The Bloomington Bison have returned to the ice for the team's second season at Grossinger Motors Arena. The home opener is Oct. 18.
Head coach and vice president of hockey operations Phillip Barski said he hopes to have a more well-rounded team this season, with the addition of some new defensive players who can move the puck and make for a more exciting style of play.
“I think when you look at us up front with our forward group, we’ve got a real nice mixture of toughness, scoring and creativity,” Barski said at the conclusion of the team’s training camp. “So, I think that will really blend itself to a really fast-paced, fun atmosphere.”
Center Eddie Matsushima agreed.
“We’re going to be a fast, hardworking team that’s going to put a lot of goals in the net,” he said. “A lot of high-paced play, a lot of hitting and, like I said, a lot of speed.”
Matsushima said training camp this season was demanding, especially for the new players, but every day is better than the last for him and his new teammates.
“You’ve been waiting all summer, you’ve been training all summer for this moment, and so guys are really excited ... really, really competitive out there right now,” said Matsushima. “Every day gets better; guys feel a little bit more comfortable.”
The Bison finished its inaugural season with 31 wins, 35 losses, four overtime losses, and two shootout losses.
In the 30-team ECHL, the Bison are a part of a developmental hockey league that works to promote minor league players to higher levels of hockey. The Bison are an affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers.
Barski said he takes pride in helping his players improve.
“It’s not only young, but it’s also some old players, too. We’re very proud of the fact that Eddie Matsushima, our captain, got two games in San Diego with the Gulls last year in the American Hockey League,” said Barski. “We look at those things and not only those accomplishments but obviously all of our other players and just working with them every day to make sure that they’re developing to the best of their abilities.”
Forward Jonny Evans said his goals for improving with the Bison include finding consistency on and off the ice. What is already consistent, according to Evans, is the fan support from Bloomington.
“They’re amazing here, even though on smaller nights we still hear them, they’re loud for us,” he said. “We know this year there’s going to be a lot more coming, so we’re pretty excited for that.”
The Bison will have a 36-game home slate through early April.
