Official Press Release

Guppies Look to Return to Winning Ways
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By John Buccigross
Special to Killingworth-guppies.com

In Guppies Nation their are many people who would like to forget the 2005 Fall season. In a season that saw the Guppies post their first sub .500 season since 2001 and saw the fish miss the playoffs for the first time in their history. However, the Guppie players themselves look at the Fall 05 season as a learning experience. "It was tough but in the long run I think it's the best thing that could happen to us" stated Guppies forward Jason Zito. "In the past we always took things for granted but, after what we experienced last season that's not longer the case".

The Guppies open their 2006 training Camp this Wednesday (2/15) at their practice facility in Clinton, CT. In Camp some familiar names for Guppies faithful. The two biggest names? Tim Poulin and Dan Pequita both of who missed the Fall 2005 season for personal reasons. "Obviously, having those two guys back in the lineup will be a kick in the pants for our team" stated Guppies Captain Brian Kelly.

However, unlike past seasons, there is some turmoil on who will be on the roster by opening day. "Currently we have more players than roster spots " stated Kelly "However, we're looking at this as a good thing!" The question is who will be on the roster when the Gupps hit the Dek this March? With the help of The Killingworth Krier sports staff we will breakdown what Guppies fans can expect see when the Guppies open the 2006 season.

Looking at next season

Goaltending: You know it was a tough season when this was the Guppies strongest position. Even worse, Joe Linskey is your starter! This was the case this past Fall, as the Guppies leaned on the goaltending of Linskey night in and night out. Linskey should be in the net for most of the games this season but the Guppies are still looking for a solid #2. Marc Crayton (the self proclaimed "Best backup goaltender in Guppies history") is now relegated to offense after the Guppies moved to puck. Legolie, who was considered the future of the Franchise and made headlines when the Guppies signed him in 2003, has been a bust! Not to mention his tendency to part take in the Killingworth Nightlife has made him trade bait by Killingworth's front office. Again, Linskey should be in the nets again this year. But, with him turning 30 this season, one has to ask, how much more can Linskey take?


Defense: The Defense corps took a hit last season after Dan Pequita left the team and John Carroll was unable to play do to injuries. Also, John Stevenson was again unable to make a majority of the games. All of which left the Guppies very shorthanded on Defense, with Kelly, Rob Murphy, Mike Halle, and Sean Howley carrying the defensive load. The Guppies also had forward Brian Mulcahy helping out on the Guppies blue line. While the five defensemen did a fair job they were often over whelmed by opposing teams. Halle was the only "defensive" guppies defenseman. A problem that lead to many out number opportunities for Guppie opponents. However, with all the adversity the Guppies only surrender 57 goals during the season. One of their lower goals against averages in team history. The addition of Johnny "Blueline" Carroll and Dan Pequita will help Halle and Murphy in the defensive zone. While allowing Mulcahy and Kelly the ability to move back to their forward positions.

Offense: Just look at the Guppies offensive numbers and you can tell right away the Guppies forwards had a tough time finding the net. Jason Zito lead all forwards with ten goals on the season. Next was Keith Millen (6), Mulcahy (4) (keep in mind he played defense for part of the season), Marc Crayton (2), Armenia (2). The biggest difference this season will be at addition of Tim Poulin. Poulin has been a leading scorer in each season he's played with the Guppies and has scored 29 goals twice in his career. The addition of Poulin should also help Millen and Zito in goal production. Not to mention, Crayton and Armenia have both benefited with playing with Poulin in the past. Not matter where the Guppies play (either Z-rink Puck C or B) look for the fish to have more firepower this season.

Summary: The Guppies are primed to return to their storied history and write some new loor for Guppies fans. The addition of Pequita, Carroll, and Poulin back into the Gupps line-up can only help this team. Strong play from Linskey will be needed to help the Guppies stay competitive. Meanwhile, The Guppies offense has had the biggest upgrade. The Guppies will expect to see a lot of production out of Poulin, Zito, and Millen. Relying on Mulcahy, Crayton, and Armenia to supply some timely goals. The Guppies defense can at times be an offensive weapon with Murphy, Pequita, and Kelly. While Carroll and Halle secure the Guppies defensive zone. All this equals a return to the playoffs for the Guppies in 2006.