Stability defines Soo Eagles
They are a well-run junior A franchise that operates in the same small town as a Division 1 college program. Properly maintained as a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League team on and off the ice, Soo Eagles define stability.
If there has been a constant to the Eagles over the seven seasons that businessman-hockey fan Ron Lavin has been part of the ownership of the Eagles, it is workhorse general manager Bruno Bragagnolo.
When Lavin bought the Eagles in 2010 his first move was to hire fellow Chicagoan Bragagnolo as coach and general manager. And Bragagnolo has been a fixture on the Michigan Soo hockey scene ever since, taking over a franchise that was averaging less than 300 fans per game to one that now attracts 650 spectators per outing to venerable Pullar Stadium.
It has taken a lot of hard work to win over fans and sponsors in the Michigan Soo, which is also home to the Lake Superior State Lakers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. But Bragagnolo is an old-school Italian who firmly believes that hard work is the foundation for success.
It is not unusual for Bragagnolo to routinely work 12 to 14 hours a day during hockey season as president, general manager, associate coach and now part-owner of the Eagles.
Bragaganolo also oversees the business side of the Eagles that includes operation of the popular concession stand at Pullar Stadium that sells some of the best home-made burgers known to mankind.
As a franchise, the Eagles have done a flip-flop since Lavin and Bragagnolo took over.
The Eagles spent two seasons in the NOJHL before joining the United States-based North American Hockey League for three years. But the league’s only American-based team returned to the NOJHL in 2015 and is there to stay, according to both Lavin and Bragagnolo.
Averaging the second-best attendance in the 12-team NOJHL, trailing only the Timmins Rock, the Eagles have established a firm following in the Michigan Soo. The players are actively involved in a multitude of community events and the team logo and its black-gold-and-white colours are highly visible throughout the historic Upper Peninsula town of about 14,000 residents.
As the Eagles have been more than competitive on the ice since 2010 — they have one NOJHL championship and an NAHL division title among their accomplishments — they have developed a good number of players for the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Ontario Hockey League ranks.
So far from the 2016-2017 team that won two playoff rounds — including a four-game sweep of the cross-river, first-place Soo Thunderbirds — two Eagles have committed to NCAA schools, forwards Brad Hofelich and Chris Murphy. And midway through the ’16-17 campaign, 1999 birth-year defenseman Nolan Makkonen moved on from the Eagles to sign with the Guelph Storm and quickly become a regular with the Ontario Hockey League team.
With a reputation for treating their players well and operating a tidy, well-disciplined program, the Eagles have made a good name for themselves on both sides of the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie.
And while a championship has eluded the Eagles since the 2010-2011 season, the reputation of the franchise and the followers that it has remains stable and secure.
Which, at the end of the day, cannot be measured in wins or losses.
PHOTO: Soo Eagles NOJHL championship team of 2010-2011.
Randy: Thanks for the kind words. Greatly appreciated.
Without the countless volunteers, incredible sponsors, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, billet families and most of all our loyal fans, none of our success would be possible.
Thanks,
Ron Lavin and Bruno Bragagnolo, Soo Eagles.
my son played with the Eagles the first year back to the NOJHL. He was tendered by them to play in the NAHL. But when it went out east he opted to come play for Bruno in the Soo. These kids get treated well and during the last 2 years have been very competitive. This is because of Bruno, and I will continue to try to send kids from down state to come up and play for him. He providing a great option for many quality players to compete in a good league. My son also got a college job from playing in the Nojhl. Bruno has his ways eh.
Best Burgers in the U.P. !!!!!
Great coach and franchise!
Had the opportunity to watch the spring camp and it was first class all the way. Very friendly from the opening registration right thru to.the exit interviews with every potential player. Great job Eagles organization