Commissioner's Corner: Jim Besterci
The Whalers have been impressive through 4 weeks of the FHL season (3-1). What has been the major difference from last year so far aside from the win total?
It all started with the draft. We picked up some serious talent, focusing more on offense early and picked up some steals in the later rounds. The other big thing has been attendance, last year we never had more than 7 players and sometimes barely had enough to play this year we constantly have 2 full lines with guys who love to run and work their butts off.
You guys didn't win your 3rd game until mid-February last year. How important is stacking wins and securing the first round bye in your opinion?
Having a first round bye would be huge because no matter how good of a season you have it all goes away in the playoffs and anything could happen. But right now we are just enjoying the start of the season and gaining more and more confidence as we go. However we all know we have room for improvement and we need to start winning series in 3 or 4 games not 5 games and also putting up more regulation goals and not rely on the shootouts as much.
How much has Joe Rogers improved as a captain and a player in his 2nd year wearing the “C”?
Joe is a great leader, I'm sure it could be very difficult at times especially last year when everyone was frustrated at our season but Joe was the glue that kept everyone together I think from last year to this year he learned a lot about being a captain and he is a solid D man, I mean seriously have you seen his Murphy dump? Best in the league hands down! But in all seriousness when he is out there i am confident no one is getting around him without getting a shoulder put in to them and no one is touching me after the whistle without a mean face wash.
How has your knee reacted so far this season? You suffered a pretty devastating injury this off-season correct?
The knee is doing good, sometimes after a game it may be a little tight but that’s what happens when ya get old. I am just so thankful it wasn't as bad as it could have been and I got out of having surgery. I was convinced I was gonna have to miss the entire FHL season and to me that would be devastating.
What are your expectations for the Whalers? Is anything short of a Cup a disappointment?
I know everyone says their team can win the cup and sometimes I think they just have to say that but they don't really think that--but I honestly believe the Whalers can make a mean run and I think there are still teams out there that look past us and that will come back to bite them. I still think to be considered a legit threat we have to beat an elite team like the Bulls this week or the Thunder those guys always seem to have our number.
This week is the FHLs Toy Drive for Children’s Hospital. Talk about the event—and what does Jim Besterci want for Christmas?
I think this is just one of the amazing things you guys do to reach back to a community that has really helped the FHL become what it is today. Everyone in the league and especially yourself, all the captains, and the founding members of the FHL do an amazing job weather it is the charity tournament, the toy drive or just giving people of all ages something to do something to look forward to every Saturday and that goes a long way. You guys don't get nearly the recognition you deserve. As for me what do I want for Christmas? Well Mr. Commish I can tell you I already got my Christmas present a couple days ago, my wife and I recently found out we are expecting and last Saturday we found out we are having a boy! I couldn't ask for anything better in the world that is all I wanted, so beware FHL come the 2029 draft there may be another franchise Besterci out there and his old man can serve as back up!
Favorite NHL Player?
Deryk Engelland
Favorite FHL Player?
Tony Bonocorso - He is just an unreal talent to watch/play against
First hockey related memory?
As a young child playing hockey on my deck in my backyard with my dad and always letting him win so he felt good and also watching Penguin Stanley Cup videos on VHS my favorite one being "against all odds".
Favorite hockey memory as a fan?
Game 7, Penguins vs. Red Wings, Fleury diving across making the save of a lifetime on Lidstrom, as a goalie you live for moments like that.
Favorite post game meal and beverage?
Well I'm not a big drinker so I would say a hot coco and a healthy salad, definitely not bud light and nachos and cheese.
Best FHL goalie other than yourself?
Dave Kwolek has always been an amazing goalie, always look forward to play against him both being SV ice hockey goalies I always compared myself to him and try to model what I do after what he did. I also would like to say I am really impressed with Hixon. I didn't know much about him as a goalie until last year but he has really stepped his game up and proved himself a solid net-minder in this league.
Great stuff Jim, and congrats on the big news!
