Herm Sorcher, President and GM of the Federal Hockey League’s Danbury Whalers, announced Thursday that the team had resigned center, Joe Dabkowski for the 2011-12 season.
Dabkowski, a native of Manchester, Connecticut, was 6th on the team with 11 goals and averaged almost a point a game with 23 points (11 g, 12a) in 26 games. The 5’10 180 pounder finished 3rd on the team with a 17.2 shooting percentage. In the playoffs, Dabkowski added a goal and an assist in 5 games vs. New York in the Federal Hockey League’s Semi-Final round.
Dubbed “Super Joe” for his Rocky like climb, Dabkowski’s finest moment came on January 1, 2011 against the Rome Frenzy at the Danbury Ice Arena. The left handed shot had a goal and an assist in the 3rd period and then in an overtime shootout, scored twice including the game winner giving the Whalers a 5-4 win, snapping a 4-game Danbury losing streak.
Super Joe’s amazing story started this time last year, as upon completion of stellar 4-year collegiate career at Central Connecticut State University, Dabkowski attended the Danbury Whalers Free Agent tryout camp. From there as an un-recruited unknown player, he made it through to the Danbury Whalers Green and White game in September, and then to the October Training Camp.
Dabkowski’s professional debut came on November 3rd , 2010 against the Broome County Barons where he scored a goal in his first game against, soon to be teammate and roommate, Peter Skoggard.
When asked about returning to Danbury, Dabkowski replied, “Last season was such an amazing year. I am looking forward to playing in front of the best fans in the world and giving them everything I have on every shift I take.
For further information on Joe Dabkowski and the Danbury Whalers, contact Herm Sorcher at hsorcher@thedanburywhalers.com or call 973-713-7547.
