Harrisburg Heat Open 2016-17 Season At Freedmont Mortgage Field at Farm Show Arena

By Max Stevens | harrisburgheat.com

The moment Heat nation has been waiting for all offseason is finally here.  The waiting in what has been a very exciting offseason full of news including the franchise changing ownership, general manager, and head coach, along with adding an assistant coach is over.

The Harrisburg Heat open their 2016-17 season schedule Saturday night at Freedmont Mortgage Field at Farm Show Arena.  This match is not only significant because it is the opener, but the defending MASL Champions are coming to town to open defense of their crown.  It is also important because it is a contest that Heat Nation circles every year when the schedule is released, it is the renewal of the I-83 rivalry with the Baltimore Blast.

Heat Head Coach Excited About Opening Against League Champs

“They are the defending champions,” said  Baltimore legend and current Heat head coach Denison Cabral.  “There’s nothing better than starting off with a great team and a great organization and hopefully get good results from the first game.”

In the 90’s and 2000’s the Heat used to compete with Baltimore and the rivalry was at it’s zenith.  Baltimore has embarrassed the Harrisburg Heat the last 2 seasons, with many of the matches not even being close.  With all of the offseason additions the Heat would love to be able to show some progress and this would be the perfect opportunity to showcase that progression.

“We want to win and make a good impression on our fans and begin defending our house,” Cabral said.

Cabral hopes fans will come out and give his team a strong home field advantage.  He recalls that in big games like this, fans can make a difference.  He hopes the Freedmont Mortgage Field at Farm Show Arena will be rocking Saturday night.

“It’s huge,” Cabral said.  “Having the place packed is always exciting.  To have the fans cheering for you and supporting you is always an extra motivation for you to go out there and perform even better.  The players feed off of that type of energy.”

Heat Roster Significantly Changed From Last Year

Harrisburg returns only four players from last year’s team, Tom Mellor, Val Teixeira, Marcos Chantel, Brad Kerstetter, and Lucio Gonzaga.  The team features many new players this season including Stephen Bosso, Yaikel Perez, Tyrone Hall, Ricardo Carvalho, David Mellor (Tom’s brother), and Dominic Francis.  The team also features 2 new goalkeepers as well, Nick Noble who spent time with the Harrisburg City Islanders and Hugo DaSiliva, who spent time as member of some talented Brazilian teams.

Coach Cabral was really pleased with his team’s training camp.

“We had a really good pre-season,” he said.  “We are prepared not just for the first game, but to take the season to the next level.”

Baltimore returns it’s keeper William Vanzela who led the league a year ago in goals against average with a stingy 2.95.

“He’s a top player on their team,” said Cabral.  “He’s a goalie that can make a difference.”

Baltimore returns a lot of scoring power from last year’s team.  Tony Donatelli who led the team in scoring returns along with Adriano Dos Santos, Vini Dantas, and they also added defender Nelson Santana.

“Baltimore returns a solid core,” said Heat owner and general manager Carl Delmont.   “They are one of the few teams that can still be favorites despite losing several key players.  Which is a testament to their front office and players.”

The Blast features a style that is both aggressive and patient at times.  They are a veteran club that is tough to rattle.

“The Blast are well coached and well prepared,” said Delmont.  “I expect them to pressure our keeper and try to score early to silence our fans.  They will play from the back and be patient.  You can’t make mistakes or they will make you pay for it.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm on Saturday. Tickets are available at https://harrisburgheat.com/tickets/.

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