Coach's Corner February, 1997

by Karen Irwin

The trade deadline is almost here at last. Coach Christensen has been watching the team very closely to determine what changes he needs to make before the deadline of February 24th. He has already made some changes to bolster the struggling offense and will probably make some more changes to add some depth to the defense.

The players are, no doubt, playing at their very best to avoid being traded. Of course, Coach Christensen is only doing what is best for the team when he makes a trade. His goal is to build a team that can successfully take the Tiger Sharks through the playoffs and this inevitably leads to personnel shifts.

Coach Christensen said it is a difficult decision to trade one of the players. He has many things to consider. He particularly dislikes having to uproot a player and possibly that player's family from their home. However, he must do what is in the best interest of the team.

He also has to consider the players we have from other leagues. If we have players who have been sent down, they could get called back up at any time (even after the trade deadline) and this could make a huge impact on the team.

As fans, we should support the decisions of Coach Christensen. He knows this team better than anyone and does not take the job of trading lightly. He has made some excellent decisions over the past three years, taking the Tiger Sharks to the Final Four in its first two seasons. We will all thank Coach Christensen when we see the Tiger Sharks holding the Kelly Cup this year!

Are You Helping Tony Lose His Hair?

Its official! If...if we can top last year's single game attendance record we get to see Tony Mancuso shaved by Cal Ingraham at center ice immediately following the game.

In case you're wondering, the record last season was 10,207. We need to pack the house with just one extra person... 10,208.

We cannot allow this opportunity to pass us by. It is a moral imperative! Bring your friends, bring yoW; family, bring your office to the March 21st game!

All Fin-Atics are eligible for a special pricing deal, 4 upper bowl tickets for $16.00. For details on group pricing, call the Civic Center Box Office at (850) 222-0400.

Shark Warning...?

GRETZKY SIGNS WITH ICE PILOTS: Brent Gretzky, the youngest brother of NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky, will join the Pensacola Ice Pilots this weekend as the team attempts to rebound from a pair of losses to Louisiana last week.

Gretzky, a center, played 40 games for the Las Vegas Thunder of the IHL this season, scoring five goals and 12 assists. His playing resume also includes 13 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL.

The Ice Pilots will look to break free from the pack this weekend with a pair of key games. The Ice Pilots currently find themselves one spot short of a playoff berth and trail fifth-place Louisiana by two points. Just ten points separate the top seven teams in the tight South Division.