Spiders turn 10! Optimism is high for 2016-17 season
Oct. 28, 2016
Coming off a season full of injuries, short benches, and general frustration, the Spiders look toward the 2016-17 season with optimism. The season also marks a milestone as the C2/C1/B3 squad turns 10 years old.
The 2015-16 season had plenty of highs and lows. Highs included a 2-0 start with a 4-1 win over the eventual B3 champion Wild. Lows included the loss of two players during that same Wild game and a seven game winless stretch.
The Spiders approach the 2016-17 campaign healthier and with a few key pickups to aid their push for the playoffs. The return of Brian Dow (complete with bionic hips), Tim Stalpes (return from IR), and Hank Long (back from suspension) strengthen the Spiders.
New to the Spiders are Christian Peterson, Jason Yancey, and Zach Freeman. Peterson will be skating full time and will fill a huge need for a skilled center. The most dedicated Spider fans will recall Yancey from the Yellow Jackets in the C1 days. Yancey last skated in the AHA in 2013-14 but has been coaxed out of semi-retirement as a sub for the Spiders. Yancey scored 22 goals in 17 games for the Jackets in his last season so he will be a scoring threat whenever he’s on the ice. Freeman is a rookie to the AHA and will be subbing with an eye on a future full time spot.
The B3 division underwent some changes in the offseason. Most importantly, and overdue, are the Ice Hogs being promoted to B2. Also gone from B3 are the Royals, who folded, and the Mutiny who dropped to C1. New in B3 are the Lakers who now have teams in five levels – B2, B3, C1, C2, and D1.
The Spiders have been assigned to the B3 East division, which includes the defending champion Wild.
B3 East 2015-16 record
- Spiders 7-11-2-0
- Venom 9-10-1-0
- Chiefs 5-14-0-1
- Spitfires 7-11-0-2
- Barons 9-10-0-1
- Minnesota Loons 7-13-0-0
- Landsharks 12-8-0-0
- Wild 11-6-3-0
- Fighting Piranhas 10-9-1-0
The Spiders kick off the 2016-17 season on Sunday, October 30th at 6:00pm at Breck against the Fighting Piranhas.
