LuAnn Thibodeau
The weather is turning cooler, which can only mean that hockey season is almost upon us with the Worcester Railers Hockey Club bringing the heat on opening weekend. As the team, an ECHL affiliate of The New York Islanders prepares for their eighth season, there’s a lot to look forward to for the fans.
Opening weekend at the DCU Center is presented by M&T Bank, with both Saturday October 18th and Sunday, October 19th jam packed with entertainment. “Opening night is always one of the most exciting evenings of the year, team President Kim Golinski says,“We believe this upcoming season of Railers hockey will be the best yet, and we’re eager to begin the year alongside our fans at home with some of the most engaging programing we’ve ever had for opening weekend.”
The Railers will host their annual Opening Night Block Party, presented by BeatBox Beverages, from 4 to 6 on October 18th with festivities before the game on Commercial Street. There will be food, vendors, live music outdoors at Off The Rails, and much more to do before the puck drops for the opening of the season. More entertainment awaits fans during the first intermission on Opening Night, as world renowned beatboxer NaPoM will be bringing down the house.
Kids’ Opening Day on October 19th will feature lots of family fun with a special appearance by Australia’s Top Dog Bluey. Fans will have the opportunity for photos during meet and greet sessions throughout the game.
As for the games, The Railers will be facing two division rivals as they begin their eighth season, with the Maine Mainers here for the game on October 18th, and the Adirondack Thunder storming in on October 19th. According to the press release, “The matchup with Maine kicks off the fifth season of the VIP Tires Rivalry Cup as the first of fourteen matches against the Mainers this season.”
The Railers will have themes for all 36 home games this season, with fourteen of the games including giveaway items. Eight games will feature specialty jerseys including Hockey Fights Cancer, IceCats Weekend, Sharks Night, Pink In The Rink, Worcester Monkey Wrenches Weekend, and Military Appreciation.
On the ice, fans can look forward to seeing returning key players. Forward Anthony Repaci is back for a franchise record fifth season. He is the franchise leader in goals (94), assists (107), points (201), and games played (219). Forward Anthony Calin returns for his third season. He is third in franchise history in goals (40) and points (104), fourth in assists (64) and games played (145). Also returning on defense is Cam McDonald. He is a small, physical player who is expected to contribute in various ways this season. Cam is on contract with the Railers after signing with the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) last season.
In addition to the returning veterans, there are two new, up and coming defensemen. Cole Frasier is entering his seventh season of pro hockey, having played 282 games at the ECHL level, the most of anyone on the team. He had amassed 676 penalty minutes across his career. Also joining the team is Darien Klelb, who has played in 38 American Hockey League games and has 34 points in 63 ECHL games (not too shabby for a defenseman).
Railers Chief Operating Officer Michael G. Myers sums it up, “Fans can look forward to an exciting season on the ice. Head Coach and General Manager Nick Tuzzolino did a great job leading the organization to its second-best record in franchise history last season. With reliable returning players and key new additions making up this season’s roster, we’re eager to watch this year’s team start playing on October 18th right here at home.”
Good luck to The Railers this season. For tickets and more, check out the team’s website at railershc.com.
