personally outscored the Millrats 9-2 over the final 1:46 to give Vermont the 124-121 victory.

"I couldn't have asked for a better one," Salerno said. "It was a great game. It was a huge win for this team and this franchise to start moving forward into the rest of the season."

Vermont was looking to rebound after a tumultuous few weeks that included the firing of head coach Jeff Strohm, a 154-111 loss at Oklahoma and a cancelled game in Maryland due to a snow storm and the death of Maryland coach Otis Hailey, and will look to add to its win total with a trip to 5-1 Rochester on Saturday.

"We had a goal tonight to hold them to 100 points, which was tough with the extra frames, but it was a night-and-day difference from Oklahoma to tonight," Salerno said. "That was the focus point in practice over the last couple of days."

Manchester, losers of its last three, drop to 2-6 and play at Maryland on Saturday. The Millrats were without league-leading scorer and assist man Anthony Anderson, who left this week for an overseas opportunity.

[CAVSFAN]

Congratulations Vermont on your first victory of the season!!

[bdaly]

Manchester's last four losses have been pretty tight. They look to be this year's tough luck team. Congrats to Vermont though; as usual, they'll probably be very strong at home. From the picture, it looks like a nice crowd was on hand (especially considering that it was a Tuesday and the team has had its challenges lately), and luckily, they were rewarded.

[psbf]

I saw some of the game last night. But I'm curious why the camera remained stationery. The crowd looked good, any numbers?

[formerlyknownasfells]

Great to see the Heaves get a win last night. Although I live in Florida, I still follow the team and have some great memories of covering the team. (See me standing next to Sun Ming Ming and needing a ladder for the mic......I have to post that picture, it is HYSTERICAL.)

[CHris902]

I am glad that Vermont finally got the W and I can't imagine how nuts the crowd must have been in Barre for a double overtime game against Manchester. It must have been totally insane in that gym.

[psbf]

I forgot to add congrats on the Frost Heaves win! From what I saw, if the Heaves did not have a full house, it looked close to it.

[Frost Heaves Fan]

I was at the Barre Aud last night. I am guessing that there were about 800-1000 fans. The Aud capacity is around 1500-1600. The crowd was into the game but the Aud was absolutely wild, nuts, crazy, etc. during the last minutes and OT of the game. Even though the Aud has been full many times it has never been that loud IMO. The one exception to this: It was crazier when we had about 1700 people (illegally overcapacity) during the 2007 ABA Championship against the Texas Tycoons when the final score was around VT 145/TX 95.

It was a fun game to watch last night. Barre VT likes basketball.

[The Sweeper]

http://www.thepbl.com/article.cfm?id=206

LAWTON, Okla. – Since the Frost Heaves started their first season Dick and Linda Rouelle and Don Mandelkorn have been to every game the team has had both at home and away until this season.
The fans had attended 78 games straight , but their record was broken when the Frost Heaves traveled to Puerto Rico on Jan 9.
Mr. Rouelle said that they started following the team when they came into the area and never missed a game in 4 years until Puerto Rico.
“The only reason we really missed the game was because you can’t drive to Puerto Rico,” Mr. Rouelle said.
Mr. and Mrs. Rouelle and Mandelkorn traveled over 2,000 miles to attend their game with the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry at 2 p.m. on Jan 28 at the Great Plains Coliseum. Traveling to Lawton-Fort Sill, Oklahoma was the longest trip the devoted fans have made to get to a game.
Mrs. Rouelle said that they all just love meeting new people and the fans from the other teams.
“We couldn’t miss the opportunity to meet new people,” Mrs. Rouelle said. “The fans from the other teams are just so interesting and diverse. But we all share a love of basketball and a love for our teams.”
Mrs. Rouelle loves the Frost Heaves so much that she made a picture quilt for the team last year. The quilt had action shots of the players sewn onto it.
Mandelkorn has been a fan for 4 years as well and started following the Frost Heaves right from the beginning.
Mandelkorn said that he loves basketball and that he admires the players and is proud to be a Frost Heaves fan.
“We have a great connection with the players,” Mandelkorn said. “They are great kids who do great things for our community.”
The Vermont Frost Heaves will always have support wherever they go with their followers in tow. The fans and the team next travel 360 miles to Rochester, New York to face the Rochester RazorSharks at 7:35 p.m. on Feb 6.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

You can drive to Puerto Rico. No one said it would be easy, but it can be done.
http://www.floatingcubans.com/mercury.jpg
Tailgating along the way is more fun, IMO.
http://www.floatingcubans.com/truck_port.jpg

[zeke41]

LOL LOL LOL...that's awesome!!!!

[psbf]

That's cute, Ken. I think you need to learn the difference between driving(actually turning the engine on) and floating:p
Wouldn't using a boat be easier?;)

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Well yeah, the tires are hydroplaning a bit on the wet surface...but those engines are crankin' away. As a matter of fact, the tailgate party had an overheating problem on their voyage. They remembered the beer and steaks, but forgot ocean water isn't suitable as radiator coolant.

http://www.floatingcubans.com/truck_front_closeup.jpg

Easier to take a boat??? The advantage of driving the family car or RV to Puerto Rico is the cost savings of not needing to rent a vehicle once on dry land.

[formerlyknownasfells]

Ken,

Those pictures are awesome. Thanks for the laugh, I needed it.

