USPHL Elite: Hampton Roads Whalers’ team unity plays big part in team’s success

Terrific offense, great team unity, and tremendous leadership.

These three attributes have thus far proven to be keys to success for the Hampton Roads Whalers of the USPHL Elite Division.

The offensive production by the Whalers this season has been nothing short of spectacular.

The team is averaging 5.54 goals per game and was 23-3 for 46 points as of Dec. 16.

Kyle Perkowski, a ’96 native of Riverview, Mich., has paced the offense so far this season. His team-leading 43 points and league-leading 26 goals have been key to the rapid scoring of the Whalers.

Two other standout players are ’95 leaders assistant captain Dominic Moore and captain Jacob Gerson(42 points apiece). Head coach Rod Taylor believes that Gerson’s strong leadership as the team’s captain has played a major role in the team’s success.

The team returned only three veterans from last season. Along with many new players, the team has come together as one. A team that came into the room as strangers back in August has developed a great bond and team unity that has been extremely important to how the team has performed.

Taylor wanted to make sure the right character players were brought on board.

“I look for a player who has heart and passion for the game,” he said. “You have to love what you do. I also want my guys to be able to handle criticism because I demand a lot of my players and expect a lot of them.”

He also commented about how important focus is moving forward.

“There are a lot of distractions right now because we are in the middle of the holiday season. In order for us to continue to be successful, we need everyone to stay focused and do what they need to do in order to attain the team goals, as well as their own personal goals,” Taylor said.

The Whalers were successful last season, but came up short of their team goal of winning the USPHL Elite championship when they lost in the final four. The team is the front-runner right now in the division and their focus and team solidarity is what is going to allow them to continue to be successful.