Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/217530
Fayetteville FireAntz: A Turkey Day Tradition by STEPHANIE CRIDER After Thanksgiving McCauley has coached in Salt Lake City and Izmir, dinner, before Turkey and is looking forward to calling Fayetteville the Black Friday home. "This is what I want to do — coach," said madness, why not McCauley. "Fayetteville called for an interview. I flew spend some time down and then they offered the job and that was it. It watching a rousing has been good so far. I am looking forward to the days game of hockey? ahead." The Thanksgiving As the new coach and the team forge ahead there Day game is a longis plenty of work to do. It is still early in the season held tradition for though, and McCauley is confident that as the season the FireAntz and one unfolds the fans will not be disappointed. "You don't that the team looks win or lose the season in the first two months," said forward to each year. McCauley. "The big picture is that as long as we "We have a game start to roll together as a team it will be fine. For me, every Thanksgiving success is to stay in the mix, stay hungry and make night," said FireAntz sure we are in a play off position or fighting for one Director of Media/ and that at the end of the season we are still working Sales Jason Fleming. as a team. They are coming along; I am expecting big "We always tag that things out of them and they are as Thanksgiving with working hard." the FireAntz — a Hard work, a love for the game and Fayetteville tradition. passion are a running theme at the Defenseman #24 Zach Carriveau I've been here 10 FireAntz office and something that years and we've done will likely benefit the team as well as it every year since I've the fans as the season goes forward. been here. It's a good time for the team and something that the "Growing up I played hockey. I was fans enjoy, too." a season ticket holder for the L.A. The FireAntz are known for more than exciting hockey Kings from the time I was 5," said games. Show up to any home game and chances are pretty Fleming. "I played all my life growing high that you will find this local team supporting any number up. After college it was a natural fit of causes from the military to cancer fighters and survivors to for me to work with a hockey team. the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center. On Saturday, Nov. I love coming to work everyday. I 30, the team will host a Blood Donor Center Night. The Blood couldn't be happier." Donor Center is giving away a free poster to fans. After the McCauley shares that passion for game, the team is available for autographs. While there won't be hockey. "I love going to the arena a blood drive that night, Fleming advises fans to "...stay tuned every day. It is something I have for opportunities to give blood and save lives." done since I was three. I love being On Dec. 14, the FireAntz welcome the Hooters girls to the on the ice every day. I know a lot of rink. "We are wearing hooters jerseys that will be auctioned off people don't get to do what they love to the fans after the game," said Fleming. "In years past there every day like I do. I have tough days has also been a swimsuit competition during intermission. We and it isn't always fun, but I enjoy also include a guy or two and our mascot." the fact that hockey is a huge part of While the season is just getting started, Fleming has great my life and I try not to take that for expectations for the team. "It is still very early and we've made granted when I get on FireAntz Head Coach Greg McCauley some changes from the opening night roster. Our team is looking the ice with the team." really good right now. We have a lot of returning players from last The puck drops at year's regular season championship team and we have some very 7 p.m. To purchase tickets or STEPHANIE CRIDER, EDITOR. promising rookies and a great new head coach named Greg McCauley. He is find out more about the team COMMENTS? Editor@upandcoma younger guy — only 31. He can relate to the players; he brings enthusiasm visit fireantzhockey.com or call ingweekly.com. and a wealth of professional hockey experience since he is a former player." 321-0123. UP & COMING WEEKLY'S Local Classifieds Stedman • Eastover • Spring Lake • Hope Mills • Fort Bragg 4 lines / 7 days = $11.95 All ads online! WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Ask us about Free Ads and Yard Sale Kits! • Contact Christina Edge • classifieds@upandcomingweekly.com 484-1009 www.upandcomingweekly.com NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2013 UCW 13