Fort Erie Observer
Bryanne Martin
As we head into our seventh month of the COVID pandemic, our local Fort Erie Meteors Junior B team is bracing for a different kind of season.
With new safety protocols in place, and a new “norm” to training camp and the upcoming 2020-21 season – the Junior B franchise announced who will be stepping behind the bench as head coach and assistant head coach. There is no better fit to a team who prides itself on family values, ethics, and teamwork, then to announce that the sons of the late, long time owner Tony Passero would take the helm.
Due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in the United States, Nik Passero has stepped away from his coaching position in Boston to return home and become the head coach of the team. Nik will be coaching along side his brother Anthony, Assistant Head Coach and many other dedicated staff. Neither Nik or Anthony are strangers to the Jr. B circuit, as they have both donned the orange and black during their junior careers.
Nik played for the Meteors from 2008-2014 with a few games played with the London Nationals (GOJHL) and the Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) throughout his junior career. Nik helped carry the team to four playoff berths in his six seasons with the team. Nik has gone on to play NCAA Division III hockey at Westfield State University and later on to become assistant coach of the NCAA Division III hockey team at Franklin Pierce University.
Anthony played for the Jr. B Meteors from 2010-2016; he also helped carry the team to four playoff berths in his five seasons with the team. Like his brother, Anthony wore the “C” for his final season, Anthony earned player of the month and led the team with 83 points (19 goals, 64 assists) in 41 games played. Anthony went on to play NCAA Division III with Buffalo State College and SUNY-Oswego.
Both Nik and Anthony became great mentors to their teammates wherever they played. Between them, they bring great knowledge and experience to the game for the Meteors. “As the two brothers prep along side Joe Fazio, their sister Meaghan and mother Cheryl are busy behind the scenes for the upcoming season”.
It is anticipated the season to start in early December around a two month push back from last year. The team will also only be playing their Canadian rivals as the Buffalo Regales have taken a leave from the league for the 2020-21 season.
Now more than ever, we as a community need to support our local teams, athletes and businesses. You can follow the Meteors on http://meteors.gojhl.ca/, Twitter @FEMeteors,www.gojhl.ca, and on Facebook – Fort Erie Jr B Meteors.
Looking forward to great season.
LET’S GO METEORS!!
