Federal League: 1000 Islands Privateers Make First Big Moves for 2011/12

Another busy week in the FHL, as the 1000 Island Privateers made their first wave of top-end signings, adding five players—forwards Mike Small, Jason Reese, Mike Richard and Joe King—as well as goaltender Matt Anthony to standard player contracts for the 2011-12 season.

Until now, the Privateers had yet to sign any top-line talent, and most of the roster except the fourth line, featuring former AAHL rival fighters Chase Tippin and Mason Cossette, was up in the air. These signings start to put the top six into place, as well as solidifying the goaltending situation.

1000 Islands Privateers

G Matt Anthony

This signing appeared on the transaction wire around the end of July, but was just formally announced by the organization. Anthony comes back to North America after three seasons in Holland, where he started for the Eindhoven IJsbrekers/Eindhoven Kemphanen club, seeing time in 127 Eredivisie regular season and playoff contests and well as competing in the Dutch and North Sea Cups.

Prior to his time in Holland, Anthony played major junior for the Windsor Spitfires from 2001 to 2004, handling the starting duties there in 2003-04.

That Spitfires team featured future NHLers Steve Downie, Cal O'Reilly, Cam Janssen and Mike Weber, and qualified for the OHL playoffs but was quickly eliminated by the London Knights in four games.

Of the goalies signed leaguewide so far for the upcoming season, Anthony brings one of the most impressive resumes and should be a big part of 1000 Islands' success this season.

LW Mike Small

From all the way across the continent, the Edmonton, Alberta native comes to the Privateers for his first pro season. He was a fairly consistent offensive threat in the AJHL, putting together 37, 51 and 47 points in his three years of junior. He also got a taste of major junior back in 2007-08 and 2008-09, playing 48 games with Prince Albert of the WHL and 10 games for the Chilliwack Bruins.

According to the press release, coach Mark LeFebvre feels that Small's scoring ability will translate to FHL success, and looks to use the 21-year-old forward as either a center or wing with a couple of veteran linemates.

C Jason Reese

Reese was an offensive machine in the Western Hockey League, registering 273 points (97 G, 176 A) in 317 games from 2003 to 2009 while playing for the Vancouver Giants, Moose Jaw Warriors and Tri-City Americans.

His first pro season sent him on a bit of a journey, as he saw time with the Texas Brahmas, Arizona Sundogs and Wichita Thunder—all of the Central Hockey League—but failed to really stick anywhere despite some offensive success (25 points in 57 games).

Reese returns to North America following one season in Germany's Oberliga, where he tallied 29 points in 28 games for EHC Dormund and ESC Moskitos Essen. He should find himself in the team's top six if not the 1st line.

C Mike Richard

One of the biggest signings in the league this summer, Richard brings three years of professional experience to 1000 Islands. The Elmira College graduate has continued the offensive success he enjoyed in college, where he racked up 126 points in 111 games over his four years. In the past three seasons, he has anchored the offense of the Twin City Cyclones (2008-09) and Mississippi Surge (2009-11), registering 209 points in just 165 games. Both years in Mississipi, he led the Surge in scoring.

Richard should find his spot on the Privateers' first line based on his past success, and will be counted on for a bulk of their offense.

F Joe King

The Denver, CO native will look to make the jump to pro hockey after spending the last two years in junior with the Bozeman Ice Dogs of the NORPAC (North Pacific Hockey League). The 21-year-old had a nice year offensively in 2010-11, scoring 14 goals in just 16 games while adding 8 assists. Mark LeFebvre likes his grit and will likely use him as a bottom-six energy guy.