Sherwood: 'I Didn't Want to Hand Off the Keys' on Why He Opted to Stay With Bears After Cup Win
The Binghamton Black Bears are in the midst of a very busy and important offseason as they look to repeat as Commissioner's Cup Champions next Spring.
Fox 40 had the chance to speak with Binghamton head coach Brant Sherwood as the Bears re-sign key players such as captain Tyson Kirkby, playoff MVP Gavin Yates and the team's starting tendie, Connor McAnanama. In total, the Bears re-signed eight of the 2024 Championship team and traded for Josh Fletcher after he was picked in the dispersal draft by Blue Ridge, making it nine returners in total, as of July 30th. Sherwood added that he is hoping to bring back Jestin Somero as well.
"It was a battle to get Fletcher back, we're expecting [Mathieu Boislard] play in the [SPHL] full time," Sherwood said. "That's kind of the word on the street from Knoxville. So we wanted the full-time guy and Fletcher, and that one kept me up at night. He's a very important player in our locker room on and off the ice. He is the glue in there. He'll do anything for the team and sacrifice a body. And then on the defensive side of things, he's our best penalty killer, one of our best face-off guys. ... We're working on getting Jestin Somero back. It might happen or might not, but either way, we'll have some fresh newcomers coming in."
One of the biggest returners though, doesn't even touch the ice. Sherwood says he had offers to move up, but ultimately decided Binghamton and the FPHL was the right place for him this year.
"I didn't want to hand off the keys to anyone else. There were a couple of offers at higher leagues, but I truly love Binghamton and I think there's got to be a sense of loyalty," Sherwood said. "I got some roots here, so my grandparents get to come to the games. My cousins and uncles, they're up in Whitney Point, Greene area. So just kind of being settled then. Also, I'm getting married this summer. We just bought a home in Philadelphia, so staying within somewhat close proximity where if I need to bounce back on a Sunday to go take care of Tucker [dog] or my wife, then I'm able to do that and get some home projects done as well."
For the full interview with Brant, go here. Tune into Fox 40 News at 10 on Thursday as the Black Bears will be our Amphenol Aerospace Team of the Week.