How do you feel about having three of the top eight players in ECHL penalty minutes from last season on the roster?
I think we’re plenty tough now with the addition of Grant McNeill and Tom Maxwell, along with Nate Kiser returning. (Laughing) I’m very confident that we have all the toughness we need. The thing I like about those three guys is that they can all play; and they’re all going to log a lot of ice time. So it makes me feel good, in that regard.
Do you think a lot of teams are going to be intimidated when they see that trio in the lineup?
I don’t know about intimidation, but it certainly helps. At least we know now that our skilled guys are going to be taken care of; they’re going to be allowed to go out and do what they do best. Those three guys (Kiser, Maxwell and McNeill) are all good team guys, and they all know their role. So, it’s certainly nice knowing you have two or three of those guys in the lineup at all times. No one’s going to take any liberties on those guys (the skilled players), that’s for sure.
What have you been working on this week at practice?
Just getting ready for Saturday, reviewing all our systems, working on special teams, and doing everything we touched on last week.
How do you feel your first Coaches Show went this past Monday?
It was good. It was a lot of fun. I thought things went really well.
What’s the operating procedure going to be like on the bus for road trips this season? Will your players have a say in what movies or shows will be viewed?
It just depends what kind of mood I’m in. Everyone kind of likes similar things. We have TVs in the back and in the front, so everyone can probably watch whatever they want to. For the most part we give the players the back of the bus, and the staff takes the front. We kind of have a say on what gets played up there (up front).
The Stingrays open up their 15th season this Saturday, October 20 at 7:05 at the North Charleston Coliseum against in state rival Colombia Inferno. Don’t miss all the fast-paced, hard-hitting action! Full season, weekend, and partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248 and speaking to a ticket sales manager. Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (843) 744-2248 or by visiting online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey – A Whole Lot Cooler!