Chris

[Jimmytwotimes]

Looks like the Heaves have started playing together. Troy Jackson is a straight up scoring machine. Heaves should have a three game winning streak after Buffalo next week.

Troy Jackson and Marcus Austin led the Vermont Frost Heaves
To a 105-99 victory over the defending PBL Champion Rochester Razorsharks in Rochester tonight

Troy Jackson led all scorers with 34 points on 9-14 three point shooting and Marcus Austin contributed 20 points on 4-4 on three point shooting. Ross Demasi contributed 20 points and Vermont handed Rochester their second loss on their home court in the last 2 years.

Vermont’s record goes to 2-4 and Rochester goes to 5-2. Vermont’s next game is on February 13 in Buffalo. Their next home game is on February 19 in Barre against Puerto Rico.

[Jimmytwotimes]

VERMONT’S TROY JACKSON NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jackson, a 6'4" 210-pound point guard from Alcorn State, helped Vermont earn their first two wins of the season. In those games, Jackson led the Heaves in scoring. In Tuesday night’s 124-121 double-overtime victory over Manchester, Jackson scored 25 points in the win. Saturday evening, in a road game at Rochester, Jackson accounted for 34 points, including nine 3-pointers, in Vermont’s 105-99 triumph over the Razorsharks.

[CHris902]

That guy is a pretty insane scorer. He has some real swagger to him too.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Looks like the Heaves have inked former Millrat PG Al Stewart to a deal. Sounds like he will join the team after the Buffalo trip. Kinda wondering who will be cut to make room for him. Also heard there's a 7" coming in for a tryout.

[CHris902]

Al Stewart is one of my favourite PBL players who isn't a Rainman. He's hardworking, smart and doesn't need a lot of shots. I think he'll be great compliment to Troy Jackson's shoot first ask questions later style.

I am surprised with how quiet both Cook and Trimboli have been.

[misenern]

Looks like the Heaves have inked former Millrat PG Al Stewart to a deal. Sounds like he will join the team after the Buffalo trip. Kinda wondering who will be cut to make room for him. Also heard there's a 7" coming in for a tryout.

Nice signing. He is a nice point guard who plays good D.

What's going on the Callier?

[Frost Heaves Fan]

Looks like the Heaves have inked former Millrat PG Al Stewart to a deal. Sounds like he will join the team after the Buffalo trip. Kinda wondering who will be cut to make room for him. Also heard there's a 7" coming in for a tryout.

Callier is injured with a pretty bad concussion so he may not be able to play for 3-4 weeks so I wonder if he may be an option to cut. Unfortunate.

I think the 1+2s will now look like this:
Starting: Dwaun Rice PG and Troy Jackson SG
Second: Al Stewart PG and Aaron Cook SG

Al is quicker and a better ball handler then Dwaun, but he can't shoot the three (this is why he didn't start for NH when others came in). I would start Dwaun because he is more versatile and is a good three shooter.

Aaron has been cold with 3 shooting but is just now got his groove back. Watch out!!

The new 7' looks good on paper. We will see. He arrives tonight.

[scrappy]

Callier is injured with a pretty bad concussion so he may not be able to play for 3-4 weeks so I wonder if he may be an option to cut. Unfortunate.

I think the 1+2s will now look like this:
Starting: Dwaun Rice PG and Troy Jackson SG
Second: Al Stewart PG and Aaron Cook SG

Al is quicker and a better ball handler then Dwaun, but he can't shoot the three (this is why he didn't start for NH when others came in). I would start Dwaun because he is more versatile and is a good three shooter.

Aaron has been cold with 3 shooting but is just now got his groove back. Watch out!!

The new 7' looks good on paper. We will see. He arrives tonight.

What happened to Mike Trimboli?

[misenern]

Troy Jackson is out, according to the PBL site.

[The Sweeper]

Troy Jackson is out, according to the PBL site.

Barre, VT – The Vermont Frost Heaves have added 6’10” Froward/Center Derrick Franklin. Franklin last played for Inter-Clube de Luanda in Angola and was a member of their starting five. He has been a member of the All-Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas Team in 2008 and was named to the Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas All-Big Men Team in 2008. He is a native of Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Columbus State in 2005.

To make room on their 12-man roster for Franklin the Frost Heaves have released Troy Jackson.

[CHris902]

I thought Troy Jackson was the best player on the Heaves. That is a strange move.

Any frost heaves fans have any idea what happened? Lockerroom issues? Money? Overseas deal?

[Jimmytwotimes]

Frost Heaves defeat Millrats 129 - 104 - Record goes to 7 - 7

Barre, VT - The Vermont Frost Heaves defeated the Manchester Millrats in Barre tonight by a score of 129 - 104. The game started off slow for both teams but a 3 point shot by Marshall Brown gave Vermont a 3-2 lead which they never relinquished for the remainder of the game.

Vermont led at the half 55 - 48 as the Millrats continued to hang close. Manchester was without their starting point guard Anthony Anderson who couldn't make the trip North due to illness, but never the less they hung tough like they always do. Marshall Brown of the Frost Heaves and Charles Bronson of the Millrats led all scorers in the first half with 17 points each.

The Frost Heaves broke the game open in the beginning of the 4th quarter led by the hot shooting of Matt Hall who dropped in three shots from behind the arc to extend the Frost Heaves lead to 14 and they never looked back.

The Frost Heaves had 7 players in double figures led by Juwan Bailey with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Marshall Brown added 23 points and Matt Hall had 15 points. The Millrats were led in scoring by Charles Bronson with 21 points, and Steve Deluca with 16.

