Island Hopping with New Privateers Head Coach Paul Kelly

October 1, 2012 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Watertown Privateers News Release


Island hopping with Head Coach Paul Kelly & Dave Smolnycki of the FHL.

Dave - In your third season you now have a new home in Watertown, NY. How will this move benefit the Privateers?

Paul - This move puts us in the middle of the population base for Jefferson County. We have always had fans drive to Alex Bay from Watertown for games; this will just make it more convenient for fans from Watertown and Ft. Drum to attend games.

There are many more businesses in and around the city of Watertown so there are a lot more opportunities for corporate partnerships and group sales. Dave- 1000 Islands is now the lone outpost in the FHL having to travel hundreds of miles to play your road games. Is it a tough job for a coach to make extensive travel benefit their team? Paul - It's always tough on players when they have to travel long distances and have the mental toughness that it takes to focus on the game. Every team has to do it though so there are no excuses when it comes to travel. The best teams are the ones that can play the same way whether they are at home or on the road so I just try to preach consistency to the guys.

Dave - How many players from last season do you expect to have back?

Paul - We are bringing back five guys. These guys were our backbone last year and we look for them to be even more successful this year. Both of our goaltenders, Matt Anthony and Peter Dundovich return as well as first team all FHL selection Adam McAllister. Chase Tippin is back to make sure everyone on the opposing team is accountable and Nick Williams is going to be a mainstay on our back end. Dave - Coach Kelly, besides capturing the Commissioners Cup what would be your definition of a successful season?

Paul - A championship is the only thing that makes a season successful. The season is a very long journey and at the end when you can look into the eye of guys you've competed with all year and say we are the champions there is not a better feeling. Dave - How do you plan on winning over the people of Watertown and making them Privateers faithful?

Paul - We plan on continuing our involvement in the community. Privateers' players and staff have committed hundreds of hours of community service over our first two seasons. In addition, we offer all community based non profits opportunities to raise money with the Privateers.

Dave - Now that you are even closer to Fort Drum, how do you plan on convincing our military men and women that a Privateers game should be tops on their list of entertainment options?

Paul - We are the same distance from Ft. Drum as we were before. Being in the city makes it more convenient for people to go shopping or grab a bite to eat before or after the game. Savory Down town will be hosting our pregame parties and offering specials for the Privateers' fans. Following the game, all Privateers players and fans will head over to the Tilted Kilt for the Privateers' official post game location. As always, we will be offering a military discount and many promotions to recognize our military fans.

Dave - Thanks for your time and hospitality up here in the North Country and best of luck this season.

Paul - It was my pleasure and we hope all the fans come out and see us this season.

Next up: Danbury Whalers (10-8-12) ~~~~~ ~~~~~

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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2012


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