Hockey has come to the town of Newburgh, as the Hudson Valley Venom has debuted as a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The team moved from Elmira to new ownership in Newburgh, where it will be led by player/coach Josh Newberg.

“This is a prospects league, so I kind of have some experience in helping players kind of get to the next level," Newberg said. "That's a lot of what this league is. There's a lot of young guys that are looking to move up in the ranks at the same time as trying to win a championship.”

Owner Pat Manning says that excitement in the area for its own pro hockey team is high. Manning previously brought semi-pro hockey to the area, with last year's championship-winning Hudson Valley Vipers.

“Hockey fans are loyal fans," he said. "They love watching the game live. A lot of people can't afford to go down to New York City, but they really want to see the next great players playing in a professional sport, so that’s why minor league is so popular.”

Newberg says fans can expect a strong forward line and a team eager to be a part of its new community.

“In a league like this, guys aren't here for the money, they're here for the passion," he said. "They really want to play. They love the game, they love the community support. And I think that goes hand in hand with how well we do on the ice.”