Week 1 Preview
Fast forward to mid-December and the FHL community is standing on the steps of a new era. The long forgotten tennis courts of East Miller street have been transformed from an eye sore into a haven for hockey. Ground broke just before Thanksgiving on a brand new facility. Thanks to a gracious donation from Mr. William V. Campbell and relentless work by Joe Ducar to organize the project, there will be hockey in Munhall for a very long time.
“Well, obviously we went into the summer with a lot of uncertainty and surprises. Not knowing what was next was troubling for us. But we remained confident and hopeful we were going to get what we deserved and everything turned out great for the players and the league to continue to grow” – Whalers center Adam Cristallini
“Well John ya know, uh, the obvious highlight of the off season is the formation and creation of the new rink at the south end of town. It really portrays what we have become as a league overall. We have persevered through numerous negative aspects and have begun moving forward in a success directed way. The low point of the off season was forfeiting our right to play down at Franklin pond. That ice down there will always remain a special place for many guys ya know. The simple essence of what we created and the uniqueness of how we did it really made it a one of a kind place. I’ll miss it for sure John.” – Jets Captain Zak Campbell
Although the original ‘pond’ of Franklin will be sorely missed, the memories will last and the legacies forged there won’t be forgotten. Blood, sweat and tears were poured onto the cracked pavement of Franklin and those who served their time on that hallowed ground will forever have a place in FHL lore. But once the ball drops on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, a new era begins, and the race is on for the FHL cup.
Game 1: Whalers vs. Thunder—11:00 AM.
Andrew McDonald leads the Pira…Thunder against the newest team on the block, Joe Rogers’ Whalers. Amac selected brother Roy McDonald to go along with franchised goalie Dave Kwolek in the first round in hopes of building on the chemistry the two have developed on the dek circuit. Brian Barca and Ryan Perhac round out a very talented team who hope that their new look will pay off.
Pack will rely on strong goal tending and a good group of buddies to produce some wins this year. His franchise player, goaltender Jim Besterci is regarded by most as the best in the league.
“Oh man I’m truly thrilled. To be a part of this league in some of its earlier stages, and to see how far it has come is just amazing. And now, to be a captain and have a chance to lead a team out on that new surface, it’s just an absolute honor” – Whalers Captain Joe Rogers (on opening things up on the new arena)
Game 2: Jets vs Moose—12:30 PM
Championship Rematch
The two franchises with the best career regular season winning percentages, and 3 FHL cups combined, will face off for the prime time match-up. Zack Siniawski was able to bring back his dangerous top line duo of Drew Hruska and Jason Kortz and they should prove to be a handful for the Jets despite their tough defense.
Captain Zak Campbell decided to build around veteran defense by selecting Shane Lucas, Jason Tatrai, and ‘Wild’ Bill Seaman. However a lot of their success will hinge on the youngest goaltender in FHL history, who is already a veteran of the game, Craig Hixon.
“I feel very confident in myself and my new team that we will get the win. I’m honored to be a part of an amazing franchise like the Jets and I will not let them down.” – Jets goalie Craig Hixon.
Game 3: Crosbys vs. Boyle 2:00 PM
Rivalry Game
When it comes to these two teams, not much needs to be said. Despite a piss poor showing from Boyle last year and the Crosbys infamous struggles in the postseason, this game is always a dog fight. The rivalry may have lost some of its importance lately, but the new surface is sure to add some energy to the bout. While the Crosbys will lean on the top tier talent of Tony Bonacorso and Chad Kanz, Bishop Boyle has taken a different approach by selecting a close knit group of buddies to build off of chemistry. Two players that will be involved Saturday have seen both sides of the rivalry..
“Even though both teams experience tremendous turnover every year, you always know that whoever Boyle has suiting up for them is going to give you all you can handle and make you fight for every inch of ice out there.” – Crosbys goalie Dave Gilson
“George, I have always loved the Crosby/Boyle rivalry. Whether I was involved in it, or spectating, it is always a battle. Putting on that yellow shirt will be weird at first, but I'm sure I will be settled in by the time that puck drops.” – Boyle defencemen Mike Cullen
Before we embark on this monumental season, there are several people we would like to thank.
William V. Campbell
Joe Ducar
Scott Meade
Shawn McCallister
Sue Morrison of Morrison Insurance
Coppola Construction
The Steel Valley School Board
Marty Terrick
Hruska Plumbing
Carmines Barber Shop
Blue Dust
Piscis Pub
Pizza Company
It’s time to play some hackey folks. See ya Saturday.
