Season Preview: Cape Cod Bluefins
Published on September 12, 2011 under Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) News Release
Hyannis, Massachusetts - The Cape Cod Bluefins, proud members of the Federal Hockey League, are starting to take shape as they get set to kick off their first full season on Cape Cod representing the FHL. After a season as a tale of 2 halves last year as the Broome County/Cape Cod Barons, The newly rechristened Bluefins are ready to take a foothold at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. This marks the first time a professional hockey team will play a full season on the Cape since 1982.
The Bluefins play at the state of the art, 3 year old Hyannis Youth and Community Center's LT. Joseph Kennedy Rink, with a seating capacity of 2,200.
The Bluefins are run by President/CEO Brian Kolb, and Former NHL Player Dan LaCouture is the General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations for the Bluefins, who brings a wealth of NHL experience and knowledge to the club.
There's a new coaching staff in place this year as well, as Dave Monteiro takes the helm this season. Monteiro brings coaching experience as this is his 4th time as a Head Coach in the pro ranks, last with the Rhode Island Storm of the NEPHL 2 years ago andis a Cape Cod native out of Falmouth. Joining Monteiro behind the bench are Michael Nunges and Anthony Sarno. Nunges is returning to the Bluefins after coaching the Barons after their move to Cape Cod last January. Sarno brings FHL Championship experience as a player/coach of the Akwesasne Warriors, the defending Champions.
New players blend with returning players as the Bluefins are shaping out their roster for the upcoming season. A few of the returning players include forward Andrew Hutton, goaltender Chris Testa and resident tough guy, Brad Pawlowski. They are joined by new faces like Sarno, forwards Jeffrey Armando, Samuel Cheraso, Rob Campbell, and Dan Gordon as well as defensemen Steve McClellan and goaltender Wes Vesprini as Brian Kolb and Dave Monteiro look to create a good balance of old and new.
This writer sat down with Bluefins President/CEO Brian Kolb and asked the following questions:
KG: What may we expect from the organization this year after a rocky road last year'
BK: Last year, the FHL used the Barons' organization as a marketing tool to see if professional ice hockey was sustainable on Cape Cod. The people have spoken and professional ice hockey is here to stay. Unlike the other members of the FHL, we have decided to organize our organization that best reflects the community spirit here on Cape Cod. We are owned and operated by a nonprofit entity, the Cape Cod Hockey Development Foundation, and all profits from the Bluefins team are redistributed into the various youth hockey programs on Cape Cod.
KG: What inspired the name "Bluefins"'
BK: We chose a name that we felt the community of Cape Cod would embrace. The Cape waters are known for their fishing and we wanted to take advantage of naming ourselves after a species we believe that would best describe our players.
The Bluefin tuna is one of the largest, fastest, and most strikingly colored of all the world's fishes. Their streamlined bodies are built for speed and endurance. In essence we want our players to be like Bluefins, a combination of size and speed that makes our opponents nervous. You can't hit what you can't catch! KG: What kind of style of play should the fans expect from Coach Monteiro'
BK: Coach Monteiro has several years of experience in coaching, scouting, and recruiting players at the Single "A" and Double "AA" level. He is able to break down the game into its simplest form is remarkable. He is able to communicate with his players on a level I have never seen before. The fans should expect to see an explosive team full of speed and tenacity, but also with a lot of discipline. Sometimes at the Single "A" level, some players are more interested in what goes on after the whistle, than what happens between it. We are marking sure Monti has a full arsenal of skilled players that will contribute on both ends of the ice.
KG: Which top players are returning and top newcomers'
BK: Here is just a glimpse of some of the guys we have signed on for this season. We will announce a few bigger names as the season comes closer but like to leave the rest of the league guessing in terms of what moves we are making, kind of like Belicheck does with the rest of the NFL.
Returners:
Andrew Hutton, a local veteran and Captain of the Barons' last season, we expect Andrew to contribute on a nightly basis on the score sheet. His leadership skills and knack for finding the puck have made him a valuable asset.
