Bluefins Prepare for Playoffs

Cape Cod’s professional hockey franchise is approaching the end of its inaugural regular season and preparing for the Federal Hockey League Playoffs. With just two home games left to be played, the Bluefins are in sixth place - good enough for a playoff berth as the top six teams in the league are eligible.

Although the young Fins have struggled to get wins this season they are an extremely competitive bunch who work hard and provide stiff competition for their opponents every night. There have been some bumps and bruises along the way in the player personnel department in the form of injuries or departed players for one reason or another.

There has also been some difficulty obtaining the kind of support necessary for minor league professional sports to succeed but team owner, Mike Nugnes is confident that the fan base will continue to increase and that next year’s team will be better, stronger and even more appealing to the Cape and it’s hockey fans. 

“You can see by the increased attendance and overall interest in the team that things are getting better. It’s our very first season. Anyone in pro sports at this level will tell you that it’s always a struggle. With a miniscule marketing budget and very limited coverage from the local media we have been forced to be creative in our promotion but as the season has progressed it has become obvious that the fans on Cape Cod are beginning to warm up and support this level of hockey. They realize that the quality of hockey is unmatched in this area. We have a great group of local kids on our team. 100% of them are American and most are from Massachusetts. Plus our games are an entertaining and affordable night out for the community’s kids and families”

It has been a difficult season full of several changes and adjustments but these players are pros and have faced their opponents with grit, guts and hard work since opening night in October. Hockey fans have their last chance to see a regular season game this weekend beginning tonight (3/2) at 7pm vs the first place New Jersey Outlaws who they will have faced six times in the last 12 games. Then they will wrap up the regular season tomorrow night at 7pm vs the last place Danville Dashers. Both games will be played at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center. Tickets are on sale at www.capecodbluefins.com or at the HYCC prior to the game.

Contributed by Tim Lus.