Revamped Panthers hope to grow closer at West Point

It's politically incorrect to ever compare sports to war, however, when it comes to successful, intangible attributes such as chemistry, leadership and sacrifice the comparisons to professional hockey teams seem fair.

Those are just some of the qualities that Panthers owner Vinnie Viola hopes his players absorb as they begin three days of team-bonding exercises Sunday at the prestigious U.S. Military Academy in West Point.

"I wanted to get the team in an environment that I believe represents everything the team should strive to achieve in terms of esprit, camaraderie and sacrifice for each other because that's what that place is all about,'' said Viola, a West Point graduate who served in the 101st Airborne Division and went on to conceive the Combating Terrorism Center on campus.

"The idea that you will make the ultimate sacrifice to protect your brother to your right and left to accomplish the mission and that from day one you're taught the mission is bigger than the individual.''

Viola has brought in several West Point graduates to the Panthers such as Eric Joyce, assistant to General Manager Dale Tallon in hockey operations and J.B. Spisso, a motivational consultant.

The team began their stay at West Point participating in a series of field problems that tested their mental and physical strength, some traits they could've used in a winless preseason (0-4-2) that ended in a 4-1 loss to the Lightning Saturday night.

Some of the team's lack of cohesiveness was expected due to seven new faces in the lineup as well as an overhauled coaching staff.

"Obviously, there's been a lot of changes,'' said Panthers defenseman Willie Mitchell, an offseason free-agent signing who won two Stanley Cup rings in the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings.

"The coaching staff is all new and not everyone is familiar with each other out there and right through the lineup. That was one of our better games, actually, but saying that it's not acceptable, it's a loss. I know it's exhibition but you want to start the season off on the right foot.

"I've never been to West Point but from what I know about it, it'll be a good learning experience as far as what it takes to be a winner, to go above and beyond in work ethic and sacrifice. If we want to get to the playoffs that's how we're going to have to play as a group collectively so I hope those are some of the things we take out of that and learn to take us to the next level.''

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Revamped Panthers hope to grow closer at West Point