PELLETIER PROUD OF HIS TEAM

14 March, 2010 by jrhuskies

Young Huskies learned a lot this season

FITCHBURG, Mass. -- Fitchburg Huskies coach Tim Pelletier didn’t like the final result (not winning a championship), but he also knows his team played hard and gave it everything they had.

“I think this season, from my standpoint, was successful as we finished where we thought we would,” Pelletier said. “We were one of the youngest teams in the league this season so there were some growing pains. The younger players benefited from getting the experience needed this season by playing against older players and learning what a grind Jr. hockey is with about 100 practices and 55-plus games. Hopefully the younger players will benefit from the experiences they have gained.”

The young Fitchburg squad finished with an overall record of 17-23-2. In the Empire League playoffs, the Huskies were the No. 7 seed but lost to New Hampshire and Green Mountain and were eliminated.

“There were a lot of ups and downs this season,” Pelletier said. “We lost 12 games this season by one or two goals. Looking at that and our age, I see that as a lack of experience, and hopefully those 12 games turn into wins next season.

“The one thing we lacked was the go-to guy this season that we have had in the past. I think we have a couple players who have that ability to be the go-to guy. The one down thing this season was we didn't have consistent goaltending. I am not saying the goaltending was bad, but was more up and down. The best part of this team this season is how close this group of players were. It’s not easy when you assemble 25 players together and to see them all get along as well as they did.”

No question, it’s been quite a learning experience for each and every player wearing the Husky sweater.

“I think the players have learned a lot this season about how being prepared in the offseason is crucial at this level,” Pelletier said. “They have learned how the preparation from game to game is necessary, and they are not at the level where they can show up and win. It will be interesting next season to see how they respond and work this summer.”

While some players won’t return next season, some will be back and there will be some brand new faces on the roster, Pelletier is hopefully his team takes a giant step toward a title next season.

“Next season should be interesting with the commitments we have returning and with a few prospects I have been speaking with,” Pelletier said. “The offseason is going to be critical to next season’s success. If the players want to be successful next season, they are going to need to dedicate themselves this summer to the weight room. The bigger, stronger and faster they come back the better off we will be.”

The New England Junior Huskies organization is based on pride, and Pelletier was quick to point out how proud he was of his club -- win or lose.

“I am very proud of this team and proud to have been able to work with this group of players,” Pelletier said. “I wish all the players good luck next season!

“I liked to thank Mr. Gould, Coach Jenkins, Coach Gallant, Coach Pacific and the rest of the Huskies staff for the support they have given our team this season.”

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