Beneath the Elms: The Beast of New Haven

Though the Beast have Willis leading its offensive lineup, the season's results so far have been mixed. With a 7-6-1 record, the Beast is looking to improve its defense. "I think our main goal for the rest of the season is defense," Willis said. "That's something that we're told about everyday in practice." Willis also pointed out that the team's 3-1-1 record on its recent five-game road trip--after a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Lowell Lock Monsters at home on Sun., Nov. 1--promises a solid season ahead. "I think first or second place would be possible," he speculated.

David Gregory, president and general manager of the Beast, was also optimistic about this year's team. "Last year, in our inaugural year, we made it to the first round of the playoffs," he said. "This year, I think we have good chance at the championship. We should make it deep into the [Calder Cup] playoffs." Gregory added that many of the team's losses this season have come against some of the best teams in the league.

While the Beast makes a run at the Cup, players like Willis hope to make a run at the pros. "[If] you go at every game and play as hard as you can, hopefully you'll get called up," Willis said. Several players, including netminder Mike Fountain, defender John Jakopin, and captain Craig Ferguson, CC '92, have already spent time playing for the team's National Hockey League parent clubs, the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Gregory maintained, "Everybody on our team has a chance at the NHL." Willis also took a positive approach toward his games.

Two Canadian opponents are next on
the Beast's agenda. On Fri., Nov. 20, the team will play its first home game
in over two weeks against the Fred-ericton Canadiens, followed by a contest against the St. John's Maple Leafs on Sat., Nov. 21. Gregory said that average attendance has increased over the course of the season to 4,500 fans. He encouraged Yale students to attend. "We want to be an option for entertainment for Yale students," he said.

Beast of New Haven logo courtesy www.beastofnewhaven.com.

Back to Sports...