47 in 24 series: Long Beach Sharks | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
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47 in 24 series: Long Beach Sharks

August 25, 2017
The 47 in 24 series will feature an in-depth look into all 47 teams in the NA3HL for the 2017-18 season, with new teams being highlighted daily, leading all the way up until the start of the regular season. 47 in 24 goes in-depth into each NA3HL team and will include interviews with all 47 head coaches in the NA3HL, as they provide fans with their expectations and outlook for the 2017-18 season, including taking a look at their potential roster and their strengths as a team for the upcoming season. It will also take a look back on the 2016-17 season and how each team fared and what they accomplished.  Best of all, 47 in 24 will provide the fans of the NA3HL with an inside look at their favorite team and what to expect.
 
Long Beach Sharks
2016-17 Season: 35-10-2, 72 pts. (1st in the Coastal Division)
2017 Playoffs: Won the Coastal Division, lost in the Silver Cup Round-Robin
Head Coach: Bobby Davis
2017-18 Division: Coastal 
 
Before they took on the Sharks name and logo, the NA3HL team began as the New York Junior Aviators in the International Junior Hockey League in 2010. In 2015, the team won the final league championship in the EmJHL, in addition to earning the runner-up title in the 2015 USA Hockey Tier III Junior Nationals Championship. 
 
The Aviators then played in the NA3EHL in 2015-16, losing to the Jersey Shore Wildcats in the semifinals. When the NA3EHL merged with the NA3HL, the team was relocated to Long Beach, and changed their name to the Long Beach Sharks. To start the 2017 season, brothers Ryan and Bobby Davis will take over behind the bench as assistant and head coach, respectively. The team also boasts a new Owner, President, and Director of Hockey Operations – George Chalos.
 
The 2016-17 Long Beach Sharks saw two college commitments. Phil Garcia will play at Finlandia University, while Carmine Taffo attends Trine University. 
 
Head Coach Bobby Davis joins the team after spending time in the USPHL. He plans to assist his players in finding success both on and off the ice. And with no returning players, Davis plans to fill his roster with “players that can skate, make plays with the puck, and have an understanding of the game.” 
 
Chalos is excited for the new era of Sharks hockey led by the Davis brothers. “We are excited for Bobby and Ryan to join the Sharks and look forward to returning to the Silver Cup Championship.  The coaches bring a huge universe of knowledge, experience and contacts.  They are working hard to continue the team’s great success on the ice and will bring more exposure for our players with college scouts and recruiters.”
 
Although Davis is in his first season with the NA3HL, he’s seen the impact of league wide events when it comes to player advancement. 
 
“I like them because it gives players the opportunity to get a little extra exposure, and they get to talk and meet with the coaches they want to play for. It’s a great opportunity for them to get noticed.” 
 
The Davis brothers aren’t the only new faces of the Long Beach Sharks. New owner, George Chalos, is excited to build the Sharks and make them the best team they could be. After winning the Coastal Division last season and making it to the Silver Cup Round Robin, Chalos expects no less from his team this year. 
 
When building the Sharks, Chalos is looking for “bonafide prospects.” 
 
“[We want] bonafide prospects, not bodies to fill a roster. We’re looking for kids that are committed to playing NCAA and beyond. Excellent hockey players come in all shapes and sizes. We want guys that are going to be here and working hard on and off the ice to get to the next level. Winning the division last year has given us a great platform to find players this season.” 
 
When it comes to off the ice, the Sharks intend to maintain a strong commitment to the community by volunteering their time in schools, youth hockey groups, and helping those in need. 
 
Overall, the Long Beach Sharks went through a serious overhaul in the off season.  
 
“We will be new and improved. With a new ownership group with strong hockey experience and commitment to the team and the town of Long Beach, we expect to pack the house every home weekend.”
 
The Long Beach Sharks open their season with an away game against the Maine Wild on September 16, 2017.
 
Next up in the 47 in 24 series: Louisiana Drillers
 
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