3View: Cape Cod Islanders

August 23, 2018

 

2017-18 Record: 12-32-2, 26 pts. (5th in the Coastal Division)

2018 Playoffs: Did not qualify

Head Coach: Alex Drulia

2018-19 Division: Coastal

 

The Cape Cod Islanders played their first season in the NA3HL back in 2016-17 after they were absorbed from the NA3EHL. Coached by Alex Drulia, the Islanders are located out of Falmouth, Massachusetts. Previously known as the Cape Cod Cubs, the franchise changed their name to the Islanders back in 2011. 

 

After a very successful 2016-17 campaign for the Islanders, the club took a small step backwards in 2017-18 finishing with 26 points on the season, which was down from 57 points the previous season. 

 

The 2017-18 season was a very challenging season for head coach Alex Drulia. Starting out as the assistant coach in Great Falls, Drulia got the opportunity to become the head coach for the Islanders. 

 

“Last season was definitely an unexpected ride for me,” Drulia said. “Through that experience I learned that you always have to be ready, as an opportunity can arise at any time. I try to use that as a coaching philosophy with my team.”

 

While last year certainly did not go as planned, this season, Drulia and his Islanders plan to build around a strong core of returning players. 

 

“We have the players that are returning and will provide leadership to the young guys,” Drulia said. “I am excited for this winter, and to see the growth of the players from last year to this year.”

 

After finishing his first season as a coach in the NA3HL, Coach Drulia was very impressed with some events that the league put on. From the Showcase at the beginning of the season, to Fraser Cup at the end, these are the events that help the players showcase their talent.

 

“The league does a fantastic job with the events. They are top notch and run very professionally,” Drulia said. “I have seen a lot of different showcases, and the ones that this league puts on are second to none.”

 

Drulia also mentioned that developing his players and getting them to the next level is a very important part of his job on a yearly basis. Talking to those higher-level coaches and finding out their expectations is the first step to that process.

 

“We are constantly talking to coaches at higher levels to see what they look for in players, and we relay that to our guys to make sure they know.”

 

One of the great things about the NA3HL is each team’s commitment to community service and helping young kids who look up to the players. The islanders have done a lot of work with the youth hockey programs and helping out at schools. 

 

“We try to be involved with the local youth hockey programs as much as possible,” Drulia said. “We also have our players at schools and reading books to the students."

 

With the season looming, It is very clear that the Islanders goal for this upcoming season is to get back into the playoffs, and they expect nothing less. “We are looking to get back in the playoffs and continue the success that this team has established in previous years.”