The Frost Heaves take to the road for a double header in Maryland with the Greenhawks on Friday and Saturday. Their next home game is in Burlington on March 27 against the very same Greenhawks. 3 games in a row against the same opponent. The Frost Heaves record goes to 7 - 7 and they are still in the playoff hunt.

[Jimmytwotimes]

They Beat Maryland 131-102 tonight and play against them again tomorrow night. Looks like Marshall Brown had 30pts for Vermont. Byron Mouton had 26 for Maryland.

[Frost Heaves Fan]

Brown paces Frost Heaves


Staff Report - Published: March 20, 2010


ROCKVILLE, MD. – Marshall Brown scored a team-high 30 points for the Vermont Frost Heaves in Friday's 131-102 victory over the Maryland Greenhawks.

Jeral Davis wound up with 23 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks for the Frost Heaves, who jumped out to a 30-13 lead in the first quarter.

Juwan Bailey (20 points), Aaron Cook (14 points), Ross Demasi (10 points, eight rebounds), Matt Hall (10 points) also reached double figures for Vermont, while teammate Duwan Rice tallied seven points and 12 assists.

"We had 38 assists as a team, so the ball movement was great," Vermont coach Joe Salerno said. "We're 8-7 after and an 0-4 start, so we're peaking at the right time and we're hoping to qualify for the playoffs.

Vermont will face Maryland (3-12) again tonight.

[The Sweeper]

Final score from Saturday night's game,

Vermont 125
Maryland 121

Marshall Brown had 42 points while Juwan Bailey added 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Not too crazy about the 20 turnovers, though.

[Jimmytwotimes]

ROCKVILLE, MD – Marshall Brown broke the Vermont Frost Heaves' single-game scoring record on Saturday, pouring in 42 points to key his team's 125-121 victory over the Maryland Greenhawks.

Benson Callier held the old record after scoring 41 points for Vermont last year.

Four other players reached double figures for Vermont: Juwan Bailey (20 points), Jarel Davis (16 points), Duwan Rice (16 points, 10 assists) and Ross Dimasi (13 points, eight rebounds).

"It was tight from the time the ball went up to the final whistle," Vermont coach Joe Salerno said. "It was nip-tuck in the fourth quarter and we hit a couple free throws late. It was a four-point game with 1:20 left and our player, Markus Austin, committed a technical foul to put them at the line for four shots. But they went 1-for-4. Sometimes you have to win ugly, and that's what we did. But it makes it four straight wins for us and we're going to keep rolling.

Vermont (9-7) will host Maryland on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. in Burlington.

[The Sweeper]

VERMONT’S MARSHALL BROWN NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Premier Basketball League is pleased to announce that Marshall Brown of the Vermont Frost Heaves is the PBL Player of the Week for the week ending March 21, 2010. Brown joins fellow Frost Heave Troy Jackson as having earned Player of the Week honors this season. In three games this week, the 6’7” small forward from Missouri averaged over 30 points per game, including 21 points in a Vermont win over Manchester on March 16; 30 points in a Vermont victory over Maryland on March 19; and a franchise-high 42 points in a Frost Heaves triumph over the GreenHawks on March 20. Those three wins have brought the Frost Heaves over the .500 mark for the first time this season

[Jimmytwotimes]

Demasi, Rice - Fans Choice to be Frost Heave All Stars

The Vermont Frost Heaves are pleased to announce that their All Star representatives for the 2010 Premier Basketball League All Star game will be Ross Demasi and Dwuan Rice.

The All Star game will be played in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 1, 2010. Ross Demasi was the Frost Heaves leading vote getter as selected by the fans. In a close race for the second spot, Dwuan Rice edged out Marshall Brown by one vote.

Demasi has led the Frost Heaves all season in minutes played with an average of 33 minutes, 11 seconds per game and is shooting 52% from the field and 41% from behind the 3 point arc. Ross is also averaging 9 rebounds per game and is 6th in the league in that category. Dwuan Rice is averaging 29 minutes, 36 seconds played per game and is shooting 46% from the field and 35% from beyond the 3 point arc. He is also averaging 6 assists per game which puts him 3rd in the league for assists per game and is averaging 4 rebounds per game.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Frost Heaves defeated the Greenhawks 133

Burlington, VT - The Vermont Frost Heaves defeated the Maryland Greenhawks 133 - 119 in Burlington. It was the third straight time Vermont has faced Maryland and they captured all 3 games. The Frost Heaves record now goes to 10 wins and 7 losses as they are still fighting for a playoff spot.

The first quarter ended with Vermont holding a 32 - 28 lead. Maryland hung tough and actually took a 49-45 lead with about 2 minutes left in the half. A spurt by Vermont at the end of the half gave Vermont a 58 - 54 halftime lead.

Vermont came out in the third period and built a 22 point lead but Maryland never gave up and managed to cut the lead to 9 points with 6 minutes left in the game. A couple of three point baskets by Aaron Cook, and Matt Hall sealed the game for Vermont with one minute left in the game.

Vermont placed 6 players in double figures led by Marshall Brown with 27 points followed by Dwuan Rice with 19 points. Marcus Austin added 16 points and Matt Hall added 15.

Maryland was led in scoring by Terrance Mouton with 33 points. Demetrius Howard added 21 points and Scooter Sherrill with 20.

