Espanola Express Head Coach Tom McCarthy has had a storied career with major success as a high end scoring forward, Playing for the likes of the Oshawa Generals, Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins and in Europe with Asiago. Many would think that the plethera of dreams and goals that have been achieved at this point in his career would be enough to last a lifetime, but his passion for the game drove him to set new goals and dreams for himself to stay involved in the game and help players achieve their own dreams and goals as he did. Once again he achieved his new milestones as Tom went on to coach midget and junior hockey for 18 years, not only developing young hockey minds but helping them grow into successful young men. Tom spent these 18 years pouring his heart and soul into the hockey players he lead each year, helping them to become better players and preparing them to advance their careers to the next level of their choosing. His successes as a coach over these years and the experience he has gained with the hundreds if not thousands of players he has taught is what has lead him to having his latest dream come true of coaching pro hockey in Europe. “To have such an opportunity is such a tribute to all the players that gave me all the knowledge, experience and attributes to use my own experience to advance and live my dreams as I wish for all my players,” expressed Coach McCarthy.
The Espanola Express are incredibly proud to announce that Coach Tom McCarthy has signed a Pro Contract to become Head Coach of Sport Club Csikszareda (chick-ser-eda), who play in the Romanian Hockey League, which is the countries top professional league. HSC Csikszareda has an incredible history dating back to 1933 when the club was founded and the first games were played. HSC Csíkszereda is one of the most successful franchises in the RHL with 14 championship titles, including six in a row between 2007 and 2012. “I can’t begin to communicate how excited and proud I am of Coach Tom for this opportunity he has earned. This couldn’t have happened to a better, more deserving guy,” gloated Express President Chad Clarke. Director of Hockey Operations Randy Blake added, “I’d like to wish one of my best friends and colleague Tom McCarthy the very best of luck in his newest venture. I know he will do great and be very successful. No one deserves this opportunity more than Tom.”
For those of you who fear that Coach Tom’s days with the Express are over, you couldn’t be more wrong. Coach Tom will continue to be one of the owners of the Espanola Express, he will continue to reside in Espanola during the off season and he will continue to spend the summers here helping build the future Express teams. “We absolutely love our new home in Espanola and it will remain as my family’s forever home,” said coach Tom. You can also bet he will be keeping a close eye on the teams progress from across the pond and with todays technology, he will be in constant communication with management, staff and players. “I have not left Espanola with my heart and compassion. I will continue to be an integeral part of the Espanola Express and the great community of Espanola. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the town and the fans for their continued support that allowed the success for my players and now for me,” declared Coach McCarthy.
the NOJHL executive staff and commissioner Robert Mazzucca have been incredibly supportive of Tom and his decision to coach Pro. “We at the NOJHL congratulate Tom McCarthy on his new position and extend out heartiest congratulations as he embarks on his new endeavour,” offered league Commissioner Robert Mazzuca. “One of our main goals in the NOJHL is to help those associated with it advance to the next level, be it players, coaches, officials or team staff members and Tom’s appointment with his new club is just another example of that success,” added Mazzuca.
Moving forward Tom has layed the successful foundation for the Espanola Express and his programs and ways will continue status quo for the upcoming season and many, many years to come as former pro player and veteran Express Co-Coach Jason Rapcewicz will lead the charge for the upcoming 2016-17 NOJHL season as bench boss.
