Young guns blazing for Bobcats

(from breakawaymonthly.com)

On paper, the New York Bobcats began the season with one of the most explosive lineups ever seen in the Atlantic Junior League’s short two-year history.  With several Division I signees, a number of key returning players and a bevy of new, young talent, fans figured to be in for a treat every time coach Aleksey Nikiforov’s ‘Cats took the ice.

Thirteen games into the season, the ‘Cats have not disappointed.  While their defense was the key to their early-season success, the Bobcats have shaken loose for a number of huge offensive efforts in October to dazzle opponents.  “The core of this team has come through the ranks with Aleksey,” Kinnear said, “and the older guys are adapting to his system. 

The results speak for themselves.

Four times in October, the Bobcats totaled nine goals or more.  Five times, they held opponents to two goals or less.  They’re clearly firing on all cylinders, and according to General Manager Ron Kinnear, it’s not an accident.  “Our guys have responded to Aleksey’s philosophy.  We play more of a European style than a North American one.  If we don’t have a play we cycle back and look to create something”

For some organizations, getting older players to buy into such a different philosophy might be difficult, but Kinnear said the transition has been a smooth one.  “Our older guys stayed because of Aleksey,” Kinnear said.  “This is a team.”  And with so much talent on the team, particularly young talent, chemistry can become an issue.  What if the older players begin to resent the attention lavished on the younger ones?  Not to worry Kinnear said.  “There’s no jealousy.  The older guys know they need the younger guys for their talent.  The younger guys need the older guys to be leaders on and off the ice.”

The Bobcats’ pool of young talent includes Vladimir Nikiforov, Nick Grasso, James Marcou and Anthony Romano.  Each are immensely talented, though with vastly different games.  Nikiforov, Marcou and Grasso are all likely headed for the NCAA Division I ranks, while Romano will undoubtedly draw a ton of attention from scouts this season with his explosive offensive ability.

Romano, a 1988 birth year who will turn 17 in January, is scoring at a blistering pace.  He has 16goals in his first 10 games, and his 23 points overall currently leads the entire league.  Not bad for a youngster who played at the Midget level last season. 

Another former midget, Nikiforov is making his mark on the league as well.  A brilliant skater and puck handler, Nikiforov commands attention of opposing defenses whenever he’s on the ice.  He’s amassed 10 goals and nine assists from his first 11 contests.  His remarkable talent, honed by his coach and father, has been visible to Tier I hockey observers for years.  Two years ago, while still a midget, Nikiforov was placed on the under-18 protected lists by the Indiana Ice of the USHL.

A less highly touted but equally impressive youngster this season has been Jason DeLuca, 17-year-old 1988 birth year who centers the Bobcats’ third line.  DeLuca, who also logs plenty of time on the penalty-killing unit, has seven goals and 17 point thus far.  But despite the brilliance of his young stars, Kinnear knows that there is no substitute for the junior experience offered by his veteran players.

“I’ve challenged Aleksey to get recognition for some of our older players”, guys like Frank Rizzo, Mike Coppola, Thomas Galiani, Pat Moriarty and Casey Hubbard.  Rizzo is garnering attention this season for his offensive output.  His 13 assists lead the team, and his 22 points are good for second in the entire AJHL.  Moriarty, a fire plug who has been an excellent player in the AJHL since its inception last season, remains one of the best two-way players and a reliable offensive contributor as well.

Kinnear as singled out Hubbard and Galiani for their defensive excellence.  Galiani is perhaps the teams best defensive forward, while Hubbard is a strong, crease-clearing defenseman without who life would be much more difficult for goalies Joe Spagnoli and Chris Molinaro.

The Bobcats’ organization, which also includes the very well-regarded Suffolk Pal program, sets high goals for itself and its players.  “We hope to get 75 percent of our players placed at the next levels, whether it’s the USHL, NCAA Division I or III,” said Kinnear.  “That’s how we determine how successful we are.” 

With the talent and coaching skill Kinnear has assembled; don’t bet against the Bobcats having the success they’ve set out for.