$1.00 Inaugural Edition 2010 Distributed at the Federal Hockey League The News Magazine for; Akwesanse, New York, Danbury, 1000’ Islands, Rome & Broome County

Hockey in New York! is alive and well in Brooklyn, New York! As the Avia- tors play at the Floyd Bennett Field. — see Aviators on page 6

Historic Hockey Opener The Federal Hockey League opens it’s gates this October with 6 markets in the Northeast. The members are; The Danbury Whalers, 1000 Islands Privateers, Rome Frenzy, New York Aviators, Akwesasne Warriors, and Iconic Jerseys for Sale Broome County Barons. The FHL is a professional minor hockey www.danburywhalers.net league. Each member host venues which range from 1200 to 3500 seating ca- OnlineOnline ShoppingShopping pacity. Ticket prices range from $5 to $15 at most venues. The atmos- phere at the games are designed to be family friendly.

The teams are made up of ex-collegiate stars from North America & world wide. The league has plans to have affiliations with several NHL teams, and hope to move players up into their systems.

The level of play has been fantastic starting in April at the free agent tryout camps and thru the pre-season proc- ess at the individual team camps. Note worthy player signings; Alaine Queeneville for The Warriors and Mark Roebathan for the Privateers served as the former captain of U. Mass Lowell in 2008-09. Also signing for the pri- vateers Tyler Fernandez played at Brown University, the speedy forward comes to the Privateers anxious to com- pete and establish his offensive game. Fernandez was a three time all-star in the EJHL before attending Brown. Hockey News…….. Page 3 Will Rathje finished his junior hockey playing for the Battleford Northstars in the SJHL. Rathje played briefly Danbury………….. Page 4 with the Red Dear Rebels in the Major Junior A WHL before winding out his junior career in 2006-07. Aviators…………. Page 6 Akwesasne…... Page 8 -See Story on page 5 Broome County…… Page 10 Rome…………… Page 12 1000 Islands…….. Page 14 The Original 6 Team Logos…

Aviators www.federalhockeyleague.net online 24/7 365 Purchase your iconic hockey movie jersey today on our website www.federalhockeyleaguenews.com

Welcome to the FHL Newspaper! From the desk of the Publisher

How exciting is this? A new single A professional league in the Northeast! From unveiling of the iconic colors of the Whalers jerseys, the first league to do this since April of 1997. To having a team basically a stone’s throw from Coney Island in New York City. I’m thinking on getting a hot dog at Nathan’s fa- mous. Before an Aviators game! To taking a bus trip way up into New York state for a possible scalping on the Indian reservation. Or go west into New York to revisit three fantastic upstate cities; Alex Bay, Rome, and Binghamton.

For those of us that love hockey getting a chance to watch these young journeymen players giving it their best is what it is all about. The Federal League will embody the sport as it once was. It is the closest thing in professional sports to a bygone era where history has it’s hockey purity.

Michael J. Mullaney 508-208-2265 [email protected] www.federalhockeyleague.net www.federalhockeyleaguenews.com

Photo Awkesanse Tryout Camp The Economic Impact of Minor League Hockey By Michael J. Mullaney

What is an economic impact study? If you speak to an economist his/her answer might bring up Keynesian multiplier mathematical models. These symbols for discussion purposes might go like this F x H x L = FHL. For the simple hockey fan or medium sized town administration here is how it works. Bring- ing minor league pro sports can have a huge benefit for the town. Here’s why.

Each franchise brings the players to the city or town. Those players usually rent property for starters. Then the players live in the area. Living in the area brings revenue to the; restaurants, Laundromats, super markets, pharmacy, and all the other stores that normal people frequent today living in our society. This is only the beginning of the stimulus. Next comes the revenue generator for the local ice arena. At roughly $250 dollars per hour for a medium Players who tried out and/or contracted for The FHL sized facility the civic center has hit the jackpot. Each game during the season sends fans out to the local pubs and eateries. Thus starting a rippling affect thru out the entire community. Such as jobs created at the Player Name Player Name CLR Team rink for the home stand. Minor league teams in hockey usually play at least 30 games at home per sea- Nick Niedert Scott Estey Whalers son.

