Path to Brooklyn: Stephen Obelnicki

Published on September 16, 2011 under Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Brooklyn Aviators News Release


BROOKLYN, New York - Fisher Branch, Manitoba, Canada is a long way away from Brooklyn, New York; roughly 1800 miles to be exact. Not often do you hear of some typeof Manitoba-ian influence reaching New York City. Well, that isn't the case for returning Brooklyn Aviators forward and last year's assistant captain, Stephen Obelnicki, who is focused on getting Brooklyn back to the Federal Hockey League Championship.

"I actually got to Brooklyn through former Aviators' General Manager, Mark Richards (now GM of the Southern Professional Hockey League's, Augusta Riverhawks)," said Obelnicki. "I played two seasons for [Richards] in the SPHL with the Twin City Cyclones. He gave me a call and I thought he was pulling my leg, but I thought it was worth a try."

Obelnicki, 24, enjoyed a stellar first season with the then, New York Aviators, registering 16 points in 46 games, while racking up a team-high, 118 penalty minutes in 2010-11. However, the right-handed shot was a bit skeptical about leaving his hometown (which again, is close to 1800 miles west of Brooklyn), and venturing in the newly formed Federal Hockey League.

"I was unsure, at first, about the FHL because you saw the track records of minor pro hockey leagues in the northeast part of the United States and it wasn't promising" explained, Obelnicki. "But Mark and [current Team President and Head Coach] Rob Miller assured me that the league was legit because all of the team's owners were committed to make this league work. I thought why not give it a try, but ultimately the biggest deciding factor for myself was getting a chance to live in one of the greatest cities in the world, New York."

The FHL turned a lot of heads in their inaugural year (2010-11), having 38 players get called-up to the higher levels in minor league hockey, which included two players moving to the highest level in minor league hockey, the American Hockey League. But just as much as the FHL was turning heads last season - in some cases shocking people - the same can be said for Obelnicki and his arrival to the borough of Brooklyn.

"Before I began the drive to New York, I was thinking it is not as big as everyone says it is and there aren't that many people there. Yeah right, guess again!" joked, Obelnicki. "New York was as big as it was said to be, if not bigger! New York was definitely a culture shock for me, since I come from a small town in Manitoba with a population of just over 500 people. Traveling around, and playing hockey, helped me a lot with adjusting to new situations and settings. When I arrived for the first time I was amazed at how hectic the traffic was on a Sunday evening."

Even though Fisher Branch, Manitoba may not be a town, or village that most people here on the east coast has heard of, it did though, help shape Obelnicki's hockey career - and eventually his path to Brooklyn.

"Well, Manitoba is known for its bone chilling winters, and what better thing is there to do in a small town but play hockey with your friends during those months?" Obelnicki said. "I spent a lot of time at the local arena that sometimes I would sneak in to just skate on my own. Hockey though, is huge in Manitoba, and especially now in Winnipeg with the return of the Jets. We are very passionate people when it comes to hockey."

Obelnicki spent three years at the Tier II Junior hockey level (2003-07), playing in his hometown league - the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. There, Obelnicki dressed in a career 158 games with three different teams and collected a total of 427 penalty minutes. He took a chance later in his career at the Major Junior hockey level, forgoing his college eligibility.

"The only thing I could do after Junior hockey was play professionally because I could not have played college hockey after I skated in exhibition games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League," said, Obelnicki. "After some pro camps, I was off to Winston-Salem to play in the SPHL to start my pro career. "

After his time with the Twin City Cyclones (2007-09), where he played in 74 games tallying 24 points and 257 penalty minutes during his two seasons there, "OB" need to rehab from a serious injury and headed back west.

"During the 2009-10 season, I just played hockey once a week with friends while taking classes in University," Obelnicki said. "I also coached Midget AAA during that time as well."

Once he was cleared to play, Obelnicki knew that he needed to get back to the sport he loved and ventured east to Brooklyn. After getting a taste of what the SPHL had to offer, Obelnicki looked for a change of scenery and found himself in the FHL last season with the Aviators. There, he was named assistant captain, played in all but one game for the Aviators, and even had a guest spot on a late-night talk show TV program.

"Last year was full of so many highlights, but I would have to say the highlight of the year maybe even so far in my life, would be getting a perm on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!" Obelnicki stated. "That whole day was amazing and to top it off, we went out after the show and got the server to put it on all the TV's in the place we were at so that everyone could watch it with us! I still think the fans in Danbury [Whalers], though, liked the perm more than I did."

Obelnicki, while with the Aviators last season, was also a part of a historic 21-game winning streak, a first place regular season finish, and even made a trip to the FHL Championship - all he credits to that special team he played for.

"We probably had one of the closest teams put together. We had to be though, we all lived together! We weren't overly skilled but had an amazing team game which goes a long way. Everyone put their egos aside and just played hockey day in and day out. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a special team."

A self-described player who would rather skate through you than around you, Obelnicki is proud to be a member of the FHL and the Aviators.

"I'm back for the 2011-12 season because I'm excited for year two in an Aviators' uniform and to see the players throughout the league. It's going to be exciting and entertaining year for our fans! I can't wait for the puck to drop this season and get back on the path to the FHL finals again!"

A path that all Brooklyn Aviators want to take with you, Steve.

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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2011


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