Post by Anaheim GM on Aug 21, 2011 13:46:49 GMT -5
Louisville, KY.- Since the "new" NsHL it has been no secret that the Louisville Thunder organization have struggled to make the transition. They have finished at the bottom of the Western Conference standings in each of the last two years, despite higher expectations. The organization has also made a coaching change last season that seemed to add enthusiasm to the team, however, it was a case of too little, too late.
In a bold move, Kopsack guaranteed a playoff berth for the 2011-2012 season and promised the fans an electrifying, yet responsible brand of hockey inside the Thunder Dome for the upcoming year. Rumors are swirling that Kopsack is trying to sign several of the talented, young players the team has in the prospect pool. One of which is the highly skilled center/winger Nazem Kadri. "Nazem, at the age of 19, will easily step in to provide our team with a dynamic, top line pivot," Kopsack told reporters. "We are very close to deals with him and several others," he added.
Kyle Palmieri, the highly skilled, highly touted right winger, along with Eric Tangradi, the mammoth power forward are both rumored to be joining the Louisville team for the upcoming season. "We are very close to deals with both of those players as well," Kopsack confirmed. Luke Adam, Angelo Esposito, Tomas Vincour, and Maxime Legault are all highly skilled forwards and said to be close to signing deals as well. These additions will give the Thunder an entirely different look on offense and provide them with several talented weapons. Defensively, Kopsack confirmed that deals are close to being signed with Nick Petrecki, Zach Bogosian, Jamie McBain, however, Kopsack said that both Zach (Bogosian) and Jamie (McBain) have an extremely good chance of making Anaheim's roster due to the retirement of Brian Rafalski and the losses of Filip Kuba and Cory Murphy to free agency.
In net, Ondrej Pavelec and Peter Delmas are said to be close to signing entry level contracts, however, Kopsack confirmed that Anton Khudobin, Daniel Larsson, and Pavelec will be competing for the backup role in Anaheim due to the loss of veteran netminder, Patrick Lalime to free agency. "We REALLY like how Ondrej (Pavelec) has matured and taken his game to the next level. It should be his job to lose when camp begins," Kopsack said.
One thing is for certain, Kopsack told reporters, "We have extremely high expectations for the "new" Louisville Thunder and feel strongly that this team could very well go from worst to first next season. My office is going to do everything possible to bring, not just a winning team to the ice, but a dominating brand of hockey for the deserving fans of Louisville."
Pending all signings take place that Kopsack states will, Louisville's will easily ice the most dynamic top six forwards the team has ever played. Nazem Kadri, Luke Adam, Kyle Palmieri, Eric Tangradi, Matt Beleskey, and Mikko Lehtonen will make up these positions and last year's top line players (Corey Locke and Mark Letestu) may have a difficult time finding playing time. "We did not need tinkering in Louisville after two very disappointing seasons, we needed a complete overhaul. I'm quite certain most will agree we will be doing exactly that. I'm extremely excited and enthusiastic for the fans of Louisville and our entire organization for next season. It should be a lot of fun," Kopsack concluded.
In a bold move, Kopsack guaranteed a playoff berth for the 2011-2012 season and promised the fans an electrifying, yet responsible brand of hockey inside the Thunder Dome for the upcoming year. Rumors are swirling that Kopsack is trying to sign several of the talented, young players the team has in the prospect pool. One of which is the highly skilled center/winger Nazem Kadri. "Nazem, at the age of 19, will easily step in to provide our team with a dynamic, top line pivot," Kopsack told reporters. "We are very close to deals with him and several others," he added.
Kyle Palmieri, the highly skilled, highly touted right winger, along with Eric Tangradi, the mammoth power forward are both rumored to be joining the Louisville team for the upcoming season. "We are very close to deals with both of those players as well," Kopsack confirmed. Luke Adam, Angelo Esposito, Tomas Vincour, and Maxime Legault are all highly skilled forwards and said to be close to signing deals as well. These additions will give the Thunder an entirely different look on offense and provide them with several talented weapons. Defensively, Kopsack confirmed that deals are close to being signed with Nick Petrecki, Zach Bogosian, Jamie McBain, however, Kopsack said that both Zach (Bogosian) and Jamie (McBain) have an extremely good chance of making Anaheim's roster due to the retirement of Brian Rafalski and the losses of Filip Kuba and Cory Murphy to free agency.
In net, Ondrej Pavelec and Peter Delmas are said to be close to signing entry level contracts, however, Kopsack confirmed that Anton Khudobin, Daniel Larsson, and Pavelec will be competing for the backup role in Anaheim due to the loss of veteran netminder, Patrick Lalime to free agency. "We REALLY like how Ondrej (Pavelec) has matured and taken his game to the next level. It should be his job to lose when camp begins," Kopsack said.
One thing is for certain, Kopsack told reporters, "We have extremely high expectations for the "new" Louisville Thunder and feel strongly that this team could very well go from worst to first next season. My office is going to do everything possible to bring, not just a winning team to the ice, but a dominating brand of hockey for the deserving fans of Louisville."
Pending all signings take place that Kopsack states will, Louisville's will easily ice the most dynamic top six forwards the team has ever played. Nazem Kadri, Luke Adam, Kyle Palmieri, Eric Tangradi, Matt Beleskey, and Mikko Lehtonen will make up these positions and last year's top line players (Corey Locke and Mark Letestu) may have a difficult time finding playing time. "We did not need tinkering in Louisville after two very disappointing seasons, we needed a complete overhaul. I'm quite certain most will agree we will be doing exactly that. I'm extremely excited and enthusiastic for the fans of Louisville and our entire organization for next season. It should be a lot of fun," Kopsack concluded.