3View: Long Beach Sharks
The 3View series will feature an in-depth look into all NA3HL teams in preparation for the 2023-24 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 2023-24 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 2022-23 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.
Long Beach Sharks
Head Coach: Jeff Tory (4th Season)
2022-23 Record: 20-22-5, 45 pts. (4th in East Division)
2022-23 Leading Scorer: Nate Mastrony (42 points)
2023 Playoffs: Lost to Northeast in the East Division Semi-Finals, 2-0
2023-24 Division: East
The Long Beach Sharks continued their recent success, making the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Despite falling in the Fraser Cup playoffs, head coach Jeff Tory and his staff drew positives from it.
“Last season didn’t finish how we necessarily would have liked losing in the first round. We did however have a lot of success developing a lot of our young players and committing our older players to continue playing as student athletes in college,” said Troy.
Long Beach sent four players off this season to continue playing hockey in college, a trend they have either followed or exceeded for the past four years. Devin Carney, Hayden Doggett, Brandon Hughes, and Nate Mastrony all made their commitments throughout the season.
“Myself and the rest of the coaching staff put a lot of time and effort off the ice as well to help our players earn opportunities at the next level whether that’s a tier 2 team or college,” stated Tory when asked about player advancement.
Despite losing some big names off the board to the next level, Tory is excited about his group of returners. Chris Keller, Gabe Hopkins, and Colton McIntyre are just a few names that will be looked towards making impacts on and off the scoresheet. Keller finished tied for 5th on the team in points in 2022-23 and Hopkins led all defenseman with 12 points. McIntyre was the primary backstop for the Sharks, playing in 36 games.
“They definitely will lead the way on and off the ice and continue the culture we have worked hard to create here…the best part of our returning group is the character they all bring back with them to Long Beach. Our chemistry and team camaraderie are critical in making the players' experience on and off the ice the best possible experience it can be.”
In addition to the returners, there is some buzz about the new faces coming to play for Long Beach. When asked Tory spoke on a few names that he is looking forward to being on the roster.
“Ethyn Fultz is a very good skating puck moving defenseman that we are thrilled to have join the team. Goaltender Joey Christophel was very impressive in the NAHL combine and we are very excited to see the season we expect him to have with us. We also are excited about defenseman Caleb Crouch joining us this season,” said Tory.
Tory and the whole Sharks organization are excited to not only provide their players with development and opportunities to advance on the ice but also to be involved in the local community.
“Each year we take a lot of pride in getting our players involved in the community. This year will be our biggest and best year yet for that. We have a lot of volunteer opportunities our players will be involved in over the course of the season including a big one; the Polar Bear Plunge in February for the Make a Wish Foundation.”
With the season approaching ever so soon, Tory laid out his goals for the upcoming year. “Goals for the season are to give everything we have as a coaching staff and team to play to our full potential each time we step on the ice in practice and games. Off the ice, we want to build strong leaders and help them continue on their hockey path to play at a higher level.”
The Sharks begin their season on the road on September 22nd against the Norwich Sea Captains.
Next Up: Louisiana Drillers
