FireAntz ready to beat clock, opponents

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – One minute and eleven seconds. 71 ticks of the clock. That was all that stood between the Fayetteville FireAntz and the 2009 President’s Cup championship. Unfortunately for the ‘Antz, that amount of time and a broken goalie stick turned into a Game 6 loss and a Knoxville triumph in Game 7 one night later. Six months later, the loss still stings coach Tommy Stewart and the members of the Fayetteville team who went through the emotional roller coaster. This time, however, they are using that series loss to help build and focus this year’s squad on what they hope to be a successful run to the President’s Cup. “I think that’s (losing in the finals) why we got a lot of the veteran guys back

just due to them knowing how close we were,” Stewart said. “I believe our team (now) is better than it was last year.” One of the biggest changes that Fayetteville fans will see is in net. Longtime goaltender Chad Collins is no longer with the FireAntz. The decision to trade Collins to Pensacola was aided by the return of Guy St. Vincent, who was brought in late last year and keyed Fayetteville’s late-year run to the finals. Stewart said that although the choice to part ways with the popular Collins was a business motivated move, it was still difficult. “For what he’s (Collins) done for the community, it definitely was tough but it became a business decision,“ Stewart said. “He wanted number one money and with Vinny (St. Vincent) here, nothing’s ever guaranteed and he wanted a guarantee. Pensacola could offer that to him so I let him go there.” Backing up St. Vincent will be Bryan Bridges. The 23-year old has six pro seasons worth of experience under his belt. He battled through an injury last season but is healthy and ready to challenge St. Vincent. “He had a rough year last year but his resume speaks for itself,” Stewart said about Bridges. “He played 60 minutes in the exhibition (games) and only let in two goals. I’m excited for them to push each other.” Fayetteville’s defensive corps appears to be as strong as ever. Corey Hessler (9-26-35) and Craig Geerlinks (3-17-20) make up one of the strongest pairs in the SPHL and at the same time will help Stewart work with the younger players. Lawne Snyder (9-32-41) is a heads-up player who can quarterback the power play with the best of them. Geoff Patton joins the FireAntz, bringing with him two years of experience in the CHL and IHL, giving Stewart a good foursome. Rookie Shawn Connors impressed the staff to earn one of the two remaining spots while returnee Sean Cryer played well enough to get the other spot. One of Fayetteville’s calling cards over the past few seasons has been its explosive offense. The leader of the pack for the ‘Antz is Rob Sich. The fifth-year pro posted career numbers a year ago, scoring 40 goals to go with 38 assists. He took a leave of absence during the middle of the season to attend the funeral of a friend and came back with a renewed focus that has continued into this season’s training camp. Stewart rewarded Sich’s leadership by naming him one of the team’s assistant captains. “I expect big things out of him. He’s going to be a catalyst and hopefully get another 40 goals and be an offensive threat as usual and clean up the back end a little bit,” Stewart said. “He’s been with me for a long time and Rob will be a veteran next year so it’s a year where he’s got to step up leadership wise and take the bull by the horns and be one of the leaders.” During Sich’s absence last year, Emery Olauson (24-27-51) stepped up his game and exhibited veteran leadership. Stewart expects more of the same this year as a compliment to Sich. Brett McConnachie (4-7-11 in 11 games) joined the team late in the year and instantly improved the level of play on the ‘Antz third line with Brett Needham (7-14-21). Both are back as is Chris Leveille (15-25-40) who surprised everyone a year ago with his speed and scoring ability. “I think Leveille should finish in the top ten in scoring. He sees the ice real well. He’s a great competitor and a great two-way hockey player,” Stewart said. “He’s penciled in with Rob (Sich) as well so I expect a good year out of him too.” Stewart has added some toughness and scoring to the roster with Kai Magnussen, who has two years of CHL experience including a 20-goal season in Tulsa. Steven Cooke who spent time in Huntsville last year has joined the ‘Antz roster as has Nathan Daly who played with Knoxville before spending the last two seasons in Holland. Newcomers Keith Mason and Murray Free should also add some spark to the Fayetteville offense.  Overall, Stewart expects that the league with the new expansion teams aboard will be more exciting and competitive. With the roster moves he has made, Stewart feels that his team is more than ready to meet the challenge and return to the finals – and win. “I think defensively we’re better and if we can continue to get three to five goals a night, we should win a lot of hockey games,” he said. “I’ve been to the finals four out of the last five years (as a coach) and we expect to be there again.” If they do, you can be sure the celebration will last for a lot longer than 71 seconds. Contact the author at don.money@prohockeynews.com