3View: Wisconsin Whalers
September 7, 2018
The 3View series will feature an in-depth look into all NA3HL teams in preparation for the 2018-19 season, with two teams being highlighted daily, leading all the way up until the start of the regular season. 3View goes in-depth into each NA3HL team and will include interviews with all the head coaches in the NA3HL, as they provide fans with their expectations and outlook for the 2018-19 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 2017-18 season and how each team fared and what they accomplished. Best of all, 3View will provide the fans of the NA3HL with an inside look at their favorite team and what to expect.
Wisconsin Whalers
2017-18 Record:18-27-2, 38 pts. (3rd in the Central Division)
2018 Playoffs: Lost to the La Crosse Freeze in the Central Division Semi-Finals, 2 games to 0
Head Coach: Tom McDermott
2018-19 Division: Central
The Wisconsin Whalers, previously known as the Quad City Express, will be starting their 9th season in the NA3HL this year. Coached by Tom McDermott, the Whalers are located in Oregon, Wisconsin. The franchise changed their team name prior to the 2013-14 season.
In all eight seasons competing in the NA3HL, the Whalers have advanced to the playoffs. However, in each of the last three seasons, the club has been eliminated by the La Crosse Freeze in the Division Semi-Finals.
Even after the disappointing finish, Head Coach Tom McDermott was happy about how his team fared in the previous season.
“Last year was a good season for us,” McDermott said. “We made the playoffs and that is always the goal from day one.”
In order for the Whalers to get over the hump and advance past the Division Semi-Finals, McDermott says the team needs to build around players who want to succeed and don’t accept losing.
“This year’s team is being built on kids who want to get to the next level,” McDermott said. “Kids that are always pushing themselves to get to the playoffs.”
In addition to competing for a playoff spot every year, McDermott also emphasized the importance of the NA3HL league-wide events helping these players with their long term individual goals.
“With our showcases the kids get top notch exposure,” McDermott said. “Not only that, but also top-level competition.”
McDermott also noted that he hopes these events continue to grow and receive more notice.
One of the great aspects of the NA3HL is the large amount of community service that gets done on a yearly basis by every team.
McDermott shared a couple of services his team will be participating with in the upcoming season.
“We will be working a lot with the youth hockey programs, as well as doing a number of school fairs with the kids.”
As the 2018-2019 campaign approaches, the Whalers have their eyes set on making their first Fraser Cup appearance in club history.
“This year we hope to make the playoffs and the Fraser Cup,” McDermott said. “We believe we have the team capable to make a run at it.”
The Whalers will open the year on the road against the Milwaukee Power on Saturday, September 15th.
Next up in the 3View series: Yellowstone Quake