[The Sweeper]

I think the refs called a pretty loose game. There were a lot of fouls that were not called, a couple of technicals on Maryland and there was almost an 'incident' during the 4th. Disappointed in the crowd in Burloington too.

Hope we have a sell out in Barre next Friday when Halifax comes to town.

[The Sweeper]

The Premier Basketball League is pleased to announce that Vermont Frost Heaves head coach Joseph Salerno is the Coach of the Month for March 2010.

Joining the Frost Heaves in mid-season, and inheriting a team with a 0-3 record, Salerno has assembled a solid squad, putting together a 10-3 record, including going 6-1 in March. In a short period of time, Salerno has taken the Frost Heaves from the bottom of the standings to a potential playoff berth.

[The Sweeper]

Jeral Davis of the Vermont Frost Heaves has left the team to go play in Mexico. Because the roster deadline has passed the Frost Heaves will head in to their next stretch of 3 critical games with an 11 man roster.

[Jimmytwotimes]

This is an article from a Barre, Vt newspaper on Frost Heaves head coach. He apparently has skill, and seems very modest.

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: March 30, 2010

Vermont Frost Heaves coach Joe Salerno has apparently made all the right moves to right a seemingly sinking ship, and his efforts have caught the eye of the powers that be in the Premier Basketball League.

League officials announced Monday that Salerno, 28, was named the PBL's Coach of the Month for March after leading the Frost Heaves to a 6-1 record in March.

"I was excited," Salerno said. "It's a nice compliment and nice to be recognized for nice work. Coach of the Month, should be team of the month. The guys are there out on the floor winning ball games. We've had to overcome a lot of things, and we had a great month of March when we needed to."

Since being named head coach four games into the season after former head coach Jeff Strohm was fired after an 0-3 start, Salerno has guided the team to a 10-7 overall record.

Salerno began the season as Strohm's assistant coach, and spent the previous two seasons as the head coach of the Montpelier varsity boys basketball team.

In a short period of time, Salerno has taken the Frost Heaves from the bottom of the standings to a potential playoff berth, boosting the team's confidence headed into the final three regular-season matchups.

"It really does," Salerno said of his team's rise in confidence. "Obviously with some adversity in the beginning of the season, it took us as a team buying in to what we wanted to get done. It really was a team effort. We started from our first win, it sent a message that we could compete and all the guys believed in that, and we saw that success on the court. It was a big turnaround, but we're looking at it as we haven't done anything yet. We're not settling for just a playoff spot. We're competing for another championship and we're capable of that."

Vermont hosts 11-6 Halifax on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at the Barre Auditorium.

"It's the biggest game of our season," Salerno said. "We got back to practice (Monday), and we're just trying to have a good week of practice. We're going to have our hands full Friday night, but I think Halifax will as well."

[The Sweeper]

http://www.thepbl.com/wr/wr_pdf18.pdf

The Premier Basketballe League is pleased to announce that Vermont Frost Heaves point guard Dwuan Rice has been named PBL Player of The Week ending April 4, 2010. This is the third time a Vermont Frost Heaves player has won this award for the 2009-10 season; Rice joins Troy Jackson and Marshall Brown in being so honored. Rice was named Player Of The Week after his valiant 20-point effort in a Friday night game against the Halifax Rainmen. It was Rice, a 5'11" 170 pound point guard from Cal-Bakersfield, who helped guide Vermont from a 14 point deficit, with less than four minutes in the game, to an 18-0 scoring run - of which he scored 14 of those points during that run - and the eventual victory.

[Frost Heaves Fan]

http://www.thepbl.com/wr/wr_pdf18.pdf

The Premier Basketballe League is pleased to announce that Vermont Frost Heaves point guard Dwuan Rice has been named PBL Player of The Week ending April 4, 2010. This is the third time a Vermont Frost Heaves player has won this award for the 2009-10 season; Rice joins Troy Jackson and Marshall Brown in being so honored. Rice was named Player Of The Week after his valiant 20-point effort in a Friday night game against the Halifax Rainmen. It was Rice, a 5'11" 170 pound point guard from Cal-Bakersfield, who helped guide Vermont from a 14 point deficit, with less than four minutes in the game, to an 18-0 scoring run - of which he scored 14 of those points during that run - and the eventual victory.

From the days in 2007+8 , Dwuan has always been an extremely motivated, hard driving floor leader. With Dwuan and Al Stewart as our PGs, I think we have 2 of the best in the league.
After the game last Friday, I talked to Dwuan and he said that he decided when things were going down hill in the last several minutes of the game that he was just going to go out there and make things happen. He surely did!!!!

[Frank Mart]

Benson Callier signing for IBL?

http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/basketball/2010/04/09/13532341.html

Additional possible stars are post player Dave Patten, a former most valuable player in the NCAA's Big Sky Conference, and Benson Callier, a proven pro at many levels.

Thanks

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Benson Callier signing for IBL?

http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/basketball/2010/04/09/13532341.html

Additional possible stars are post player Dave Patten, a former most valuable player in the NCAA's Big Sky Conference, and Benson Callier, a proven pro at many levels.

Thanks

Benson Callier has played in the IBL before. He played for the IBL Gary Steelheads.

[The Sweeper]

http://www.timesargus.com/article/20100414/SPORTS/4140324/1004/SPORTS

By Anna Grearson TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: April 14, 2010


Instead of playing one last game at the Barre Auditorium on Thursday night, the Vermont Frost Heaves of 2009-2010 will say one last goodbye to fans from 4-6 p.m.

