DANVILLE — Vermilion County Bobcats trainer T.J. Sarcona began in August with some primary objectives.
“This organization needs a culture change. It didn’t have a great culture last year and it showed,” Sarcona mentioned. “My goals has been bringing in good and hard-working people and turn the organization into the right direction.”
The first step to that proper route starts on Friday, when the Bobcats will host the Birmingham Bulls within the season opener on the David S. Palmer Arena.
With the training personnel in position, Sarcona went to work find new gamers and in addition check out to usher in gamers from final season.
“I had some resources in acquiring some guys and some returning guys that wanted another crack,” Sarcona mentioned. “Last season didn’t got the way they wanted to. Going in, I know there would be a lot of work to be done, but I wanted to bring in the guys that wanted to play and enjoy the game of hockey.”
Sarcona used to be ready to usher in some fan favorites from final season.
Dante Juris is a hard-working defenseman, we have now Justin Portillo, who is a huge, robust man and he’ll be available in the market to stay guys in line,” Sarcona mentioned. “We have Aaron Ryback, who started off the year with Reading in the ECHL and we have him back now and he is excited to come back and start fresh, We have Adam Eby, who played seven games in the end of the year. He’s one of the first players I called and he was excited. Davis Kirkendall was another late add and wanted another crack at it and be a part of a culture change.”
Sarcona has labored demanding in his complete hockey profession and is hoping his studies can lend a hand the Bobcats.
“I played hockey my entire life. I played my youth hockey in Long Island and played juniors in the North American Hockey League for the Amarillo Bulls, who are now in Iowa,” Sarcona mentioned. “I played three years in Amarillo and I won the Robertson Cup there (In 2013). In my second year with them, I got a scholarship at Niagara and graduated with a marketing degree. I got good experience playing in Rapid City and things didn’t work our there. I wound up in Pensacola of the FPHL for two years and had a good experience and then I started coaching.
“I wanted to take my knowledge and what I went threw and give it to players who are still playing. I have been through the ringer and give them the right advice.”
Sarcona mentioned it doesn’t matter what occurs, the staff is ready to play and entertain enthusiasts who’ve been ready to see the puck drop since April.
“The boys have been getting ready and I have been getting them ready for the home opener,” Sarcona mentioned. “We want all of the fans to support us and be there and to see the new faces. It will be a hard game and we want to see our fans supports us and they guys will work hard for you and it will be a fast-paced game.”
Friday’s sport begins at 7 p.m. and is the primary of a two-game collection with the Bulls. Saturday’s sport may also get started at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults, $7 for kids and $10 for college kids, army, seniors and primary responders.