Welcome to Federal Offenses, my semi-weekly recap of the FPHL, the hockey equivalent of the Uncle at the family reunion we put up with, because Mother says they’re still family and it makes Grandma happy.
This week is my first round playoff preview.
It’s that time of year, playoffs, unless you’re in Elmira, Wytheville or Baton Rouge. That’s right, it took until the last day of the season, but Watertown was able to edge Elmira, but it was close. How close? 53 seconds. All Elmira needed was a single point and they were tied with Binghamton until a late penalty by Kyle Powell put Binghamton on the power play. Just over a minute later, with 53 seconds left in regulation, Connor Smith put the Black Bears ahead for good, ending Elmira’s season.
Watertown fought and earned their playoff spot, but their reward is a first round rematch with Binghamton, who won the season series 9-2. The Wolves faced Binghamton last season in the opening round, while they may be able to pull out a win in the series, I see Binghamton with the sweep, making the Division Finals again.
The other matchup in the Empire Division sees the Motor City Rockers taking on the Danbury Hat Tricks. Motor City took care of business securing the second seed and home ice advantage in round 1. Despite being in the same division, the FPHL’s screwed up scheduling only had them playing each other twice back in December, splitting the series 1-1. While Danbury had their troubles, they seemed to get it together late. I have to give Danbury the edge here in 3 setting up a rematch from last season with Binghamton.
The Continental Division was pretty much decided months ago, but one team is literally coasting into the post season on fumes. The Mississippi Sea Wolves had an epic collapse the last month and a half of the season losing 11 of their last 12 and ending the season on a 9 game losing streak that included dropping 6 straight to the Baton Rouge Zydeco. Their punishment, the Columbus River Dragons. Columbus ran away with the best record in the league and an astonishing 134 points, second all time behind the 2018-19 Carolina Thunderbirds who had 149 points. Mississippi doesn’t have much hope here, Columbus is riding high led by Rookie of the Year Ryan Hunter and MVP front runner Justin MacDonald’s 117 point season, where he had a point in all but 3 games and a league record 38 game point streak. After easily taking game 1 Wednesday, Columbus should pull off the easy sweep.
In the other matchup, we have another rematch from last post season as the Carolina Thunderbirds take on the Port Huron Prowlers. Carolina is led by Goaltender of the Year Mario Cavaliere and Forward of the Year Gus Ford. I think Port Huron will sneak away with Game 1 at home, but Carolina will take care of business on their ice. I predict yet another rematch in the Division Finals, Carolina in 3.
Now my weekly rant.
Early this week, I received an anonymous message. It read:
“To Whom It May Concern, My son plays for the Carolina Thunderbirds and he has told me and the rest of the family that the City of Winston Salem and the Thunderbirds are having conflicts coming to an agreement for their lease agreement. With that being said, the City of Winston Salem is going to remove the ice plant after the ice is removed and the Thunderbirds will have to be relocated or dispersed among the league.”
I reached out to Thunderbirds co-owner Barry Soskin, asking if there was any truth to the rumors, “Zero, none. This is the first I’ve ever heard that one. I have a lease for 3 more years after this. Although, I would like them to tear it down and build a new one with 2000 more seats and premium seating.”
While Mr. Soskin shot down the rumors, the fact that there have been rumors that multiple teams are having arena problems or could be folding. The latest being Elmira. Rumors are that the arena wants to get rid of the River Sharks and replace them with an NAHL team. In comments on multiple Facebook posts, FPHL Vice Commissioner Andrew “Sarge” Richards has stated that the River Sharks are out. Whether these rumors are true, the fact fans believe these rumors, shows the biggest issue with this league, their lack of overall stability. Next season the FPHL will be entering their 15th season. In those 15 seasons, only twice have they not had a team fold. The fact this league seems so unstable, is the reason fans are so quick to believe these rumors. The league needs 2-3 years strai
ght with nobody folding in order to give fans the impression on stability. With the recent addition of Athens, GA, the apparent return of the Danville Dashers and rumors of multiple other cities joining the league, the FPHL has the potential to show the stability they so desperately need.
Let’s end the regular season on a positive note
There is some good news for Zydeco fans, they managed to claw their way out of the cellar, jumping over Blue Ridge by a single point. Also, by drawing 6,896 fans for the final home game, they were able to edge out Binghamton and lead the FPHL in attendance in their inaugural season. It’s a true testament to their fan base that they were able to lead the league in attendance while in last place all season.
If they can draw an FPHL record 110,816 fans with an average of almost 4,000 fans when they’re in the basement, I can only imagine what they could draw if they were playoff contenders. It’s obvious that bringing in Everett Thompson late was the right choice, helping turn the team around. With the way they ended the season, the Zydeco are poised to be a serious contender next season and that’s nothing but good news for their rabid fan base.
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