RC Lyke Phil Labeck Whalers Phil Defranco . FHL League Chief Administrator, thinks “we are a family friendly option for tickets gen- Eric Lind Ryan Donavan Whalers erally in the price range of 7 to 12 dollars.” “And ac- tually there are more like 23 to 40 players that may Chris Seifert W. Galloway Whalers rotate thru on each team, the season starts at the end of Matt Nelson Brad Towsend October and runs till end of March”. “ Players can get Whalers called up to the double and triple A levels easily”. Shawn Fensel Alex Lacomb Privateers “Add to the players is the coaching staff, the admin, Nick Laporte Alex Goupil and all the behind scenes people not to mention the Privateers fans of the teams staying in the local hotels and going Will Laporte Chad Jones out to eat.” “And the refs and off ice officials coming Privateers to town, Phil said”. Will Rathje Ryan Loach Privateers Phil added that this is “great opportunity for business Josselin St. Pierre W Malcolm Privateers to interact with the team, and the fans coming to the games will be able to get to know the local business Kyle Legace Justin Elliot Warriors thru the local sports marketing”. Phil also feels that when the team interacts with the local schools and Nick Montour Bryce Luker Warriors youth programs that has a very positive impact”. “A win win for everyone”. Carter Trevisani Nick Filion Warriors If you Google this topic lots of stuff comes up on this Patrick Deraspe Martin Beaulne Warriors subject matter. What seems real to all of us might be this. In the dead of winter with the snow covering Robbie Matt Lauoie Warriors everything, a night out on the town to watch a profes- sional hockey game is priceless! Brian Dunford Joe Kubliak Frenzy Ilja Urushev D Pashkov Frenzy Don Kirnan is The FHL Commissioner Alex Andrusvich Frank Soscia Frenzy David Fimiani Vince Nucci Frenzy Anthony Monte Shane Davis Frenzy KC Timmons Chris Testa Aviators Matt Puntureri M. Thomson Aviators Tyler Lyon V. Kouroedov Aviators Justin Schmidt C. Robinson Aviators Chris Bain Chris Tutalo Aviators Tim Thomas J. Sheppard Barons Joshua Gacek A Hutton Barons Graham Fallon Ryan Axsom Barons Brent Fallon T. Hlookoff Barons Nick Verch J. Brooks Barons The Danbury Whalers On the first day of 2010, the Danbury Whalers received commitments for over 50 full season tickets. The Danbury Whalers are members of the Class A Professional - Federal Hockey League which will start it’s first season of play in November 2010. The team will play its games at the Dan- bury Ice Arena. The Whalers held events throughout the last ten months such as: A party at TK’s American Grille, marching in the St. Patty’s parade, hosted a local police versus Fire Charity game, their players attended a fashion show, participated in a youth hockey jamboree, and unveiled their iconic jerseys all in an effort to launch their team.

We met up with team owner, Herm Sorcher, on the phone. In Herms words, “Our first home game represents the re- surgence for the 1st time since April 13th, 1997 that a professional hockey team is wearing a Whalers uniform.” Herm mentioned that he has been blown away by the support of the Danbury community. “The Whaler colors has “special meaning and takes everyone back in history.” Herm feels that the Whalers jersey is “the best in minor hockey”.

Herm may have a point. Historically the Whalers jersey, despite not hav- ing a team in over a decade, still seems to ring the register as fans con- tinue to want to wear the colors. The Whalers will play at the Danbury Ice Arena and parking is $1 dollar for season ticket holders.

We spoke with head coach Chris Firriolo, and he said, “my coaching style will adapt to player personnel, and more important with will have a high puck pursuit with the key being our fore check.” “We also want our play- ers to make quick decisions and create turnovers off pressure applied to Whalers Coaching staff helping out during tryout Camp! the other team.” “Danbury is a blue collar town and we intend to be physical”, Chris said. The Federal league will play 3 lines and 6 defense- man. Coach Firriolo mentioned “that he may use 3 lines and 6 defensemen, or use 5 defensemen and leave one player for specialty work such as a fighter.” Slap Shot’s McCracken drops the Puck on Nov 6th

Herm Sorcher announced that veteran actor Paul D’Amato will make an ap- pearance at the Danbury Whalers game on Saturday, November 6thagainst the Broome County Barons. D’Amato appeared in the Paul Newman movie, Slapshot – cast as Newman’s rival, Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken of the Syra- cuse Bulldogs.

D’Amato will drop the ceremonial first puck, sign autographs, take pictures with the fans, and will address the crowd. In addition, D’Amato has also do- nated a Syracuse Bulldogs jersey from the movie to be auctioned.

The appearance of Dr. Hook is brought to Danbury Whalers fans courtesy of Sharon M. Deno Bookkeeping Services of Meriden, Connecticut. For more information on their services, they can be reached at 203-634-6916.

D’Amato’s acting career hit the major motion picture screen in 1973 with a role in Clint Eastwood’s Magnum Force. He has also appeared in Heaven Can Wait, The Deer Hunter, F/X, as well as numerous episodes of Law & Order. D’Amato also appeared in a 1977 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man.

In 1998, Maxim Magazine named Slapshot “The Best Guy Movie of All-Time” above such classics as The Godfather and Raging Bull. Entertainment Weekly ranked it #31 on their list of All-Time Cult Classic Films. In 2007, GQ Magazine named Slapshot one of “The 30 Films That Changed Men’s Lives”. Also in 2007, GQ author Dan Jenkins called it the best sports film of the past 50 years. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News called it the best hockey movie ever made – June 2008.

Jamie Sorcher, Vice President, Danbury Whalers Entertainment, said “We are extremely excited to have Dr. Hook coming in to Danbury. As Paul New- man said - November 6thwill be a great day for some Old Time Hockey.”

Danbury Whalers individual game tickets can be purchased by calling 973-713-7547 or by logging onto the team website at www.thedanburywhalers.com.

For further information, contact Herm Sorcher at 973-713-7547 or email [email protected].

New England’s Grand Resort on Cape Cod Fishing-Kayaking-Whale Watch-Seal Tours-Meetings For Fishing Concierge call Michael at 508-208-2265 www.chathambarsinn.com Connecticut Family Orthopedics

203-792-5558 www.cfortho.org 33 Hospital Drive Danbury

Players battling for puck and position at Danbury’s camp!