Brad Pawlowski, known as "Polo" to most fans, needs no introduction. He proved last year that he is one of the toughest guys in the FHL, if not the toughest. This year, Brad will be looked more upon what he does with his gloves on than his gloves off.
Newcomers:
Dan Gordon, a speedy forward from Lynnfield, MA, started his college career with UMass Amherst and finished up at the University of Southern Maine. After playing a year in France, "Gordo" has brought his talents back home and will be one of the top forwards for the Bluefins this season.
Wes Vesprini, a goalie from Lexington, MA, just finished a stellar career at Trinity College. We had the chance to scout Wes several times this summer and his ability to make saves on the second, third, and even fourth chances was tremendous.
Anthony Sarno, our player/assistant coach, hails from Springfield, MA and was a member of the FHL Champion Warriors last year. His ability to quarterback from the blue line makes him not only important in starting our offense, but will be looked upon heavily in running the powerplay.
KG: How do you see the Bluefins going into the first full year on the Cape and what kind of feedback have u gotten from the community after a few home games last year'
BK: I couldn't be more excited for our first season here on the Cape. The community has really taken a stance behind us given our mission of supporting local youth hockey with the funds generated through the Bluefins, not to mention the economic benefits for the surrounding businesses during the slow winter months. We adopted the motto "Our Cape...Our Team" to reiterate that this is truly a team that represents the community spirit of the Cape Cod and the Islands.
KG: How huge is it to have a GM who's played in the NHL like Lacouture and what does he bring to the table'
BK: Lac is someone that we have had on our radar since day one when we were forming this organization. His career as a professional ice hockey speaks for itself. The same passion he brought every night in the fourteen years as a pro player, he brings the same passion and intensity to the front office. His knowledge of the game is unrivaled and we couldn't be more grateful to have him in our corner.
KG: Are you going to be anchoring the defense this year on the ice'
BK: Obviously, being a hockey player for so long, it's going to be hard for me not to want to lace up the skates. A lot of the players we have coming in are personal friends of mine, most of whom, I have played on a team with at some point during my career so they are in my ear constantly asking the same question of whether or not I'll play. Right now, I have no plans of skating for the Bluefins; there is enough work to be done off the ice. As much as I enjoy going to battle with the guys, I am much more valuable making sure the daily operations of the Bluefins runs smoothly.
This year, the Bluefins will play a 53 game FHL schedule with 26 home and away games each, plus 1 neutral site game vs. the Green Mountain Rock Crushers in Lewiston, ME on Thursday, December 29th.
Cape Cod Bluefins training camp is scheduled for Mid-October, and the opener is scheduled for Friday, October 28th vs. the Brooklyn Aviators at the Hyannis Youth and Recreation Center.
Season tickets are on sale now. Great seats are still available for some hot pro hockey action during the cold Cape Cod winter as the Bluefins take aim towards the goal of an FHL title.
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"Slap Shouts" Premieres September 13
The premiere of the FHL's LIVE TV show, "Slap Shouts" will be on Tuesday, September 13th. "Slap Shouts" will be a weekly talk show about the Federal Hockey League hosted by Carmine Vetrano and Grant Tunkel on Live Sports Videos.
Viewers will be able to call in with questions and comments concerning the FHL. Check the FHL website for more details about "Slap Shouts".
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The FHL will be playing 5 games at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston Maine. The Colisee is managed by the Firland Company headed by Mr Jim Cain and Mr Mike Cain. The season opener on October 27th will feature a replay of last seasons Finals between the Akwesasne Warriors and the Brooklyn Aviators. The other four games are as follows: November 17th, Danbury Whalers and Danville Dashers, December 29th, Cape Cod Bluefins and Green Mtn. Rock Crushers, January 26th, 1000 Islands Privateers and Green Mtn. Rock Crushers and the last game will be February 9th, New Jersey Outlaws and 1000 Islands Privateers.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2011
- Season Preview: Cape Cod Bluefins - FPHL
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
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.