Vermont started the season 0-3 and finished 12-8 and was officially ruled ineligible for the Premier Basketball League playoffs on Monday. The league expelled Puerto Rico on March 29 but reinstated the Capitanes 10 days later. The expulsion lifted Vermont into the four-team playoff group but the restoration dropped the team to fifth and ended the Frost Heaves season.

"It's disappointing to be told and know that you're headed to the playoffs and then have the carpet pulled out from under you," Vermont coach Joe Salerno said. "I am happy Puerto Rico got back in. It's important to have the best teams competing for a championship, but I was looking forward to having another crack at Puerto Rico in the playoffs."

Vermont battled through early season adversity, including the firing of coach Jeff Strohm, and wound up winning 12 of its last 16 games. In that span, three players were named the league's Player of the Week and Salerno was tabbed Coach of the Month after a 6-1 run in March.

"It was definitely disappointing," Vermont veteran point guard Dwuan Rice said. "We worked so hard to turn this thing around. We thought we were in, we felt like we accomplished something, and once we heard the news it was definitely disappointing."

Vermont controlled its fate in last Thursday's home loss to Rochester. At that point the Frost Heaves thought they were fighting for a better seed in the playoffs, not a berth. Rice said the team would've stepped it up had they known what exactly was at stake.

"I feel like we would've played with more sense of urgency against Rochester," Rice said. "We didn't play bad until that fourth quarter, it was pretty much anybody's game, and had we known it was our playoff hopes, we would've played a little better and left it all on the floor. You can't complain about it now, though."

Salerno said the team plays every game to win.

"I hate to say we'd play the Rochester game any differently. We play to win, coaching style or not, but I think if the players know their backs are against the wall and they had to win, that gives it an added edge," Salerno said. "I would've liked to know that, and maybe I would've done things differently."

Still, the back-and-forth of their post-season status left the Frost Heaves in the lurch after a strong second half to the season.

"They took it pretty hard," Salerno said. "They really have come together as a team. Now they're learning how to take disappointment together as a team. We made a run of things. We said in late February we wanted to make a run, make the playoffs, only to be that close and have that taken away."

Vermont issued a release outlining the sale of playoff tickets on April 5. By April 8, after tickets had already been sold, Vermont's chance of playing that game had all but vanished.

"All of the fans got pumped up, especially hearing we were eligible for the playoffs, so for the league to commit to us being in the playoffs and then renege on their commitment is a bad reflection on the league and management of the league," said Dan Barry, a season-ticket holder since the team's inaugural season four years ago who had already bought tickets for Thursday. "In retrospect, the league should have waited to commit to us until after they resolved things with Puerto Rico. Even more so than the fans, I feel bad for the players. I look forward to another season next year and the coaching of Joe Salerno. In the end, that was huge. He was really a bright spot with the Heaves this season, and I was very impressed with him."

This season marks the first in franchise history that the team did not make the playoffs. The Frost Heaves won back-to-back American Basketball Association titles in its first two seasons and qualified for the PBL playoffs last spring as a wild card.

"It does bother me," Salerno said. "I understand how successful this franchise has been. I wish I had had the reins from the beginning, and maybe there'd be a different outcome. But I have to look at it as a success. We overcame many, many obstacles, had a seven-game win streak in month of March, and we peaked at the right time. Had we had opportunity to compete in playoffs, we would've made some noise."

Rice and teammate Ross Demasi will make noise at the PBL All-Star Game in Halifax on May 2, the last official event of the season.

"I'm excited to get a little rest," Rice said. "To get my groin healed and get back to 100 percent and getting up to Halifax and represent our team and this community and play against some of the best players in the league and playing with the best players in the league. I'm looking forward to that."

[Jimmytwotimes]

Since the Frost Heaves will be back this year, figured i would get this thread back up. Congrats Frost Heaves!!

[Chuck the Writer]

Anybody going to the Vermont State Fair this year will have a chance to see one of my PBL action photos on display at the President's Building, as part of the photography competition.

Although I did enter six photographs in various categories and genres, I think the photo I entered in "sports" might make some Frost Heaves fans very happy. Not sure how the Buffalo Stampede fans will feel about the picture...

http://blog.timesunion.com/chuckmiller/files/2010/08/Vermont-5-Sports.jpg

The rest of my entries can be seen at this link:

http://blog.timesunion.com/chuckmiller/and-at-the-last-minute-im-thinking-vermont-state-fair-photo-contest/2954/

Wish me luck. I did well at the New York State Fair with two pictures, let's see if I can continue the winning streak in Vermont.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Barre, VT- The Vermont Frost Heaves are getting ready to kick off their 5th season when the team officially opens training camp on Monday, December 6, 2010 in Barre. The camp, which will bring in 18 players from all over the country, is scheduled to run through Friday morning, December 10 before the roster is trimmed down to 13 for the Heaves opening exhibition game in Saint John on Saturday the 11th.

Some familiar faces will be in camp next week as the team announced today that former Frost Heaves Bobby Shedd ('09-'10) and BJ Robertson ('06-'08) will be competing in camp. They'll join Markus Austin, Dwuan Rice, and Ross Demasi giving the team 5 players who have suited up for the Heaves in the past. "It's great we have so many familiar faces coming into camp. Guys, who have played here, understand the community, the fans, and what is expected when you play for this franchise" commented Head Coach Joe Salerno. "It should be extremely competitive."

