Off-season

[osopa506]

Well with the off season in full swing for the SPHL I thought we could make a section for off season happenings, signings, etc…

Here is a list of some things I could find from various articles to make a list…

- (RICHMOND) New Team…Richmond Renegades

- (RICHMOND) John Brophy, signed as coach of the Renegades

- (RICHMOND) Former Riverdogs defenseman, Brian Goudie, had agreed to terms and will become player/assistant coach with the Renegades

- (JACKSONVILLE) Rick Allain, a former Boston Bruin draft pick, takes over as Jacksonville coach for Ron Duguay.

- (JACKSONVILLE) Gilles Richard, who has served as the team's Business Manager for the past two seasons, has been named the Barracudas' General Manager.

- (KNOXVILLE) Coach Jim Bermingham will be back. The coach has agreed to a two-year contract.

- (FAYETTEVILLE) Derek Booth has re-signed for two more years.

- (FLORIDA) Team Consultant and Director Kevin Simpson has moved on.

- (FLORIDA) Chris LiPuma also ends his tenure with the Seals after spending four years with the organization. The past two years he worked for the team in public relations and corporate promotions.

I also would like to see a list of the veteran players (more than 224 regular season professional games) for each team so we know where some cuts might be made as each team is only allowed 3.

I think these are the ones for Florida…

Florida
- Steve Zoryk (706)
- Justin Keller (297)
- John Gurskis (445)
- Ryan Rivard (340)
- Billy Rochefort (272)
* David Deeves is close at 223 if my calculations were correct.

An article I read about Knoxville had these listed…

Knoxville
- Doug Searle
- Jason Bermingham
- Curtis Menzul
- Kevin Swider
- KJ Voorhees
- Jamie Ronayne

[Guardfan3]

The only 4 vets for Fayetteville are:

Kory Baker--unless he is called to a higher league, I think he will be back here to learn more from Derek as player/asst coach

Mike Fournier--I heard he won't be back, not playing anymore

BJ Stephens--I haven't heard anything on him one way or the other

Troy Linna--He is still up in the air as to what he wants to do next year. It depends on how his current job goes. But I think if he plays, it will be for us.

We won't have to cut anyone based on this list because of Fournier not playnig anymore. But there is no guarantee that these guys will all make the cut at training camp. Derek might bring in a whole new group of vets and not keep any of these guys. Or he might just keep 1 or 2 like he did last year. (We started the season with Linna as our only vet.)

[osopa506]

PEE DEE - Veteran Edan Welch has signed for the 2006-2007 season

[FireAntzFan06]

The only 4 vets for Fayetteville are:

Kory Baker--unless he is called to a higher league, I think he will be back here to learn more from Derek as player/asst coach

Mike Fournier--I heard he won't be back, not playing anymore

BJ Stephens--I haven't heard anything on him one way or the other

Troy Linna--He is still up in the air as to what he wants to do next year. It depends on how his current job goes. But I think if he plays, it will be for us.

We won't have to cut anyone based on this list because of Fournier not playnig anymore. But there is no guarantee that these guys will all make the cut at training camp. Derek might bring in a whole new group of vets and not keep any of these guys. Or he might just keep 1 or 2 like he did last year. (We started the season with Linna as our only vet.)

Do you think Kormanyos will be back?

[Guardfan3]

I hope so, but I have heard nothing yet on his return. Coach Booth would like to have something similar to last year, about 8-10 returning players, I just don't know who those players will be.

Collins says he is coming back.
Ferguson will most likely be back.
Schneider talks like he is planning to return, but hasn't actually said, "I am
coming back."
Linna, if he plays, it will probably be for us.
Corbett will NOT be back, I can almost guarantee.
Fournier, rumor says hes not playing next year.
Baker is cryptic when asked. I think he is holding out for a higher league, but
if its this league, look for him as player/asst coach again.
Hodgeson, who knows. I haven't heard anything one way or another.
Clarke, questionable, but if he plays next year, probably for us.
Stephens, No idea. I wouldn't mind seeing him return.
Katz, came into the team late, but was a respectable addition
Meanchoff--I have heard he may be done, but its not definite
Jackson, He and his wife both like it here, and like the fan support, but I don't
know a) if he will be playing, or b) if he does, will a spot be offered?
Whidden, Derek has no reason not to ask him to return. Question is, will he
get called to a higher league? He is skilled enough to play up.
Nistas, Again, hope he comes back, but certainly talented enough to play
higher.
Coulter, Would love for him to come back here, but dont know how things
turned out with his injury
Ridler, Thats a tough one to call. Derek should definitely give him the
opportunity if he is not selected for a team in a higher league. I
would hope that he would be willing to return here.

With the exception of Collins, no one has said that they will be back or specifically what their plans are for next season. This list is just my impressions based on conversations I have had either with them or with other fans who have offered their opinions, or my hopes for whether or not they return. None of it is set in stone, including Collins (remember last season, he said he was coming back, then went to play somewhere else).

Sorry, FAF06, I know you only asked about Nick, but I decided to go ahead and give my thoughts on the whole team. If I hear anything further, I will let you know, but that is where we stand right now, as I see it.

[FireAntzFan06]

I hope so, but I have heard nothing yet on his return. Coach Booth would like to have something similar to last year, about 8-10 returning players, I just don't know who those players will be.

