Aviators look to reach higher

BROOKLYN – With the roster deadline and the regular season closing in, the Brooklyn Aviators still have needs.
As his training camp ended ahead of an opening night rematch of the inaugural FHL Commissioner’s Cup finals, Aviators Head Coach and President Rob Miller admitted that he is still looking to fill a few voids to combat an increased level of offense around the league. He doesn’t have much time as he prepares his team to take on the Akwesasne Warriors tonight at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine in the FHL’s first “Maine Event” of the 2011-2012 campaign.
“We’re going to be working out some kinks this weekend,” Miller said about the team’s three-game opening weekend. “We need some puck-moving defensemen. All of the good ones are playing in higher levels.”
Despite boasting a black, red and white hot 21-game winning streak during the second half of last season, the Aviators came up short in the finals, falling three

games to one to the Warriors. Until the finals loss, it was a Brooklyn kind of year as Miller was named Coach of the Year, goalie Kevin Druce took Outstanding Goalie and league MVP honors and winger Matt Puntureri earned a spot on the All-FHL team.
Naturally with the success of last year’s squad, Miller found himself minus key blue liners Nick Kuqali (1 goal and 13 assists for 14 points, plus-20 rating) who moved on to the SPHL’s Mississippi Surge and David Inman (5-8-13, plus-4) who is now with the Laredo Bucks in the CHL. Additionally, Druce, who posted an impressive 24-8-2 record with a 2.51 goals against average and .916 save percentage, decided to hang up his pads and headed back home to Canada to pursue a career in law enforcement. Add in Puntureri (27-40-67, plus-29) being traded to the expansion New Jersey Outlaws in May and Miller’s keen ability to construct a roster was tested.
Even with the losses, the Aviators’ cupboard is still very full with returning players ready to take the next step in year two. Driving the offensive attack are veteran forwards Andrew Scampoli (20-32-52, plus-17), Jesse Felten (21-26-47, plus-17),Stephen Obelnicki (4-12-16, plus-3) and Casey Mignone (20-26-46, plus-17). Obelnicki, who gained notoriety for himself and the team a year ago when he got his hair permed by late night TV host Jimmy Fallon, will wear the captain’s “C”.
Defensively, Brooklyn is a little thin as the Aviators have two blue liners back. KC Timmons (11-14-25, plus-3) and Jarrett Rush (1-16-17, plus-21) are both solid defenders and the foundation of Miller’s defensive scheme. Until the coach is able to completely fill the open slots, Obelnicki and Scampoli will show their versatility by falling back to cover defensive shifts.
Felten, who spent the summer working out and pouring concrete back home in Wisconsin, said that much of the leadership both on and off the ice will come from the veteran players. He added that the on-ice magic will come from Miller’s work creating line combinations and defensive pairings in training camp.
“Timmonswas one of our big leaders and Obelnicki will be a force both on and off the ice,” he said.
Another key returner is net minder Pete Dundovich. Playing behind Druce in spot duty, Dundovich had a 3.48 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. He played in just ten games but having that FHL experience makes him a valuable piece of the puzzle.
Filling the spot left by Druce’s departure will be former SPHL goalie Tommy Lee. Lee, who was one of the last two cuts by the Knoxville Ice Bears a week ago, appeared in a total of 17 games in the SPHL a year ago in stints with Knoxville (3.00 goals against and .928 save percentage in three games), Pensacola (3.05 goals against and .900 save percentage in 13 games) and Fayetteville (one game). Lee has already been tapped to start the game against Akwesasne.
“It’s a game where our defense and goaltending needs to be good,” Miller said.
Miller already has made several additions to the base of veterans. Chris Ferazzoli, who spent time in the SPHL during the past two seasons, is making a return to his home region. The 31-year old Long Island native after playing ten games for the Augusta RiverHawks last season and putting up 50 points in 56 games for the Mississippi Surge in 2009-2010. Miller describes him as “a small, shifty player” who will make big offensive plays for the Aviators.
All through camp, Miller had Ferazzoli on a line with rookies Jordan Bernier and Chris Jones. Bernier comes to Brooklyn from the Gastineau Olympiques of the QMJHL where he had five goals and four assists in 19 games a year ago. Jones played hockey at York University (CIS) where he posted five goals and six assists in 27 games. The trio had instant chemistry, connecting for three or four goals on the first day they played together.
For Ferazzoli, who may be playing his final season, it is an opportunity to mentor the rookies while closing out his career in an up-and-coming league.
“I will be a role model and teach them what to expect and what it takes to stay positive in this very mental game,” he said. “ (Playing in) The FHL can give you the confidence to get started.”
Fans will notice one off-ice change right away. After being known as the New York Aviators last year, the team has taken on the name Brooklyn. Veteran broadcaster Carmine Vetrano said that the change was made to reflect the passion and allegiance to the fans in Brooklyn. He added that the area is becoming a hub of professional sports with the nearby Cyclones baseball team and the pending relocation of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn in 2012.
Vetrano, who has added the titles of Team Executive and Media Relations to his resume along with FHL Broadcaster of the Year, has been given the task of getting the players to make more use of social media toconnect with the fans. Fan favorite Obelnicki started a blog chronicling life with the Aviators last season. It became an instant hit with its musings about numerous topics such as mishaps on the road and the team’s snow shoveling company.
Following the opener in Maine tonight, the Aviators head south to take on the Cape Cod Bluefins in Hyannis, Mass. Friday before returning to Brooklyn for the home opener against the Outlaws on Saturday. For Miller and his team, they hope it is a road that will end in a championship.
Contact the author at susan.erichsen@prohockeynews.com