New England Fishing Charters Continued from page 1

The term “Federal Hockey League” was used in the fa- mous movie slap shot to make reference to the old time leagues in the Northeast such as the AHL & Eastern League. To view the old time hockey logos goto www.logoserver.com/hockey.html

From 1904 to 1909 there was a Canadian League called the Federal Amateur Hockey League with teams from; , Wanderers, Montreal Le Nation, Capi- tals, and Cornwall.

www.firstlinefishing.com 508-208-2265 26 Backus Ave Danbury 203-794-9453 www.danburywhalers.net Famous Hockey Movie Clothing www.federalhockeyleaguenews.com Aviators Take off at Floyd Bennett Field Amelia Earhart one of America’s most famous pilots might not have envisioned that in the year 2010 the Floyd Bennett field house in Brook- lyn would be home to a 25 acre complex including an ice hockey arena. Earhart flew her plan around the world. The mission of the Aviators is to move fans with exciting ice hockey performed in front of 1000’s of screaming fans. The Floyd Bennett Field is ac- tually a part of the National Park Systems.

General Manager Mark Richards “feels that the free parking at the arena for the games is a huge value!” The ticket prices for the games range from 8 to 17 dollars. Mark was gracious to further explain how he recruits players. “The NHL, AHL, ECHL, CHL, and SPHL all hold try out camps starting in September and the players that are cut from the NHL usually end up in the AHL. The next step down is to the ECHL which is pretty much on the same level as the CHL and the SPHL and those levels are referred to as single AA hockey.”

Mark’s Aviator franchise received 4 phone calls today from the ECHL as their tryout camps begin the first week of October. The SPHL tends to have it’s tryout camps during the second week of Octo- ber. With the FHL waiting to see what happens. Mark will negotiate with the left over players to help field his team this year. Mark plans to hire as many local New York natives as possible. Mark views the FHL as single A hockey with the potential to have several players on every team actually have AA talent. This is partly due to the fact that some of the ECHL teams have moved out west, and the SPHL is mainly in the deep south, leaving a gap for potential AA players to want to live in the Northeast and be closer to family.

Another interesting aspect about the Aviators we learned about today is how they handle charity events. This is how it works. Say the local middle school needed to raise funds for one of their sports programs. The Aviators will provide the group in question a set ticket rate for the cause. Mark was on the phone today negotiating a ticket price of $6 dollars for the group. And the kids Aviator players sign autographs for the fans! in the group can go out and sell the tickets for $12 dollars or higher and the proceed difference can help fund the groups cause. Mark believes that “this way, the specific charity can offer entertainment value for sale, parking is free as well”. “This is a fan- tastic straight forward program that everyone can understand and have success with.”

Hello, I’m “Ace” The Aviators mascot, I would like the kids to color for me!

Draw a hockey player!

Draw a hockey goal net!

Draw the goalie! How to find the FHL? Here’s the map!

Signed slap shot movie photo sent to you!

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How to purchase Aviators Tickets…...www.clicknprint.com or call 718-758-7580

Floyd Bennett Field

Floyd Bennett Field is New York City's first municipal airport. While no longer used as an opera- tional commercial, military or general aviation airfield, the New York Police Department (NYPD) still flies its helicopters from its heliport base there. The facility, now called Aviator Arena regularly hosts sporting events, and an occasional airshow. Located in Brooklyn, it was created by connecting Barren Island to a number of smaller marsh islands by filling the channels between them with pumped sand from the water's bottom, and it is now physically part of Long Island. The airport was named after the famed aviator and Medal of Honor recipient Floyd Bennett (a Brooklyn resident at the time of his death from illness during a rescue attempt). It was dedicated on June 26, 1930, and officially opened on May 23, 1931. The IATA airport code and FAA airfield identifier code was NOP when it was an op- erational naval air station and later coast guard air station, but now uses the FAA Location Identifier NY22 for the heliport operated there by the NYPD.

Many of the earliest surviving original structures were included in a historic district listed on the Na- tional Register of Historic Places because of their significance as among the largest collection and best representatives of commercial aviation architecture from the period, as well as the significant contributions to civil aviation and military aviation made there. As such, it was included in 1972 as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service This information from Wikepedia free encyclopedia www.wikipedia.org.

www.newyorkaviators.com Akwesane Warriors at the Indian Nation

The Akwesane Warriors slogan is “Warriors hockey has no boundaries!” This is a fitting definition for a team that helps to connect; two coun- tries, one state, and two provinces. The warriors play on the Akwesanse territory and their home arena is called The A’Nowara’Ko: Wa Located on the St. Lawrence River. Some refer the area as “Cornwall Island.” Other call it Mohawk territory. Warriors hockey and the property has economic & social ties to; Quebec, Ontario, New York State, The United States, and Canada as the physical borders for all of these merge in an around the territory.

The locals refer to the area as “The Res” short for reservation. On the reservation is the arena, and in close proximity a casino. The complex is an easy drive from the towns south in the States and the bigger cities along the St. Lawrence seaway in Canada. “It’s really one big community” explained the staff at the arena.

Team owner Basem Awwad mentioned ‘that our arena has an intimate feel to it as there are two balconies that brings the fans close to the players.” “And that many players with experience all around the glove have commented on the arena, as they seem to like it’s feel.” Mr. Awwad also mentioned that “many of his players have OHL experience.”

