Win-win for Espanola Express
Let us call this a win-win situation for Tom McCarthy, Jason Rapcewicz and all those associated with the Espanola Express of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
We begin by saying that the 56-year old McCarthy is leaving Espanola for a pro coaching position in the MOL Liga, which includes teams from the countries of Romania, Hungary et al.
The affable McCarthy, a bench boss veteran of many years in the NOJHL and the Ontario Jr. Hockey League, gets to fulfill a dream of coaching at the pro level while maintaining his ownership stake in the Espanola franchise with Rapcewicz and president Chad Clarke.
McCarthy will continue to reside in Espanola during the off-season and be involved with the Express as a part-owner.
A former first-round pick in the Ontario Hockey League (Oshawa Generals) and National Hockey League (Minnesota North Stars), the passionate McCarthy heads to Romania from Espanola a thankful man.
“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,” said McCarthy, who will become head coach of Sport Club Csikszareda (chick-ser-eda), which has a storied history dating back to 1933 with 14 championship titles, including six in a row between 2007 and 2012.
Clarke, the Espanola president, saluted McCarthy in a big way.
“I can’t begin to communicate how excited and proud I am of Tom for this opportunity he has earned. This couldn’t have happened to a better, more deserving guy,” said Clarke.
And Espanola’s director of hockey operations Randy Blake, who has a long association with McCarthy, wished his old buddy the best in leaving for Romania.
“I’d like to wish one of my best friends and colleagues, 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,” said Blake.
Meantime, the aforementioned Rapcewicz moves up from associate coach to head coach of the Express in the wake of McCarthy’s departure.
As Clarke, McCarthy and Blake all have faith in Rapcewicz, so too does NOJHL coaching colleague Bruno Bragagnolo of the Soo Eagles.
“He knows what he is doing back there,” Bragagnolo said of Rapcewicz. “Good for Tom McCarthy but Espanola is in good hands with Jason Rapcewicz.”
Good to see my buddy get the top job there, good luck Rapper, see you in the Soo.
What a great move for Tom. I have a great deal of respect for the Express boss and we will miss him in Espanola. Good luck Jason.
Don’t know how exactly this is a win for the Express, but its definitely a win for McCarthy..he may start out in Romania, but you never know if the higher leagues like the KHL, SHL, Liiga, DEL, or the National League in Switzerland might come calling in the future.
No offence to Rap, but Tom McCarthy is Tom McCarthy, I’d say he’s pretty much a coaching legend in junior A hockey. Replacing him is no easy feat, and attracting quality junior-A players to the area to play might be a tad harder now that he’s gone. That’s all I’m worried about with respect to the team going forward.
Way to go Tom! Good luck, hope it all works out.
The past is the past with Tom McCarthy. He may have taken the wrong road, but in the end he worked hard to rehabilitate his image and got back into the coaching ranks. Romania may not be well-known for hockey, but his experience will guide them.
I am pleased to read about Tom McCarthy. I have know Tom for sometime and have always been impressed with his enthusiasm and coaching ability. He was a true asset to the NOJHL and will be missed. I wish him the very best with his new career. I’m also pleased to see that he will remain in Espanola in the off season and keep his hand in the organization. Joe Drago