Earlier this week the Adelaide Adrenaline announced that 2017 Head Coach Sami Mantere would be stepping into a playing role this season. Experienced coach Jim Fuyarchuk has agreed to replace Sami as the head coach. 

Jim joined the team for trainings in February just as Sami's desire to play was increasing. Sami and Jim met multiple times and approached the club about the idea of Sami playing and Jim taking on head coaching responsibilities.

Sami looks ready to return to the rink. He was the Adrenaline import in 2009 when the club last won the cup and appears to have lots of hockey ahead of him.

We asked Sami to walk us through how he thinks the team is looking for this season, share some thoughts, and ask about why he made the decision to play. 

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Hi Adrenaline fans,

It's Sami here! 

The team is looking ready. We've been training really, really well the last month or so. There is so much focus amongst the group. The feeling is extremely positive and we know the players that we've got they really wanna be here making the fans proud.

To me that's what it's all about. We've got some amazing and loyal fans and they deserve the best effort from the team. And I can guarantee that's what they will get this year. 

Now don't get me wrong we expect to win some games as well. Both myself and the new Head Coach have set the target to be in top four heading to the finals. Once you're there you never know what can happen. If we gan get there we can win the last game of the season!  

I've had a chance to work with Jim since the start of the pre season in February. The first thing I noticed was Jim's passion for the game. And very soon his extensive knowledge. We've had several chats during this time on how every member of the club can help us do the best we can. 

First we just kind of played with the idea of me playing but as things happen I really enjoyed pushing myself on the ice again. Jim and I see the game played in a very similar way so in the end it was a pretty simple conversation to decide that I should play and Jim lead the team as the Head Coach. I'm really excited to be a part of Jim Fuyarchuk's Adrenaline team.

As for myself, it's not really about proving anyone anything on a personal level. I've always played because I love playing and I love making the fans smile. I love interacting with fans, hearing them cheer us on, and celebrating when we do something cool on the ice. That's who makes it happen - the fans and supporters. 

So, let's have a great time playing and winning this season. It's also a great chance for me to be able to play at the top level with guys like Zach Boyle and Jake Riley that I've worked with for 10 years now. And probably the last chance to show my own two daughters as well that their old man is quite alright!

I think it will be fun to watch this team come together, work hard and grow as a group but here are four players to keep an eye on this season from a coach / player and now fan perspective: 

Josef Rezek: I think Joey broke his AIHL points record last year and he is looking good. He's looking fit and just relax. I've always said Joey is one of the top natural goal scorers in the league and I think we'll have a good supporting cast for him so I'd expect him to break his record again.

Corey Stringer: I'm so happy Corey decided to come to Adelaide and I think the rest of the guys are too. This "kid" has looked impressive in the practices. Just a monster defensively and distributes the puck really well. I think with more minutes and responsibility this guy will have an absolute standout year. Comes with size, skill and great attitude to improve. Very Josh Harding like player and that can only be a good thing.

Steve Best: This guy has got so much talent it's ridiculous. If and when we get that talent to good use we have as good of a player as any local player we've had since I've been here. Looks to have taken a huge step forward during the off season both on the ice and off the ice. Still making some great plays in offence but really looking sharp and strong in the defensive side of the game as well. I have always really enjoyed playing hockey with Steve when we played on the Red Wings together. I don't like him so much when he scores against my Jokers (like he did this week).

Zach Boyle: Just like Stringer, Zach is just waiting to be able to take the next step in his hockey and I don't think we can give him a better opportunity than this. Very unique offensive Australian defenceman who played well last year but he'd be the first one to say he can do more. And in the practice this is exactly what he has done. Offence is there and defence is looking a lot more solid than in the past. And my jocks are still hanging from the roof of the rink after he dangled me a few weeks back.

I can not wait until we hit the ice this weekend and I really hope you all want to come out and support us all season long.

Don't forget to smile!
 

- Sami