1000 Islands Privateers Season Preview
October 18, 2011 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Watertown Privateers News Release
Alexandria Bay, NY - As the 1000 Islands Privateers prepare for training camp, there are more reasons than ever for the residents of the North Country to feel pride towards their team. "Going into year two is much different than our inaugural campaign. With a solid fan base and group of corporate partners, we have been able to focus on assembling a championship caliber organization for 2011-2012", commented Team President, Nicole Kirnan.
Shortly into the off season, the Privateers named Marc LeFebvre (Ottawa, Ontario) to the position of General Manager/Head Coach. LeFebvre joins the Privateers following a successful nine year professional playing career that took him to Great Britain, Elmira, NY, France, and most recently, Holland. Prior to his professional career, Marc was a member of both the Sarnia Sting and the Ottawa 67's in the Ontario Hockey League.
During this off season, the Federal Hockey League has announced new franchises in Danville, IL, Morristown, VT, and Wayne, New Jersey. LeFebvre takes over a Privateers team coming off a 26-13-5 record and a third place finish in the Federal Hockey League standings in their inaugural campaign.
LeFebvre quickly demonstrated the caliber of player he was looking for when he signed Jeff Winchester (Dalhousie, NB) to the position of Player/Assistant coach. Following a standout collegiate career at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Winchester began a successful ten year professional playing career in the 'AA' East Coast, Central Hockey Leagues, and most recently, in Holland.
Paul Kelly is another player who will bring some excitement to the North Country. Kelly joins the Privateers following a six year playing career that spanned across the "AA" Central and East Coast Hockey Leagues. The Privateers continue to add to their list of veteran signings with Mike Richard. Richard joins the Privateers following a storied college playing career at Elmira College and coming off a Southern Pro Hockey League championship with the Mississippi Surge.
"Paul Kelly is the type of veteran you want on your team. He's big, physical and brings 400 career games to the Privateers. Most of all he adds a ton of skill to our lineup. Mike Richard has been one of the best players at the Single "A" level the past three seasons. He will definitely be a top 5 scorer in the FHL this season and he will only make our lineup that much better," commented Coach Marc LeFebvre.
Training camp gets underway this Friday, Oct. 21, with ice sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Scrimmages are open to the public: Saturday 9:00-10:30; 2:00-3:00 and Sunday 9:00-10:30; 2:00-3:00.
Kirnan continued, "It is my hope that once the season gets underway people can not remember a time without having their own pro hockey team, that the team is a source of pride, and that we offer some excitement during the long, cold North Country winters."
The Privateers will host the Mountaineers of Ft. Drum in an exhibition match up at 7:05 pm on October 27th. $2 from every $7 ticket sold will benefit the USO Ft. Drum. Children will be admitted free, compliments of Lamar Outdoor. There will be a costume parade, give aways, and raffles.
The Privateers' Home Opener will take place on November 4 at 7:05pm when they host the Vermont Wild for the first time. The Privateers will host a "Dress Like a Privateer" competition where one winner will receive a 10-game flex pack and $50 gift certificate for Privateer's Cove Pro Shop.
The 1000 Islands Privateers are an 'A' level professional hockey franchise operating in Alexandria Bay, New York at the Bonnie Castle arena. The Federal Hockey League is a developmental professional league featuring hockey's top young talent with franchises located in: Brooklyn, NY; Danbury, CT; Morristown, VT; Wayne, NJ; Akwasasne, ON; Danville, IL; Cape Cod, MA.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2011
- 1000 Islands Privateers Season Preview - Watertown Privateers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
