Wolves tab Esposito as new Head Coach
Watertown, NY – The Watertown Wolves of the Federal Hockey League (FHL) have named FHL veteran coach Phil Esposito as the team's new head coach, Wolves Co-Owner Stan Tibbles announced today. Esposito becomes the second head coach in franchise history.
“We are pleased to have Phil as our head coach, following our exciting Commissioners Cup Championship in our last season of play," said Wolves Governor Stanley Tibbles. "Phil in his immense coaching experience in the FHL has proved that he is the right fit to become our next head coach to lead us to success on the ice."
Esposito, 46, comes to the Wolves after leading the Danbury Titans to the FHL Commissioner Cup Finals last season. In five season in Danbury, Phil lead the Danbury franchise to a 143-18-25-33 record with a .607 winning percentage. Phil also lead the Danbury franchise to four finals appearances and one FHL Commissioners Cup Championship in 2013.
“I am very happy to get this opportunity in Watertown and look forward to getting started building a championship caliber team” stated new Wolves Head Coach Phil Esposito. “I hope that the success in Watertown will not only open doors for myself at higher levels (ECHL), but will allow our players to grow and compete at those levels also.”
A native of East Haven, Connecticut, Esposito had a playing career which began at the United States Military Academy (NCAA), in West Point, New York. As a player, Esposito made stops in the International Hockey League, the ECHL, the United Hockey League and the Southern Hockey League. His best professional years were in the ECHL for the Johnstown Chiefs and two seasons with Mobile Mysticks.
Esposito has a rich history in Connecticut hockey, stemming back from youth leagues in East Haven, to his years at the Salisbury Prep School in Litchfield, and the inaugural season of the New Haven Knights in the UHL.
The Wolves open the 2016-17 home schedule on Friday, Oct. 28 against the Danville Dashers at the Watertown Municipal Arena. Purchase your 2016-17 season ticket membership ahead of opening night! Reserve yours by visiting the Wolves at watertownwolves.net. In addition, stay connected with the Wolves on Facebook (/watertownwolves), Twitter (@watertownwolves), Instagram (watertown.wolves).