Tony Zasowski, who is entering his first season as the man in charge of the NAHL's longest running franchise, really seems to know what he is doing. Although words can certainly come out a lot easier than performance, this season's young squad has a lot of potential. On top of that, the fan experience inside the Nelson Center seems like it may have improved quite a bit as well--which if you are a regular as far as attending the games, it is very exciting news.
The fact that they spent $50,000 in renovation to the rink allows me to really believe that the new guys ahead of management are really interested in getting more people in the stands on the weekends. As it always goes in sports, to get fans in the seats, winning games as well as spending money is always the main ingredients to the recipe. Well, our management certainly achieved one of them ingredients before the team even hit the ice.
Also, another exciting aspect to look forward to is the fact that Quaker Steak and Lube will be in charge of running the concession stands during all home games inside the Nelson Center. All of the regular vending snacks and normal items will be sold, but quite a bit of food and merchandise will be expanding this season, which will most definitely be a new feature that will be better for all fans attending the games.
The team will be playing twenty-eight home games this season, and the traveling for the team will be a lot more this season than it has in a while. The Jr. Blues will be playing three out-of-conference teams', including two from Alaska. They will also be making a trip there in the month of January as apart of a home-and-home series.
Considering the team was four wins away from playing for the Robertson Cup, which was derailed by the ex-division rival Saint Louis Bandits, this season's team is very young as we have one kid who is actually just sixteen years old. Also, the team is fielding four players that are actually still in high school this season, which hasn't been as common--but should certainly be exciting to see how well they can mesh and get chemistry down together. The Bandits are no longer apart of the NAHL and now Springfield is in the North division with seven other teams.
As I haven't had the chance to speak to the new coach yet, hearing the interview this morning was very encouraging, in case you didn't have the chance to hear it. While I have respected most coaches that I have witnessed leading this team, I have a lot of faith in the entire new management as well as coach Zasowski as he has proven he has a way with getting the most out of young guys. Everything leading up to this has been very positive from my ears--and if you have the chance this weekend, get out to the Nelson Center and let's get that place rockin'!
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