Rounding out the final training camp roster is Sam Carey, Mike Anderson, James Tchana, Brandon McThay and Ray Canady.

Carey, a 6'8" power forward, is the second former Mill Rat who will be in attendance at the Frost Heaves camp. He played for Manchester in the 2007-2008 season before playing in a top division in Germany last year.

Anderson, a 7' center who played his collegiate ball at Lane College, led the PBL in blocked shots last season for the Maryland Green Hawks. Anderson is the 2nd 7 footer the Heaves have signed to training camp.

Tchana will also be competing for a spot in the Frost Heaves front court. The 6'8" 275lb power forward started his college career at Fresno State before finishing at CW Post, helping the Pioneers to a 30-1 record his senior season.

McThay, a 5'9" point guard from Deerfield Beach, Florida, is one of only three rookies who has been invited to training camp. He played his college ball at Division 1 Lamar University in Texas where he averaged 13.3 points and 4 assists per game as a senior.

"Both Brandon and James were invited and attended our tryout camp is Essex in October. Both played very well and earned an invite to camp" commented Salerno.

Canady, a 6'7" small forward, had a tremendous career at Valdosta State. Since then, he has gone on to play professionally in Germany, Syria, China, and Argentina. Last season he played in Australia where he averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Gladstone Port City Power.

Players will arrive in Barre this weekend, with the team starting double sessions on Monday morning at the Barre Auditorium. The team will hold an inter-squad scrimmage which will be open to the public on Thursday afternoon, December 9 at 3pm. Fans will also have the chance to get their first look at this year's team on Monday December 13th when the team will host a "Meet, Greet & Eat with the Heaves" spaghetti dinner at the Canadian Club in Barre starting at 6:00pm. For more information on the dinner call 802-244-8087. The team will also attend the Montpelier vs. Spaulding High School Boys Basketball game on Tuesday, December 14, which will be played at the Heaves home arena, the Barre Auditorium. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 7:00pm.

2010 Frost Heaves Training Camp Roster

Brandon McThay 5'9" PG Lamar University Deerfield Beach, FL

Dwuan Rice 5'9" PG Cal-Bakersfield Pasadena, CA

Brian Kortovich 6'2" PG Manhattan Harlem, NY

Andy Robinson 6'2" SG Buffalo Schenectady, NY

BJ Robertson 6'2" SG Saint Michaels Burlington, VT

Joe Jones 6'3" SG Edinboro University Erie, PA

Bilal Benn 6'5" SG Villanova/Niagara Philadelphia, PA

Dwight Brewington 6'5" SF Providence/Liberty Providence, RI

Bobby Shedd 6'5" SF Johnson State College Johnson, VT

Markus Austin 6'6" SF Eastern Michigan White Plains, NY

Ray Canady 6'7" SF Valdosta State Atlanta, GA

Ross Demasi 6'8" PF SW Minnesota State Swanton, VT

Sam Carey 6'8" PF Southern New Hampshire Manchester, NH

Mike Williams 6'8" PF Texas/Cincinnati Atlanta, GA

James Tchana 6'8" PF Fresno State/CW Post Long Island, NY

Lorenzo Davis 6'10" C Mountain Valley State Los Angeles, CA

Michael Anderson 7' C Lane College Baltimore, MD

James Smith 7' C Marist Westchester, NY

[Frank Mart]

Barre, VT- The Vermont Frost Heaves are getting ready to kick off their 5th season when the team officially opens training camp on Monday, December 6, 2010 in Barre. The camp, which will bring in 18 players from all over the country, is scheduled to run through Friday morning, December 10 before the roster is trimmed down to 13 for the Heaves opening exhibition game in Saint John on Saturday the 11th.

Some familiar faces will be in camp next week as the team announced today that former Frost Heaves Bobby Shedd ('09-'10) and BJ Robertson ('06-'08) will be competing in camp. They'll join Markus Austin, Dwuan Rice, and Ross Demasi giving the team 5 players who have suited up for the Heaves in the past. "It's great we have so many familiar faces coming into camp. Guys, who have played here, understand the community, the fans, and what is expected when you play for this franchise" commented Head Coach Joe Salerno. "It should be extremely competitive."

Rounding out the final training camp roster is Sam Carey, Mike Anderson, James Tchana, Brandon McThay and Ray Canady.

Carey, a 6'8" power forward, is the second former Mill Rat who will be in attendance at the Frost Heaves camp. He played for Manchester in the 2007-2008 season before playing in a top division in Germany last year.

Anderson, a 7' center who played his collegiate ball at Lane College, led the PBL in blocked shots last season for the Maryland Green Hawks. Anderson is the 2nd 7 footer the Heaves have signed to training camp.

Tchana will also be competing for a spot in the Frost Heaves front court. The 6'8" 275lb power forward started his college career at Fresno State before finishing at CW Post, helping the Pioneers to a 30-1 record his senior season.

McThay, a 5'9" point guard from Deerfield Beach, Florida, is one of only three rookies who has been invited to training camp. He played his college ball at Division 1 Lamar University in Texas where he averaged 13.3 points and 4 assists per game as a senior.

"Both Brandon and James were invited and attended our tryout camp is Essex in October. Both played very well and earned an invite to camp" commented Salerno.