We spoke with head coach Mike Piquette and asked him about the upcoming season. We were interested on his thoughts related to Junior Hockey and which leagues he follows closely for recruitment. Mike likes the Canadian Hockey League that has 3 sections to it; OHL, QMJHL, and the WHL. Mike let us know that he follows these leagues closely and considers them “Major Jun- ior.” And he mentioned that some of his players have experience in this league. In the United States coach Piquette follows the USJHL and he con- siders the top 2 or 3 teams in that league “Major Junior” and the rest of the league just junior A style. Mike let us know that along with the leagues al- ready mentioned Canada has 140 junior teams that are tier 1 or junior A as well. He agreed that the EJHL in the area can produce some decent players as well, but was hesitant to consider the entire league Junior A.

Coach Piquette was then asked about his coaching style. “He likes to coach a quick puck moving style, and encourages his players to finish on their checks.” Mike mentioned that the FHL will be running 3 lines and 6 defensemen. “Or for special power play or man down situations he may go with 5 defensemen and 10 forwards”. He went on to say “Our rink is intimidating for the other team, as we have a state of the art staff in place.” That was interested because Coach Piquette views that his entire organization is going to battle to win the game. This includes the; players, the sponsors, and the staff. He felt that pre- paring this way gave his team “ the edge”.

Other noteworthy thoughts “on the edge” in the coaches mind, “I take a look at the other team’s style and roster. Then I try to come up with a system that gives our team the edge”. “We plan on being Warriors on the ice, and off ice ambassadors of the sport.”

613-937-0111 1625 Vincent Massey Drive, Cornwall www.physicallimits.com 613-932-4766 Akwesanse players unveil the team jerseys!

www.federalhockeyleague.net The 2010 Buick Enclave Located in Cornwall, Ontario

www.seawaygm.com 613-933-3000 The Broome County Barons Binghamton , New York– The Barons will play at the Chenango Ice Arena. Their first home game is scheduled for October 29th. Training camp will start on October 18th. They held a training camp here this summer for the entire league. Tom Jackson, marketing for the Barons, told us that “a female goalie attended camp and did quite well.”

Tom mentioned that “The Barons will be a young fast skating team”. “The Chenango youth hockey is very popular in Bing- hamton, and we look forward to interacting positively with the youth programs”, Tom said. Team owner, Norm Synder was busy “getting players housing, opening a pro shop, and interacting with sponsors”.

Coach Walsh answered some questions….

Q. How did you become involved with the BC Barons Team?

A. I was approached by the ownership group and we had a few meetings and conversations. We realized that we had the same goals for the team and player development and everything seemed to fall into place.

Q. Have you ever been involved in Pro Sports before now ?

A. Yes, I played briefly in the SPHL. Due to various personal obligations, I was unable to continue.

Q. Why did you want to be involved with a minor league sports team ?

A. I felt that this is a good opportunity for me to stay in the game. I would like to help de- velop players and possibly move onto the next level.

Q. What factors led you to be part of a new league like the FHL ?

A. I thought it was an exciting opportunity to be a part of the growth of a new league like the FHL. This creates an opportunity for me to advance my knowledge in other areas of the game such as the front office management and daily operations aspects.

Q. What type of team will you be putting together for this season ?

A. We are in the process of constructing a team that is hard working and relentless, while at the same time highly skilled. Our expectations are to be one of the top contenders in the FHL. Coach Walsh Q. Will you be having an Asst. Coach or a Player/Asst. ?

A. The ownership group is still looking into all options for filling the remainder of the coaching staff.

Q. Taking into account you need to carry two Goalies, how will you fill out the remainder of your 17 player roster ?

A. The remainder of the roster will most likely be comprised of 9 forwards, and 6 defensemen. A few of these players will need to be interchangeable.

Q. Where will you be getting your players from ?

A. There will be a mixture of players from professional, junior and college backgrounds. Also there are a few players from the area that will be competing for spots on the team.

Q. Will your team be using Immigration that was just finalized to sign any Canadian players ?

A. Yes, we will be rostering Canadian players.

Q. How does coaching in the FHL factor into your future career plans ?

A. At this time I’m looking forward to coaching at this level. If an opportunity arises from coaching this season, I would at that time evaluate what the future holds for me.

Q. What is your outlook for the season for your team and the FHL ?

A. We expect to be a top contender in the FHL. I feel that the FHL will be a skilled and very entertaining product on the ice.

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Mad Brothers Co. FHL Referees, an interview with supervi- sor of officials Eugene Binda. “I am not against fighting. I grew up watching the Flyers & Bruins.”

Excerpts from the interview conducted by John Landers, minor league correspondent The Fischler Report

John- With your many years of officiating and supervisory experience in the mind’s eye what are the makings of a good on-ice official?

Eugene– Well number one they really have to be able to skate very well. The next thing believe it or not is the communication factor. I believe you are not really refereeing the game as much as you are managing the game and the way I approach that is a good manager manages people and if you can talk to people on the ice and walk them through a couple of things when things get heated I think that is a very big quality.

John– How many referees and linesman will make up your FHL team of officials? Eugene Binda Eugene– We are still making up the final cuts right now and we have gone through a series of tryouts and we are making some minor adjustments on the staff as we plan to use a regional officials set up. We will have officials from all three sectors; he New York area, the Syracuse area and we have an officiating team in Canada as well.

John- Your thoughts on fighting. Does it belong in the game? Does it belong in the FHL?

