Pirates return to the NPHL

Kevin Laliberte
For South Peace News

Patience and perseverance has paid off in big dividends for organizers coordinating recent efforts to have the Falher Pirates reinstated into the North Peace Hockey League. The storied franchise, which last played in 1999-00 before folding after 16 games, was given the green light to return for the 2007-08 season following formal approval by NPHL brass at the league’s April 26 meeting in Fairview. “It’s definitely exciting news for us as a team,” says team president and veteran player Shawn Gervais, who attended the league meeting and was thrilled by the decision. “Everyone is pretty pumped.” The move by the NPHL executive to reinstate Falher was made after a brief roundtable discussion between teams present at the meeting. Gervais says the general reaction to Falher’s request to rejoin the league was one of shared optimism. “All the teams were in support of our return to the league, which is positive,” he explains. That includes Falher’s long-time arch-rivals, the Lakeland Eagles. The McLennan based team fully endorsed the move to bring NPHL hockey back to Falher. “Jimmy (McLean) made a point of emphasizing the importance of us returning to the NPHL and we appreciate it as a team,” says Gervais. “We’ve always had a good rivalry with Lakeland. They play hard and are a class act all the way.” Two of the two biggest concerns brought up by the league at the meeting were in relation to long-term commitment and player recruitment. “They wanted reassurances from us about our commitment as an executive, and that’s exactly what vwe gave them. We have an excellent executive in place, one which is both excited and passionate about the opportunity to have an NPHL franchise back in Falher." As for player personnel, Gervais says they were reminded about the league’s code of conduct and the need to refrain from unethical situations involving the enticement of players from existing NPHL rosters into Falher. “Obviously, we want to create our own identity. We’re in a good situation right now with about 13 guys who’ve made a commitment to play on a regular basis,” he says, noting that a further 17 players (including several from Eaglesham and Peavine) have expressed an interest to suit up for Falher whenever they can. One of the most pressing steps for the Pirates at this stage, outside of addressing player personnel issues, will focus on team fundraising initiatives. Gervais says they’re looking at an overall annual operating budget of approximately $50,000 - funds that will need to be addressed prior to the start of this year in addition to the mandatory $2,500 league performance bond. “We’ll be getting together as a team later this spring to come up with a game plan in relation to fundraising options, sponsorship, and operational expenses,” Gervais explains. The team also plans to purchase new home and away jerseys depicting the traditional black and white colours of the Pirates complete with a new logo. The comeback to revitalize the Pirates was mounted earlier this year by the emergence of a renewed strong executive, experienced head coach, and a growing number of committed local players who stepped forward by expressing a shared interest to return to the league. “I want players who are committed,” said head coach Bob Maisonneuve in a recent Falher Smoky River Express article. “If we want to have a successful team, we need committed players.” Dan Bouchard was appointed manager of the organization, while several other key individuals have agreed to step aboard as directors.

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