Canady, a 6'7" small forward, had a tremendous career at Valdosta State. Since then, he has gone on to play professionally in Germany, Syria, China, and Argentina. Last season he played in Australia where he averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Gladstone Port City Power.

Players will arrive in Barre this weekend, with the team starting double sessions on Monday morning at the Barre Auditorium. The team will hold an inter-squad scrimmage which will be open to the public on Thursday afternoon, December 9 at 3pm. Fans will also have the chance to get their first look at this year's team on Monday December 13th when the team will host a "Meet, Greet & Eat with the Heaves" spaghetti dinner at the Canadian Club in Barre starting at 6:00pm. For more information on the dinner call 802-244-8087. The team will also attend the Montpelier vs. Spaulding High School Boys Basketball game on Tuesday, December 14, which will be played at the Heaves home arena, the Barre Auditorium. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 7:00pm.

2010 Frost Heaves Training Camp Roster

Brandon McThay 5'9" PG Lamar University Deerfield Beach, FL

Dwuan Rice 5'9" PG Cal-Bakersfield Pasadena, CA

Brian Kortovich 6'2" PG Manhattan Harlem, NY

Andy Robinson 6'2" SG Buffalo Schenectady, NY

BJ Robertson 6'2" SG Saint Michaels Burlington, VT

Joe Jones 6'3" SG Edinboro University Erie, PA

Bilal Benn 6'5" SG Villanova/Niagara Philadelphia, PA

Dwight Brewington 6'5" SF Providence/Liberty Providence, RI

Bobby Shedd 6'5" SF Johnson State College Johnson, VT

Markus Austin 6'6" SF Eastern Michigan White Plains, NY

Ray Canady 6'7" SF Valdosta State Atlanta, GA

Ross Demasi 6'8" PF SW Minnesota State Swanton, VT

Sam Carey 6'8" PF Southern New Hampshire Manchester, NH

Mike Williams 6'8" PF Texas/Cincinnati Atlanta, GA

James Tchana 6'8" PF Fresno State/CW Post Long Island, NY

Lorenzo Davis 6'10" C Mountain Valley State Los Angeles, CA

Michael Anderson 7' C Lane College Baltimore, MD

James Smith 7' C Marist Westchester, NY

http://frankmartpbl.blogspot.com/2010/12/vermont-frost-heaves-roster-cam.html

[misenern]

Vermont is up 33-15 against Saint John. Not a great crowd, but OK. This will probably be the PBL's strongest season in attendance.

The Mill Rats are not looking very good. Here is the problem with the Mill Rats - their starters struggled and now they are stuck using Cooper, M. Anderson and Deluca off the bench. I don't think that Vermont will truly challenge for the championship, but I do think they could sneak into the playoffs.

[misenern]

Mill Rats making me eat my words now. They were down 24 to start the second, now it's a two point game 61-59 for Vermont.

Interesting that both teams are playing small. Big centres are not having an impact like last year.

[The Sweeper]

Vermont wins 106-103. Another chapter in the Heaves-Mill Rats war is over.

[CHris902]

The Mill Rats are not looking very good. Here is the problem with the Mill Rats - their starters struggled and now they are stuck using Cooper, M. Anderson and Deluca off the bench. I don't think that Vermont will truly challenge for the championship, but I do think they could sneak into the playoffs.
Good win for Vermont. They need to hold homecourt and use the crowd/absurd court dimensions to their advantage if they want to make the playoffs. Lots of strong home courts this season and no one who wants to compete can slip up. I didn't get a chance to watch the webcast but I looked at the box score: Kind of crazy that both teams just benched their bigs since I think there's at least five very good big men in this game. Anyone have any ideas why both teams decided to go small?


You're dead on with the Millrats. I think Gilchrest is a very good player coming off the bench and Torree Morris is a legit bigman at this level. But the next three guys on the bench are not good. Deluca is a fine role player if he is your last player off the bench but if he's your first wing player and eight overall player off the bench you're in trouble. He's their eighth best player and I can honestly say that there isn't a single player on Halifax, LFS, Quebec or Vermont who is not noticeably better than him. (Not sure about the other teams). After him the situation is even worse. They basically have two players who have no business finding their way onto the court before garbage time.

They can't cut M. Anderson because if they do fans will flip out and claim he was never given the minutes to prove himself. David Cooper needs to fake a season ending knee injury so the team can bring in a player with something left in the tank if they want to compete.

[Frank Mart]

Good win for Vermont. They need to hold homecourt and use the crowd/absurd court dimensions to their advantage if they want to make the playoffs. Lots of strong home courts this season and no one who wants to compete can slip up. I didn't get a chance to watch the webcast but I looked at the box score: Kind of crazy that both teams just benched their bigs since I think there's at least five very good big men in this game. Anyone have any ideas why both teams decided to go small?


You're dead on with the Millrats. I think Gilchrest is a very good player coming off the bench and Torree Morris is a legit bigman at this level. But the next three guys on the bench are not good. Deluca is a fine role player if he is your last player off the bench but if he's your first wing player and eight overall player off the bench you're in trouble. He's their eighth best player and I can honestly say that there isn't a single player on Halifax, LFS, Quebec or Vermont who is not noticeably better than him. (Not sure about the other teams). After him the situation is even worse. They basically have two players who have no business finding their way onto the court before garbage time.

They can't cut M. Anderson because if they do fans will flip out and claim he was never given the minutes to prove himself. David Cooper needs to fake a season ending knee injury so the team can bring in a player with something left in the tank if they want to compete.