Eugene– The fighting aspect I think being around the game as long as I have and having worked pro hockey even though it was in the minors I think fight- ing is sometimes a necessary evil. I am not a big proponent of watching people beat the daylights out of each other for no reason at all, but yes sometimes it is a necessary evil. I think fighting sort of lets the air out of the tire you might say to slow things down a bit. A lot of people look at fighting as an enter- tainment value and I think that sometimes the fan needs to see the fight in a game. I am not against fighting. I grew up watching the Bruins and Flyers in their heyday. Nevertheless there has to be a reason for it. Binghamton,New York Binghamton is a city located in the Southern Tier of New York in the United States. It is located near the Pennsylvania border, situated in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. Binghamton is the county seat of Broome County and is the principal city and cultural center of the Greater Binghamton metropolitan area (also known as the Triple Cities), home to a quarter million people.[3] The population of the city itself, according to the 2000 census, is 47,380.[2]

From the days of the railroad, Binghamton was a transportation crossroads and a manufacturing center, known at different times for the production of cigars, shoes, and high-tech products. IBM was founded in the region, and Edwin Link invented the flight simulator in the city, leading to a notable concentration of electronics- and defense-oriented firms that continue to exist to this day. The population of the city has declined significantly in the second half of the 20th century at the expense of the surrounding suburbs, a result of suburbanization. From a high of 85,000 in 1950, the estimated 2009 city population is 44,401. The region lost a significant portion of its manufac- turing-based industry following cuts made by defense firms after the end of the Cold War, of which some has been replaced by the significant retail industry development of the area and the growth of the region as an educational center.

Today, Greater Binghamton is home to Binghamton University, a driving force in the community as an academic, athletic, and arts center, along with a continued concentration of high-tech firms including presences by Lockheed Martin, IBM, BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins and others. Despite the loss of industry, Binghamton still retains a very ethnically diverse population. This information provide by wikepedia. www.wikepedia..org

Axiom Printing Group www.capecodbeer.com www.localhookerrods.com www.axiomprinting.net 508-880-5592 Frenzy, FHL, Look To Rebuild Rome’s Hockey Heritage with Wendy Hull prohockeynews.com staff writer ROME, NY - Starting a new hockey team in a new league in a market that has not previously been exposed to a particular level of play is an ambitious task. Add in an still unstable economy and the ambitious can turn to daunting. Throw in a recent track record of defunct leagues and teams in the region and now it is downright scary. That scenario is what is facing the ownership of the Rome Frenzy of the brand new Federal Hockey League. The single-A level league based in the hockey-rich Northeast begins play in late October with teams spread from Connecticut to Canada with a particular nod to central and upstate New York, including the Mohawk Valley where Rome sits. The big question is how exactly will Rome and the surrounding Mohawk Valley welcome the Frenzy. So far, the answer from hockey people, politicians and fans is that it will be welcomed with open arms. “The AHL and ECHL are priced out of the area,” Jim Mancuso, local hockey historian and author of Hockey Night in Utica, said. “There is a demand for minor league hockey and many fans want it back.” The Mohawk Valley is no stranger to minor professional hockey. In fact, the area’s fling with minor league pucks dates back to 1954 and the of the Eastern Hockey League. In 19 seasons, the Comets won five championships and wowed many fans during the 1967-68 season by posting an impressive 57-5-10 record. The championships didn’t stop there. During their inaugural season in 1981-82, the Mohawk Valley Stars claimed the top spot in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League - a league that Mancuso said was called “the in- credible shrinking league” by fans because of three franchises folding before the regular season was finished. Minor league hockey stuck around the region in the form of various leagues and levels un- til 2001. The , one level down from the NHL, had a presence during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with the . Although the team made the playoffs in four of its six seasons, it failed to claim the Calder Cup. In 1993, the NHL’s Flames purchased the franchise and promptly relocated it to New Brunswick. The Devils were followed by the Utica Bulldogs (later renamed Blizzard) of the double-A Colonial Hockey League. By 1998, the COHL had decided to rebrand itself, becoming the . The UHL iced the Mohawk Valley Prowlers, a franchise that limped along until financial difficulties forced it to fold midway through the 2000-01 cam- paign. Long-time hockey man Jim Riggs was the last to make an attempt to put a successful pro team into the Valley. His Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL) targeted Rome for one of its cornerstone franchises with the J.F. Kennedy Civic Arena slated to be the home PHN Photo of the Copper City Chiefs. Unfortunately the Chiefs never got off the ground as a myriad of issues led to the franchise’s demise before training camp had gotten underway. The EPHL itself suffered from under funding issues and finished its first season before fading quietly into the shadows of the minor league hockey graveyard. Now along comes the FHL, a league founded by Don Kirnan, who for almost three decades has been involved with junior hockey across the region. Rome was immediately identified as a good market for the new circuit. Brian Hall and his father Sam were brought in as owners as well as management of the franchise. The Glens Falls, NY natives grew up on hockey and jumped at the chance to operate a team. “Hockey is ingrained in the culture (of the area),” Brian Hall said. “They love their hockey.” One of the first things the Halls and the FHL had to do was get local politicians involved. Rome Mayor James Brown was an easy sell because he sees Rome as a “real big hockey town” with plenty of potential fan base available in nearby Utica as well as the communities of Canastota, Boonville and Frank- fort. Brown, who has held the office of mayor since 2003 following years of management and marketing experience, characterized the Frenzy ownership as hav- ing a solid foundation and called the city’s relationship with the team as “a partnership from day one”. He is completely confident that the Frenzy’s busi- ness plan and promise to deliver a solid on-ice product will work. He also indicated that the city is ready to work with the team. Speaking for (the city of) Rome, NY, I can say that hands are open for the Frenzy to come in and be successful,” Brown said. Hall echoed Brown’s senti- ments, noting that local businessmen have been more than willing to jump on the Frenzy bandwagon. “Anyone who has seen our business plan has been quick to get on board,” Hall said. That business plan will certainly be tested right away. With the country experiencing a slow recovery from a historic recession, the timing of a venture such as a start-up pro hockey team would probably draw more than its share of questions. Mayor Brown was quick to note that Rome seems to be weathering the economic downturn than the rest of the state as unemployment numbers for the area are lower than both state and national percentages. He also said that in his estimation, new businesses in Rome need to be aggressive in marketing its services, something that he has already seen out of the Frenzy. Continued on page 21

