The Pensacola Ice Flyers have named Chris Ferazzoli as their new assistant coach, adding a seasoned professional to their SPHL men’s ice hockey coaching staff in Pensacola, Florida.
Ferazzoli brings a wealth of experience from his 181-game professional career as a forward and more than 15 years coaching and player development at high levels. His background includes work with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and multiple European teams in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Austria, and Switzerland.
Head Coach Jeremy Gates praised Ferazzoli’s extensive knowledge and ability to cultivate adaptable players suited to the Ice Flyers’ style. “Chris brings a tremendous amount of experience to our organization, including a successful professional career and years of developing players at high levels,” Gates said. “His experience coaching in the Tampa area, working with elite players, as well as his knowledge of the SPHL and other professional leagues, will be a great asset to our staff.”
Ferazzoli emphasized his commitment to building relationships based on trust and clear communication. “I want to be a players coach,” he said, “invest[ing] in our players, build[ing] trust and develop[ing] relationships that extend beyond hockey. When players know where they stand, what they are doing well and how they can improve, that creates the foundation for success.” He also highlighted the importance of attention to detail, high standards of work ethic, competitiveness, humility and selflessness.
Having played for the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones and traveled extensively in professional hockey, Ferazzoli is eager to contribute to the Ice Flyers and the Pensacola hockey community. “Im excited to be on the bench at this level and to help bring a championship home,” Ferazzoli said. “I love this game, and there will be no shortage of passion. I feel blessed to do this every day, and this organization will get every ounce of my heart and soul as a coach.”
Ferazzoli will support Coach Gates in reinforcing the teams philosophy and daily player development. Away from hockey, he enjoys golfing, tennis, basketball, pickleball, and spending time with his wife Janibel and their daughters Chiara and Carina.
Source: Original report