Nassau Oceanic main logo
Nassau, Bahamas -- Although the upcoming BMHL season has yet to start, there is a buzz building in Nassau, where for the first time, a minor league hockey team, the Nassau Oceanic, will play. There are minimal expectations from major media outlets for the newly arrived team, imported this season from Caledon. However, there are many in the organization and fan-base alike who believe that this team could make quite an impression in it's debut season.
Says general manager/owner Kyle Peters, "We have been working tirelessly for this opportunity: to bring a BMHL team to Nassau, and now we are trying to do things the right way. Planning for this season has been going on for years; we've had to work with the local government in Nassau in order to build our beautiful new arena, the Mountain Dew PowerDome, complete with all the amenities a modern-day sports spectator would expect, and more. We are especially excited to have an aquarium in the arena, as this will bring out the young folks and increase revenue even in the offseason."
New child-friendly interactive zone in the arena, one of the many features of the Mountain Dew PowerDome
Although a few other teams in the BMHL have had a bit more history than the Oceanic, that fact is not a deterrent for new coach, Julien Baril. "If anything, the fact that we are completely new gives us more of an edge, because other teams can't come into our arena expecting a certain kind of game. We can throw all sorts of different game-plans at our opposition, whether it be to rough them up a bit, or play more of a pressing game, we can mix it up. We have no history we need to live up to either, the current players we've brought in are able to write their own legacies."
And already, there has been evidence that the new crop of Oceanic players will be quite a special group of hockey players.
Assistant general manager Zack Pittman explained the Oceanic philosophy towards draft picks in the recently completed BMHL draft. "We looked for players who would help improve the team first and foremost, but also importantly, who would invigorate the fan-base."
Even now, weeks before the season will start, local hockey fans are getting excited by the prospect of seeing Dominykas-Antanas Noreika, Ben Cory, Tristan Mayer, Valtteri Viltala and the other draft picks in action.
One player in particular who has captured the imagination of the new Oceanic fan-base is recently signed, hulking undrafted free agent left defenseman, Niall Donovan. This reporter got a chance to talk to some of Niall's recently acquired fans during a recent trip to the city center. "I've seen him out on the town a couple of times since he was signed, always the center of attention thanks to his permanently red face and booming laugh," claims Jacky Thomas, 23. "He just looks like a hockey player, but he's very down to earth and always ready to do bar chugs with anyone who challenges him. He's pretty nuts too." Adding to his friend's point, Willie Summers, 22, says, "Yeah, I've seen him fight off muggers, challenge stingrays to wrestling matches, and down a handle of Jameson in 3 gulps. Well...I heard that."
Some of Niall Donovan's newly acquired fans. Cult hero in the making?
All of these accusations/accomplishments simply add to the allure of Donovan. Even Mr. Peters concedes, "Niall is one-of-a-kind. He is a special breed of human, or maybe he's not. I still haven't figured him out yet. All I know is that I wouldn't like to come across him on the ice." Neither would we, but you will have the chance to see him play this upcoming season for the BMHL Nassau Oceanic. Get your tickets today and support your Oc's.
Written by: Bubba Gump
No comments:
Post a Comment