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www.britishbeer.com Rome, New York Rome is a city in Oneida County, New York, United States. It is considered[by whom?] a part of upstate New York. The population was 34,950 at the 2000 census. It is in New York's 24th congressional district. During the Revolutionary War and for years thereafter, the city was originally known as Fort Stanwix, due to the fort being the only existing building in the area. In 1796, the city was founded and named Lynchville. Some time later, the city's name was changed to Rome, assumingly after the Italian city of Rome. The exact time, the reason, and the idea for this name change remains a mystery. Rome is one of two principal cities in the Utica–Rome, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is in the south-central part of the county. In the heart of the Leatherstocking Region made famous by James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales, Rome is known as the City of American History. This info from Wikepedia. www.wikepedia.org

Between 1951 and 1991, the Rome Air Development Center (RADC) was located at Griffiss AFB. In 1991, the RADC was re- designated Rome Laboratory. It remained active as the Griffiss AFB was closed as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process in 1993. In 1997, Rome Laboratory was made part of the Air Force Research Laboratory and renamed the Rome Re- search Site. The RADC has been responsible for some of the United States Air Force's major technological accomplishments,.

The nationally recognized rock festival, Woodstock 1999 was held in Rome, with the city once again making use of the former Griffiss Air Force Base site. The 3-day festival was held the weekend of July 23-25, and drew a crowd of about 200,000 people. Cable network MTV covered the concert extensively, and live coverage of the entire weekend was available on pay-per-view. The festival featured a diverse assortment of acts including Metallica, Kid Rock, DMX, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Wyclef Jean; early reviews for many of the acts were positive; critics particularly praised performances by George Clinton, Jamiroquai, James Brown, Sheryl Crow, and Rage Against the Machine. A full list of appearances can be found at Woodstock 1999.

Frenzy Article... “They (Frenzy) are working hard and I am happy they are in the community,” he said. For Hall’s part, he sees the biggest challenge being convincing fans and business owners that the team and the league are legitimate organizations. Given the recent history of failed teams and leagues in the Mohawk Valley, he expects plenty of doubters. He attributed past failures to owner expectations. He said that the FHL will be different because of its “strong core of people at the league” and much better resource bases throughout the league. Another potential stumbling block is competition from other hockey teams, particularly at the college level. The Frenzy, with the help of the league, have been careful to schedule home games to avoid conflicts with Utica College games at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Since its inception in 2000, Utica’s team has drawn very well, setting Division 2 & 3 attendance records as members of the highly competitive ECAC. Mayor Brown said that Utica games regu- larly bring in 2,500-3,000 fans. As for the Frenzy, they will call the city-operated Kennedy Arena home. Built in 1963 and renovated in 2008 at a cost of $3 million, the Kennedy is expected to be the smallest venue in the FHL with just under 1,200 seats. The renovations, which included major utilities and ice surface upgrades, rink extensions, seating and four new locker rooms, have considerably upgraded the facility, making it perfect for the Frenzy and their fans. “The Kennedy Arena is a beautiful facility since the renovations,” Hall said. “It will be loud and very intimate.” Of course, the biggest draw for fans will be the team on the ice and the game day experience. Hall said that the fans can expect high quality players, an enter- taining atmosphere and a pocketbook friendly cost. Quality players are great but winning sells. Put a team on the ice that consistently wins and the fans will come. No one knows that better than Mark Kotary. Kotary, who owns Mark Kotary Hockey Supply in nearby New Hartford, played four years of NCAA hockey before turning pro. One of the teams that he played for professionally was the Mohawk Valley Prowlers of the UHL. Kotary said that he sees several things that have the potential to make the Frenzy and the FHL a success, including the possibility of being a resource for higher level leagues to find players. “The league itself has a potential to become a feeder league for players on their way up to the ECHL,” Kotary said. As a former player, Kotary said he expects the level and style of play to fall between what the fans saw when the UHL Prowlers played and that of the ECAC Utica team. He also said that he believes that the configuration of the Kennedy Arena will give fans a sense of being in the action. “The bleachers are steep and right off the glass,” he said. Hall also said that the team will have a big presence in the community. Harkening back to his days watching the in Glens Falls, Hall is a strong believer in becoming a part of the community. He said that the players, staff and ownership will be involved with youth hockey, blood drives, can- cer awareness events and more. In fact, the Frenzy will be a big part of a charity hockey game on October 23rd that will benefit the Bobby Page Memorial Foundation, named for a former hockey player who dedicated his life to helping the Valley’s less fortunate children before cancer took his life at the all too young age of 25. “At this level, you have to put into the community more than you take out,” Hall said. “This is very important and everyone in the organization feels this way. It is a part of the job, not just an extra thing.” The Frenzy’s inaugural season kicks off on October 29th with their first home game slated for November 3rd when the Akwasasne Warriors come to the Kennedy Arena. Whether Rome as a sports town will accept its new team and the FHL into the region’s rich hockey history remains to be seen. For now, however, the lights are green and it is full speed ahead. Contact the author at [email protected]

