Trevor Karasiewicz: coach on the prowl

PORT HURON, MI – The return of Trevor Karasiewicz to the McMorran Center in Port Huron is like hockey’s version of “Welcome Back Kotter.”

The rookie center for the 2003 -2004 UHL Beacons has returned 12 years and 12 teams later, this time as head coach and GM for the newly formed FHL Prowlers.

“Port Huron was the first team I played for after leaving juniors so it was nice to come back,” Karasiewicz said. “Port Huron is truly a hockey city. The fans are one of a kind and are loyal to the team. In my first season I played with Brent Gretzky (Wayne’s brother), Jason Firth, Aaron Brand, and Casey Harris. They were some of Port Huron’s best to ever put on a jersey.”

A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Karasiewicz spent most of his career on the ice in the SPHL. Some of his remarkable years include a 70 point season with the 2008 – 2009 Richmond Renegades and an 85 point run with the 2012 – 2013 FHL’s Williamsport Outlaws that saw Trevor put up a plus-29 player rating. His most remarkable achievement would have to be coming off the ice after 10 games to coach the 2013 – 2014 Dayton Demonz to an FHL championship win.

“Dayton’s head coach Marc Lefebvre got another coaching job in England,” Karasiewicz recalled. “I asked Marc to put in a word for me and the ball started to roll. I talked to (owner) Barry Soskin a few times and I was fortunate enough to get the job. I paid him back by winning the championship my first year.”

This will be Karasiewicz’s third year coaching in the FHL. In addition to winning the Commissioner’s Cup, Trevor was also named Coach of the Year in 2014. Now as General Manager, Karasiewicz has a little more on his plate this time.

“I now have to try and get corporate sponsors on board and make decisions that are best for the team,” he said. “Having an owner like Barry Soskin has been a blessing, he will do anything for the team and players to win and succeed.”

The owner of two other FHL teams, Soskin brought Karasiewicz over from Dayton. In a hockey loving town that has seen the disappointment of at least four teams come and go, Trevor is optimistic.

“I have a great team with Allison Jaegers, Joe Pace and Leanne Baker,” he stated. “The transition from the office to the ice has been easy with them in the corner. Also, the city has changed dramatically over 12 years. They have re-vamped the downtown and done a lot of work to the waterfront. They have great concerts and events like power boat racing. We have tons of support from the fans and businesses.”

Prospects camp for the Prowlers is set to kick off at 10:00 AM on Sat. August 22.

“We have a lot of great prospects coming to this camp,” Karasiewicz said. There are a lot of open spots so there will be tough competition on the ice this weekend. I expect to take four or five guys from this to main camp. It’s going to be a great year.”

In the immortal words of the Outlaw Josey Wales; “I reckon so.”