Due to the short dimensions of Barre Auditorium both teams played with little players to avoid being surprised by counterattacks (Jaren Jackson ,learned his lesson). The last minutes Millrats played with Eric-Anderson-Martin-Egerson-DeLuca and Vermont with Rice-Allen-Austin-too-Willams, but remember correctly.

By the way, Chris902 why not continue your blog on Rainmen?

[Jasper]

Why both teams went small . . . for Saint John: Morris came into the game with a knee problem (didn't start and had a slight limp) and played just sparingly in the first half. Ocitti suffered a hand injury during the game and didn't return. Ferguson and Cooper were just pretty much not effective. For Vermont . . . James Smith had just returned to team practices this week (out w/concussion since early in the training camp) and was just not ready to go. Anderson got and will get minutes - but mostly as a roll player. I think if Ferguson/Morris had played more for SJ, Anderson would have for Vermont. And I think historically, Coach Salerno likes to go small. Last season it was often Demasi and Bailey at crunch time, and I think this season it will be Demasi,Breeden and Williams (who will become a star in this league).

It certainly had nothing to do with court size . . . which I think actually benefits the bigs.

[The Sweeper]

Vermont couldn't hit ice if they fell out of a boat on Lake Champlain right now. Shooting only 34% from the field and 0-15 from 3 piont land, we're only down 11 near the end of the third.

[Jimmytwotimes]

Heaves coast to victory

By Anna Grearson
staff writer - Published: January 16, 2011

BARRE — The Vermont Frost Heaves closed out their four-game homestand on a high note Saturday, recording a season-high point total with a 123-96 victory against the expansion Dayton Air Strikers in Premier Basketball League action.

“Obviously our team is too good to be at the bottom, and Thursday, we gave up a big game, so this was definitely an important game,” Vermont guard Andy Robinson said. “It was important to come out and get this win.”

Robinson led all scorers with 21 points, three assists and two steals off the bench. Mike Williams added 20 points and seven rebounds in limited minutes, Casaan Breeden tallied 19 points, six rebounds and three assists off the bench. Joe Jones chipped in 16 points, also off the bench.

“Casaan is a mismatch for a lot of teams, and that’s why we wanted him here,” Vermont coach Joe Salerno said. “Hopefully this coming-out party was a needed boost for some of the guys and they can start getting that effort on a consistent basis.”

Dwuan Rice recorded 14 points, four assists and five steals. Ross Demasi rounded out the double-figure scoring with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

“Our team is really strong 1-10, we can get up-and-down, and the momentum just picked up a little bit,” Robinson said. “Guys got confident and guys played well.”

Dayton (1-4) was paced by Darion Griffin’s 20 points. Reggie George added 18 points and Paul Hill finished with 16, all in the second half.

Vermont never trailed and jumped out to a 12-3 lead. Robinson scored six points in the final 1:35 of the first quarter as the Frost Heaves took a 37-26 lead. By the second-quarter media timeout as the clock ticked under eight minutes, all but one Frost Heave had scored and most had tallied assists.

“We have an unselfish team,” Salerno said. “We knew coming in that Dayton was athletic and long, and it was an emphasis to beat them on the boards. And plus, it slows down their transition game. We wanted Dayton to have to play in a half-court game and rebounding the basketball helped us.”

Williams gave Vermont a 17-point edge at 7:06, and cold, cold shooting from the foul line by the Air Strikers allowed the Vermont lead to remain comfortable. The Frost Heaves helped their own cause with numerous second-chance baskets.

Robinson continued to shoot well from deep and sank two 3s — assisted by Markus Austin and Demasi — sandwiched around a bucket he created off a steal to give Vermont a 67-46 lead at halftime.

The Vermont lead grew to 21 on a pair of free throws by Robinson midway through the third, and despite several Vermont turnovers, the Frost Heaves were able to withstand a furious second-half scoring tear by Dayton’s Hill.

Rice scored off a screen by Williams to go up 103-81 with under nine minutes to play, and Vermont outscored Dayton 12-6 down the stretch for the 123-96 final.

While the improvement over Thursday’s 95-93 last-second loss to Quebec is heartening to Salerno, he still wants to see more. Especially with a pair of road games this week, including a trip to league-leading Lawton-Fort Sill. Vermont missed its first 13 3s on Thursday and through the first half of Saturday’s game was still shaky from outside, connecting on 4 of its 20 attempts.

“I am, but I’m not and we can’t be 100 percent satisfied with that,” Salerno said. “Tonight I thought we played well in spurts, but I don’t think we played well for a full game. We can’t do that against the best teams in this league. There were flashes of brilliance tonight, which I’m proud of and a couple of guys got out of a slump they were in. We still have to put a full 48 together.”

Vermont, which improved to 2-3, plays at Kentucky on Thursday night and will face Lawton-Fort Sill on Sunday afternoon.

“Just finding a way to play at the same speed all the time,” Salerno said of his practice plans. “Right now, it’s yet to be seen. If we figure that out, we can be very good. And trying to prep for a game against an opponent you don’t know a whole lot about is a challenge. I’m looking forward to (Lawton-Fort Sill), and I know the guys are, too. We weren’t happy with the outcome of that game or with how we played, and we think we can go in there and knock them off. That’s our goal.”

[Jimmytwotimes]

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http://crowleyphotos.photoshelter.com/