http://theromefrenzy.pointstreaksites.com/view/ The 1000 Island Privateers From the Bonnie Castle President, Nicole Kirnan announced that the Privateers will take the ice for three extra dates in addition to the regular season schedule. Two extra dates have been announced at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center, including Oct 21 versus the Broome County Barons and October 24 against the Akwasasne Warriors. In between those two dates, the Privateers will travel to the Anowarakoi:wa Arena to face the Akwasasne Warriors in what promises to be the beginning of a North Country rivalry.

"The addition of these three extra dates allows our coaching staff an opportunity to further evaluate the team during training camp. With two extra home games on the schedule, fans have an opportunity to view the team as the coaches are in the process of making final roster decisions," commented Team President, Nicole Kirnan.

The Privateers host the Rome Frenzy on Friday, October 29th at 7:00 pm at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center in Al- exandria Bay to begin their regular season schedule.

The Bonnie Castle is a year round resort that includes; a conference center, a yacht basin, a hockey arena, and a resort hotel complex located at Alex Bay. Or also referred to as the 1000 island region of the St. Lawrence sea way meeting with lake Ontario. Renovations continue at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center. The lobby is receiving a complete face lift, including stripping of the carpet and paint throughout. In addition, large picture windows are being cut into the common wall between the pro ship and the lobby so that fans may view the Privateers' apparel as they enter. In addi- tion, a ticket booth and concession area is being added in the lobby. What is a privateer?

A privateer is a man or ship under contract to a government, allowing them to attack.

A privateer is a man or ship under contract to a government, allowing them to attack enemy ships during wartime. Privateering is often described as “legal” piracy.

The Thousand Islands region has a rich history involving privateers. Throughout the War of 1812, privateering expeditions were sent out to capture British ships carrying provisions and supplies. Privateer expeditions departed from Clayton and Cape Vincent. They skipped from island to island and hindered the British from moving supplies through the key waters of the St. Lawrence River.

www.livesportsvideo.com is the premier online destination for ice hockey fanatics from around the world. Visitors can choose from an incredible array of games from national governing bodies, conferences, leagues, teams, tournaments, and other events.

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The Company has thousands of games each year for fans thirsty for incredible amateur hockey content.

Online watch the FHL! www.livesportsvideo.com 770-522-0040

River Edge Resort & Conference Center 315-393-4550 www,riveredge.com 17 Holland Street Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Lonely Angler Fishing Lures www.lonelyangler.com 240-350-0183 Nicole & the town officials, unveils The FHL to the 1000 Islands! 1000 Islands Region

The area is frequently traveled by large freighters traveling the St. Lawrence Seaway, but is so riddled with shoals and rocks that maritime pilots are sometimes hired to help the vessels travel through the hazardous waterway. Under the Canadian span, a vessel just less than 25 feet (7.6 m) offshore can find itself in over 200 feet (61 m) of water. Similarly, rocks and shoals less than two feet (61 cm) underwater can be found in the center of channels 90 feet (27 m) deep. Because of the great number of rocks and shoals just above or below the water's surface, it is unwise to travel the waters at night, unless one stays in the main channels and has charts, a chart plotter, or knows the area well. The water is so clear in some areas, that a rocky bottom can be observed in 80 feet (24 m) of water. (It was very murky with a visibility of only a few feet until the arrival of the invading Zebra Mussels, roughly around the mid-1990s.) The area features sev- eral shipwrecks and is a great place for diving. Although most of the wrecks are over 100 feet (30 m) underwater, some are a mere 15 feet (4.6 m) below the water's surface and can be seen by looking overboard.

Geologically, the islands are located where a branch of the Canadian Shield runs south across the river to join with the Adirondacks.

Around twenty of these islands form the St. Lawrence Islands National Park, the smallest of Canada's national parks. The Thousand Islands-Frontenac Arch region was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002. The U.S. islands include numerous New York state parks, including Welles- ley Island State Park, and Robert Moses State Park - Thousand Islands located on an island in the St. Lawrence.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century many distinguished visitors made the region widely known as a summer resort. Several grand hotels pro- vided luxurious accommodations while steamboats offered extensive tours among the islands. Wealthy and middle-class summer residents built summer homes. Some masonry "castles" remain as international landmarks. The most famous extant examples are "The Towers" on Dark Island, now called Singer Castle, and the long-neglected Boldt Castle on Heart Island, which is slowly being restored.

