The New York Aviators enter the second half, or 2016, portion of their first NA3EHL second in the Western Division and fourth overall in the NA3EHL looking to make a solid run in their final 18 games of the regular season. Sitting outside of the top spot this time of year is out of the ordinary for a Mike Stanaway coached team, but confidence remains high in Brooklyn.
Over the past two seasons, first with the Marquette Royales in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League, then last season with the Aviators former United States Premier Hockey League franchise, Stanaway’s teams sat at the top of the league table.
In 2013-14, Stanaway’s Royales had just four losses heading into the New Year and last season the USPHL Aviators had just two losses. This year has been a bit different for the Aviators as they adjust to a new league, the team sits in fourth with six regulation losses and two three overtime losses to start 2016.
So, what’s the difference this year for Stanaway? Is the NA3EHL, a relatively newcomer on the block just two years into existence proving itself to be a top tier III league in the country?
“The NA3EHL has shown to be a very tough league,” said Stanaway. “Like any other league there are very good teams and teams that are working on improving. However, the top teams in our league would compare with the top teams in every other pay to play league in the country including the WSHL.”
Following a two-game weekend split to start the 2016 portion of their schedule, the Aviators sit tied for fifth overall in the league and well back of the Jersey Shore Wildcats for the top spot in the Western Division. So, were does the focus shift now with just 16 regular season games remaining?
“Right now the focus is on preparing for the post season,” said Stanaway. “The top teams are very good so we need to work hard every day to get ready for the playoffs. I feel the one thing we want to improve every day is our compete level. If we want to get better game results we have to improve in that area.”
As with many teams throughout the country, bordering on epidemic proportions, the Aviators have been hit with the injury bug through most of the season. At times one or multiple players have been sidelined with injuries, including both Aviators top scorers and top defensemen.
It’s been up to the roll players to step up during those times and provide a spark for the Aviators and Stanaway has been pleased with the efforts. But, it’s a difficult proposition for the coaching staff, knowing who can be put in that position to step into a roll they aren’t accustom to at the junior level.
As has been the norm for Stanaway over the years, his teams are on the older side. Turnover from season to season is great and this year was no different. Even 28 games into the season he’s still learning who can make the transition to the higher level of hockey.
“It’s no question injuries have been an issue this season,” said Stanaway. “We have some good players on this team and many that have stepped up and contributed when injuries have occurred. Our biggest surprise I feel has been defenseman Shawn Eastman. He has improved dramatically and has shown to be one of our top defensemen.”
On multiple occasions during the 2014-15 season, Stanaway made the claim that he had a deeper team than the one which won the MnJHL Bush Cup. That depth paid off in the form of a USPHL Championship and USA Hockey Junior National Runner-Up finish.
So where does this team rank among those two success stories?
“We are very similar to last year,” said Stanaway. “We have four forwards who are the best in the league. Outside of our top four forwards, there are many that could step in and play a bigger role in the top six if they are willing to work hard and compete. As far as our defense and goaltending, I feel they have been fantastic thus far.”
The Aviators next have a home-and-home series against the Skylands Kings Jan. 16-17. Game one is Saturday, Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. at Aviator Sports and Events Center, followed by Sunday, Jan. 17 at 12:30 p.m. at Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, NJ. As always, Aviators games are available on www.fasthockey.com.
For more information on the 2015-16 New York Aviators and the NA3EHL, log on to www.nyjraviators.com and www.na3ehl.com. You can also contact Head Coach Mike Stanaway directly at [email protected].
