Post by NJDevilsGM on Nov 21, 2011 16:15:21 GMT -5
Phil McGroin
Sesame Street News
Abbotsford, Britsih Columbia- In the first of what is anticipated to be many moves by newly hired General Manager Trent Allen, the Abbotsford Heat announced the signing of several free agents on Monday.
"We are excited to have these players in the fold. They are sure to be a key part of any future success we will have this year," said Allen.
Forwards Keith Aucoin, Tyler Spurgeon, Pat Rissmiller, Bruce Graham, Carsyn Germyn and Jeremy Reich and goaltenders Dan Ellis and Nolan Schaefer were all inked by the club to contracts, signing on the dotted line as cameras clicked away and family members applauded.
"This is a big day for the organization," said Allen. "This is really the first day in our efforts to return to the playoffs after last seasons' disappointing struggles."
Aucoin last year led a spirited Binghampton Senators group in scoring, posting 13 goals and 44 points in 82 games. Aucoin is expected to be a candidate for the teams captaincy this season.
"I'm hoping to show that this team can not only make the playoffs this year but go deep as well," said Aucoin, a well recognized leader and respected voice in the AsHL. "I've played with and against guys like Rizzy (Rismiller) for years now, I know what these guys can do even before I step on the ice with them."
Rissmiller was likely the biggest signing of the group of forwards. Last season, Rismiller played the full year with the Tampa Bay Lightning is a supporting role, scoring five goals and adding three assists in 58 games.
"I learned a lot last year," said Rismiller. "I feel like I've developed my game a lot from just being around elite players like Brandon Dubinsky, Jason Arnott and Cory Stillman. They taught me a lot and I hope to see that translate to the Heat."
The biggest impact should be felt in net, where Ellis and Schaefer could form a great tandem. Ellis played 40 games with the Buffalo Sabres last year, posting a 15-11-1 record with a 2.78 goals against average and a very strong .901 save percentage. Schaefer meanwhile split time between the Prince Edward Island Frostbite and the Chilliwack Bruins, playing 47 games with a 16-18-7 record and a 2.56 goals against average, despite a strong save percentage of .902.
"We were surprised to see Dan available in the AsHL considering his play last year, and Nolan's been a surefire veteran in this league for years. This tandem should be one of the best in the league," said Allen.
Allen cautioned that Ellis might not be seen for long, given the parent Winnipeg Jets ongoing hunt for a backup to Evgeni Nabokov. That hunt might lead to Ellis.
"It's a reason we worked to get Nolan as well. As good as Ellis is, he's no good to us if he's in Winnipeg and we wanted to know we had a true number one between the pipes. With both Ellis and Schaefer, we know we'll have that in almost any scenario," Allen attested.
Spurgeon is likely to help augment the penalty kill unit, while Graham's size and strength look to be a good fit for both the penalty kill and the powerplay, Allen figured. Graham also played with the Chilliwack Bruins last year.
"Overall, I think we have a good collection of players here. Now to get them time together to gel and mesh," said Allen.
Allen added the club is likely to be in the hunt for one more forward to provide the club with depth, and may look for another goalie if Ellis is recalled by the Jets on a permanent basis. The defense, meanwhile, is expected to recieve a boost as the Jets currently have nine defensemen on their roster and it is expected as many as three could be sent to the AsHL before the start of the regular season.
Sesame Street News
Abbotsford, Britsih Columbia- In the first of what is anticipated to be many moves by newly hired General Manager Trent Allen, the Abbotsford Heat announced the signing of several free agents on Monday.
"We are excited to have these players in the fold. They are sure to be a key part of any future success we will have this year," said Allen.
Forwards Keith Aucoin, Tyler Spurgeon, Pat Rissmiller, Bruce Graham, Carsyn Germyn and Jeremy Reich and goaltenders Dan Ellis and Nolan Schaefer were all inked by the club to contracts, signing on the dotted line as cameras clicked away and family members applauded.
"This is a big day for the organization," said Allen. "This is really the first day in our efforts to return to the playoffs after last seasons' disappointing struggles."
Aucoin last year led a spirited Binghampton Senators group in scoring, posting 13 goals and 44 points in 82 games. Aucoin is expected to be a candidate for the teams captaincy this season.
"I'm hoping to show that this team can not only make the playoffs this year but go deep as well," said Aucoin, a well recognized leader and respected voice in the AsHL. "I've played with and against guys like Rizzy (Rismiller) for years now, I know what these guys can do even before I step on the ice with them."
Rissmiller was likely the biggest signing of the group of forwards. Last season, Rismiller played the full year with the Tampa Bay Lightning is a supporting role, scoring five goals and adding three assists in 58 games.
"I learned a lot last year," said Rismiller. "I feel like I've developed my game a lot from just being around elite players like Brandon Dubinsky, Jason Arnott and Cory Stillman. They taught me a lot and I hope to see that translate to the Heat."
The biggest impact should be felt in net, where Ellis and Schaefer could form a great tandem. Ellis played 40 games with the Buffalo Sabres last year, posting a 15-11-1 record with a 2.78 goals against average and a very strong .901 save percentage. Schaefer meanwhile split time between the Prince Edward Island Frostbite and the Chilliwack Bruins, playing 47 games with a 16-18-7 record and a 2.56 goals against average, despite a strong save percentage of .902.
"We were surprised to see Dan available in the AsHL considering his play last year, and Nolan's been a surefire veteran in this league for years. This tandem should be one of the best in the league," said Allen.
Allen cautioned that Ellis might not be seen for long, given the parent Winnipeg Jets ongoing hunt for a backup to Evgeni Nabokov. That hunt might lead to Ellis.
"It's a reason we worked to get Nolan as well. As good as Ellis is, he's no good to us if he's in Winnipeg and we wanted to know we had a true number one between the pipes. With both Ellis and Schaefer, we know we'll have that in almost any scenario," Allen attested.
Spurgeon is likely to help augment the penalty kill unit, while Graham's size and strength look to be a good fit for both the penalty kill and the powerplay, Allen figured. Graham also played with the Chilliwack Bruins last year.
"Overall, I think we have a good collection of players here. Now to get them time together to gel and mesh," said Allen.
Allen added the club is likely to be in the hunt for one more forward to provide the club with depth, and may look for another goalie if Ellis is recalled by the Jets on a permanent basis. The defense, meanwhile, is expected to recieve a boost as the Jets currently have nine defensemen on their roster and it is expected as many as three could be sent to the AsHL before the start of the regular season.