During the half century (1874–1912) of the resort's greatest prominence, most wealthy vacationers came from New York City, joined by prominent fami- lies from , Cleveland, and other cities of the United States and Canada. The region retains a historically important collection of vacation homes from this time. The Thousand Islands have long been a center for recreational boating. Large steam yachts, many designed by Nathanael Herreshoff required distinctive yacht houses. The region was known also for innovative power boating during this period. Three local yacht clubs hosted the Gold Cup Races of the American Power Boat Association for nine consecutive years. The Antique Boat Museum of Clayton retains one of the world's major collec- tions of recreational freshwater boats. This information provided by Wikepedia. www.wkepedia.org Game Number Schedule Date/Time Time Home Team Away Team Rink

1 10/28/2010 19:05 BCBarons AkwesasneWarriors Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 2 10/29/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers NYAviators Danbury Ice Arena 3 10/29/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers RomeFrenzy Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 4 10/30/2010 19:05 AkwesasneWarriors RomeFrenzy A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 5 10/30/2010 20:05 BCBarons 1000IslandsPrivateers Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 6 10/30/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers NYAviators Danbury Ice Arena 7 10/31/2010 15:05 BCBarons NYAviators Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 8 10/31/2010 15:05 1000IslandsPrivateers AkwesasneWarriors Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 9 11/3/2010 19:05 BCBarons DanburyWhalers Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 10 11/3/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy AkwesasneWarriors John F Kennedy Civic Arena 11 11/4/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers NYAviators Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 12 11/5/2010 19:35 AkwesasneWarriors BCBarons A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 13 11/5/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy DanburyWhalers John F Kennedy Civic Arena 14 11/6/2010 19:05 AkwesasneWarriors NYAviators A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 15 11/6/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers BCBarons Danbury Ice Arena 16 11/6/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy 1000IslandsPrivateers John F Kennedy Civic Arena 17 11/7/2010 14:05 RomeFrenzy NYAviators John F Kennedy Civic Arena 18 11/7/2010 15:05 1000IslandsPrivateers AkwesasneWarriors Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 19 11/11/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers NYAviators Danbury Ice Arena 20 11/11/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy AkwesasneWarriors John F Kennedy Civic Arena 21 11/12/2010 19:05 NYAviators BCBarons Aviator Sports & Event Center 22 11/13/2010 19:05 AkwesasneWarriors DanburyWhalers A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 23 11/13/2010 19:35 NYAviators BCBarons Aviator Sports & Event Center 24 11/14/2010 14:05 AkwesasneWarriors RomeFrenzy A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 25 11/14/2010 14:05 1000IslandsPrivateers DanburyWhalers Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 26 11/16/2010 19:05 BCBarons DanburyWhalers Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 27 11/18/2010 19:05 NYAviators DanburyWhalers Aviator Sports & Event Center 28 11/18/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers RomeFrenzy Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 29 11/19/2010 19:05 NYAviators BCBarons Aviator Sports & Event Center 30 11/19/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers AkwesasneWarriors Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 31 11/20/2010 20:05 BCBarons AkwesasneWarriors Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 32 11/20/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers NYAviators Danbury Ice Arena 33 11/20/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy 1000IslandsPrivateers John F Kennedy Civic Arena 34 11/21/2010 15:05 BCBarons DanburyWhalers Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 35 11/21/2010 14:05 RomeFrenzy AkwesasneWarriors John F Kennedy Civic Arena 36 11/26/2010 19:35 AkwesasneWarriors NYAviators A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 37 11/26/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers BCBarons Danbury Ice Arena 38 11/26/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers RomeFrenzy Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 39 11/27/2010 19:05 AkwesasneWarriors NYAviators A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 40 11/27/2010 20:05 BCBarons 1000IslandsPrivateers Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 41 11/27/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers RomeFrenzy Danbury Ice Arena 42 11/28/2010 14:05 RomeFrenzy AkwesasneWarriors John F Kennedy Civic Arena 43 11/28/2010 15:05 1000IslandsPrivateers BCBarons Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 44 12/1/2010 19:35 AkwesasneWarriors RomeFrenzy A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 45 12/2/2010 19:35 AkwesasneWarriors 1000IslandsPrivateers A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 46 12/3/2010 19:05 NYAviators DanburyWhalers Aviator Sports & Event Center 47 12/3/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers RomeFrenzy Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 48 12/4/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers NYAviators Danbury Ice Arena 49 12/4/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy BCBarons John F Kennedy Civic Arena 50 12/4/2010 19:05 1000IslandsPrivateers AkwesasneWarriors Bonnie Castle Recreation Center 51 12/5/2010 14:05 RomeFrenzy NYAviators John F Kennedy Civic Arena 52 12/8/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy 1000IslandsPrivateers John F Kennedy Civic Arena 53 12/9/2010 19:05 NYAviators BCBarons Aviator Sports & Event Center 54 12/10/2010 19:35 AkwesasneWarriors 1000IslandsPrivateers A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 55 12/10/2010 20:05 BCBarons RomeFrenzy Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 56 12/10/2010 19:05 NYAviators DanburyWhalers Aviator Sports & Event Center 57 12/11/2010 20:05 BCBarons NYAviators Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 58 12/11/2010 19:05 DanburyWhalers RomeFrenzy Danbury Ice Arena 59 12/12/2010 14:05 AkwesasneWarriors 1000IslandsPrivateers A'nowara'ko:wa Arena 60 12/15/2010 19:05 BCBarons NYAviators Chenango Ice Rink & Event Center 61 12/16/2010 19:05 RomeFrenzy DanburyWhalers John F Kennedy Civic Arena