Before the 2008-2009 EPHL season began, Brooklyn Aces head coach Chris Firriolo knew James Brannigan was going to be his poster boy.
And why not? Born and raised in Dyker Heights, the 24-year-old’s play on the ice is a direct representation of what it means to be from Brooklyn: charismatic and tough. Simply put, even if Brannigan was from Boston, he’d still fit the Brooklyn hockey scene like a glove.
However, Brannigan has done a lot more than look good on the ice this season. Scoring eight goals in his first five games, he’s quickly become a fan favorite in his hometown and has proved he’s a lot more than just a marketing ploy for the first year Aces.
“I know there’s a lot of pressure on me,” said Brannigan. “But I couldn’t ask for more right now. Things are going great.”
More than just a talented goal-scorer, Brannigan plays the game with a chip on his shoulder.
It’s something that might not be that noticeable after watching him play once, but Brannigan doesn’t like to be pushed around on the ice and is willing to push back if he has to. Even in practice, Brannigan likes to give his teammates a half playful shove if they get too close. While fans in Brooklyn have always been fans of the rough stuff and have gone wild every time a scrap breaks out at Aviator, Firriolo believes there’s a method to Brannigan’s sneer.
“I think it’s great. You need to have that edge,” said Firriolo. “He’s in a tough situation now, playing in front of his hometown with all these expectations on him, but he comes to the rink every day and works hard. I think by playing the way he does, he keeps everything in perspective and doesn’t take anything for granted.”
Nonetheless, Firriolo knows what Brannigan is out there to do. In spite of that, the Aces coach has seen Brannigan’s production help the team in other ways as well.
“He opens up the ice for the rest of this team,” said Firriolo. “When you can produce the way he does, you can stretch the defense out and give your teammates chances to produce. He’s done that and more this season.”
For the sniper, who battled through four years at Colorado College as a full scholarship athlete without getting a chance to strut his stuff, the notion of leading a professional hockey league in goals while playing for his hometown is a dream come true.
“I feel really good right now and I’m still really excited to be here,” said Brannigan after scoring his first professional hat trick on November 15. “I’m having a blast.”
Photos by Ron Hatcher and Casey B. Gibson.
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on Nov 21st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
James, Great play! You are back! Warm Regards, Bruce
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Brannigan, you are too good for this league. It is a joke, there are only 3 other teams in the league! Go back to the ECHL before its too late! I know its nice to be home but com’on dude its glorified mens league.