Port Huron Prowlers (FHL, 2016-17)

2016-17 Regular Season
Prowlers vs. Cornwall Nationals

The Prowlers entered their second season of play as the defending Commissioner's Cup Champions, the first pro hockey title in Port Huron since 1972. Head Coach Trevor Karasiewicz returned behind the bench for 2016-17, along with a few returning players from last year's championship team. Off the ice, attendance has gone up slightly, as the team averages about 982 per game, tops in the FHL (which doesn't say much).
Per usual with the Federal Hockey League, there was offseason instability. The league lost the Dayton Demolition and Brewster Bulldogs, but saw the return of the Watertown Wolves after a one-season absence. The FHL also welcomed the St. Clair Shores Fighting Saints, Cornwall Nationals and Carolina Thunderbirds (who will start next season).
This program is from the Friday, January 6th game between the Prowlers and Cornwall Nationals. In front of 1,036 fans, the Prowlers overcame a brutal start (2 Nats goals on two shots by the first 3:00) to win 5-3. Decent game, a little sloppy at times, but enjoyable. My tickets for the game, by the way, were free. Another fan was handing out spare tickets and Rob and I grabbed two of them.
This game was also Karasiewicz's last game as Prowlers coach. In a bizarre move, owner Barry Soskin fired Karasiewicz on Saturday, offering no reason other than "it was time". While the Prowlers did get off to a slow start this year, they did just win a championship.
Anyway, about the program. It's very similar to last year's edition. It's a compact program, with 22 pages, all in color and on glossy paper. The cover is nearly identical to last year's, expect for the championship logo. Two team photos of last year's championship team (postgame and formal) are included. Local advertisements include Tio Gordo's Cocina, Fuel Woodfire Grill, Blue Water Sports Bar and Grill and Aspen Dental.

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