According to a press release by the EPHL, Brooklyn Aces head coach Chris Firriolo has been named coach of the year.
In his first season as a professional coach, after spending last season with the Syracuse Stars Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, Firriolo went 35-9-6 and maintained the team’s hold on first place the entire season despite injuries to key players such as Mike Christensen, Rob Miller and Eddie Neville.
Firriolo also proved his worth as a general manager this season, consistently bringing in quality players in order to keep the team on top, such as Gabe Yeung, Bill Horton, Tony Resendes and Eric Frank.
Photo by Ron Hatcher.
Acquired at the trading deadline from the Hudson Valley Bears for enforcer Joe Pelle, defenseman Bill Horton provides the Aces with the added toughness and smarts at the blue line they’ll need to ensure a championship. In just three games with Brooklyn this season, Horton has held up his end of the bargain as well, laying several big checks in addition to blocking his fair share of shots.
