2010-11 FHL Commisioner's Preview-- Kings
The Kings head into the 2010-2011 season looking to build off of an impressive performance in last years playoffs. After posting a 5-14 record in the regular season, the Kings embarrassed the Crosbys in the first round in one of the more memorable upsets in FHL history. The following week they put up a valiant effort against the defending champion Jets, losing twice in overtime. Gone from that team are veterans Thomas Sheetz (15 goals, 12 assists), Mike Stadleman (9 goals, 5 assists) and Ryan Stotlemeyer (12 goals, 6 assists) as captain Jamie Zelena decided to build off of youth by franchising Ben Bobick (4 goals, 5 assists) this offseason. The Kings should benefit from the additions of two proven defensemen in Buddy Doyle and Adam Pander. Doyle is one of the grittiest players in the league and owns one of its most lethal shots. Pander is fresh off of a cup victory with Bishop Boyle and should offer some stability and leadership to the young Kings team. Veteran Jeff Pingor will be asked to provide the majority of the offense as he is coming off a breakout season with the Moose, scoring 31 goals in 09-10. Zelena has always been known as an aggressive captain not only on the ice but off of it as well. Since the draft he has already shipped off disgruntled forward Ryan Marino and newcomer John O'brien in return for Dave Kwolek and Josh "Cheese" Edwards in separate deals. Jamie had this to say about his team and the upcoming season..
"We're looking to grind teams down and win dirty. We'll do whatever we have to in order to put up goals and keep goals out of our net. The opposing players are gonna wake up Sunday morning and say 'man we must've played the Kings yesterday."
There is never a doubt that opposing teams will be in for a fight when they play the Kings. But will their effort be enough to produce wins? The Kings will need players like Adam Cristallini and Dave Kwolek to up their offensive production to be successful this season. They will also need youngsters Joe Sims, Ryan Mains, Craig Hixon, and Brandon Welsh to take the next step in their development and take some off the pressure off of the older guys. With a new logo, a new sponsor (Main Street Deli) and a new attitude, will this be a new Kings team? The answer to that question will begin to be played out December 18th.
"We're looking to grind teams down and win dirty. We'll do whatever we have to in order to put up goals and keep goals out of our net. The opposing players are gonna wake up Sunday morning and say 'man we must've played the Kings yesterday."
There is never a doubt that opposing teams will be in for a fight when they play the Kings. But will their effort be enough to produce wins? The Kings will need players like Adam Cristallini and Dave Kwolek to up their offensive production to be successful this season. They will also need youngsters Joe Sims, Ryan Mains, Craig Hixon, and Brandon Welsh to take the next step in their development and take some off the pressure off of the older guys. With a new logo, a new sponsor (Main Street Deli) and a new attitude, will this be a new Kings team? The answer to that question will begin to be played out December 18th.
