Southern BBQ Helps Seals Bond
October 23, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. - Midway through the pre-season training camp, the Florida Seals hockey team had been through tough two-a-day practices and an exhibition game in Columbus, Georgia. It was time for some fun and a little franchise bonding.
That's bonding with a "b" as in B-B-Q.
Following the team's Open House and Treasure Hunt, members of the Seals; family hopped onto a chartered bus and headed for Flagler Beach, home of majority owner William Lucia. It was Lucia's way of thanking everyone for their efforts as Opening Night fast approached.
"I wanted to get the team bonded and show them we're one big family," Lucia said. "I wanted to show them I'm here to support them."
"We've got Thanksgiving coming up, we've got Christmas coming up. A lot of these guys aren't going to be going home so we'll invite them over here," he continued. "This whole thing is about the team, about family. I run all my businesses like this so that's what I'm going to do. It's just a nice thing."
Most owners only see their teams at the rink or at team functions. Lucia is making his mark by being a "team guy" and that impresses Coach Tommy Stewart a great deal.
"This is a first for me, especially at the start of the year," Stewart said. "I've always had a close knit group since I've been a coach and this is my fourth year now."
"To do something like this at the start of the year after training camp, it shows the dedication of the ownership and where he wants to go," he continued. "This is a family to him and not just a business. That's a great sign."
As the evening progressed, many of the players took the opportunity to share stories of their experiences playing the game. They all were very appreciative of their new boss' efforts.
"This is a phenomenal thing. I can't believe the owner had us out here. He's got a beautiful home," goaltender Terry Denike said. "He's really put up a lot of money to show us a good time. It's an honor to be here."
"It looks like the guys are all having a good time," he added." It doesn't matter who you are, everybody's talking to one another. Is it a good bonding experience? Absolutely yes."
Seals' captain Steve Zoryk, who has played in several cities during his career, was similarly complimentary of the event and Lucia's focus on the team.
"Bill has gone above and beyond. We are very, very fortunate," Zoryk said. "I've expressed my thanks to him personally. It's a breath of fresh air. We are really, really, really fortunate to have a guy like that who is making us feel first class."
During his time in Macon, Georgia and Kissimmee with Stewart, Zoryk said he's never seen a bonding problem but having events like this makes the relationships between the players, coaches and staff that much stronger.
"It's a credit to Tommy. We really haven't had that problem. He's hand picked guys the four years I've been with him. We're all very close," Zoryk explained. "This only helps. The guys that have been here for the long haul can really appreciate it and the guys who haven't been here are actually getting a chance to see what minor pro hockey should be like."
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- Southern BBQ Helps Seals Bond - Florida Seals
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