Collins says he is coming back.
Ferguson will most likely be back.
Schneider talks like he is planning to return, but hasn't actually said, "I am
coming back."
Linna, if he plays, it will probably be for us.
Corbett will NOT be back, I can almost guarantee.
Fournier, rumor says hes not playing next year.
Baker is cryptic when asked. I think he is holding out for a higher league, but
if its this league, look for him as player/asst coach again.
Hodgeson, who knows. I haven't heard anything one way or another.
Clarke, questionable, but if he plays next year, probably for us.
Stephens, No idea. I wouldn't mind seeing him return.
Katz, came into the team late, but was a respectable addition
Meanchoff--I have heard he may be done, but its not definite
Jackson, He and his wife both like it here, and like the fan support, but I don't
know a) if he will be playing, or b) if he does, will a spot be offered?
Whidden, Derek has no reason not to ask him to return. Question is, will he
get called to a higher league? He is skilled enough to play up.
Nistas, Again, hope he comes back, but certainly talented enough to play
higher.
Coulter, Would love for him to come back here, but dont know how things
turned out with his injury
Ridler, Thats a tough one to call. Derek should definitely give him the
opportunity if he is not selected for a team in a higher league. I
would hope that he would be willing to return here.

With the exception of Collins, no one has said that they will be back or specifically what their plans are for next season. This list is just my impressions based on conversations I have had either with them or with other fans who have offered their opinions, or my hopes for whether or not they return. None of it is set in stone, including Collins (remember last season, he said he was coming back, then went to play somewhere else).

Sorry, FAF06, I know you only asked about Nick, but I decided to go ahead and give my thoughts on the whole team. If I hear anything further, I will let you know, but that is where we stand right now, as I see it.

Thanks for the insight. We came into the season late, Feb., but have really gotten into hockey. The team as a whole seem to be a great bunch of guys, it is just the Jackson and Kormanyos are my sons and my fave. I understand Nick has already been here for two seasons, but I surely would love to see him play a whole season again. I can not wait until the new season starts. I'm having hockey w/drawals. I've been keeping up with the Canes on TV, but nothing beats being at the actual game.

Thanks again for the info.

[#1 Guard Fan]

Jackson insite:
After talking with his wife at the last game she said they would not be back next year. The only way he would be back in the SPHL is if Daytona Beach had a team this year. It was stated some players get extra bennies and things were not what they seemed from the outside. Not starting anything just passing on infomation that was given to us. I guess he needs to be close to NY because of the of thier baby. Hopefully we get a good group of guys back this year but if not Coach Booth will put a winning team on the ice for us.

[Mike4FireAntz34]

Im hoping that Josh Welter will come back to play for us next year!

[Guardfan3]

It wouldn't surprise me if he does. When I posted the above, I was just going by the final roster, but if I remember correctly, Coach said he tried to get him back here. But by the time he was able to return, the league deadline had passed for players who left to play overseas. I know if he is back in the States and he doesn't get the call from a higher league, Derek will do everything in his power to get him back here.

[#1 Guard Fan]

I would think Josh will be playing at the next level this coming year

[osopa506]

Pee Dee Add Scott English

comes from Brantford (Ontario) Blast in the Ontario Hockey Association Senior A League

[#1 Guard Fan]

Chad Collins has signed back witht he Fireantz for next year.
http://www.fayettevillenc.com/article?id=232866

[osopa506]

Pee Dee - Forward Chris Murphy has resigned

looks like pee dee is wasting no time signing their players...all the other teams need to get on board and start making some announcements!

[#1 Guard Fan]

Coach Booth is working his "magic" right now nothing has hit the paper yet. He is going to give Fayetteville another winning team no worries there

[osopa506]

PEE DEE - Continues to build the roster quick...
ADD - Jason Slusher College Hockey player from Lebanon Valley College


FLORIDA - FINALLY SOMETHING FROM FLORIDA!!!
HAVE AGREED IN PRINCIPAL WITH TERRY DENIKE, THE SPHL GOALIE OF THE YEAR, TO RETURN!

GOOD START FLORIDA!

[crosschecker]

Not really on topic, but does anyone know what the average player in the SPHL earns?

[Guardfan3]

I am not sure, but I think league minimum is either $200 or $250 per week. Obviously, the vets will earn a little more, but I think I have heard that $350 is probably about average.

[macon_fan]

As Much As I Dont Like The Seals, I Think They Made A Good Move For Next Year. Signing Terry Denike Was A Great Move. Seeing Him A Couple Of Years Ago In Macon, We Got To Meet And Get To Know Terry. He Is A Great Guy Who Always Takes Time Out For The Fans And Is Never Too Busy To Talk To The Kids. Oh And He Is A Pretty Good Netminder. Smart Move On The Seals Part!!!

[mitchg73]

Not really on topic, but does anyone know what the average player in the SPHL earns?
Most rookies make 200 to 250 a wk....some vets make 500 or so a wk of course they also have there apts included

[#1 Guard Fan]

Sign me up for the $500 a week. Oh wait I am the wrong kinda vet

[osopa506]

COLUMBUS

D - Ryan Aikia Resign
RW- Craig Stahl Resign
G- Chad Rycroft Resign


FAYETTEVILLE

G - Chad Collins Resign


FLORIDA

G - Terry Denike Resign
D - Lawne Snyder Resign
D - Art Mnatsakanov Resign
F - Steve Zoryk Resign
D - Billy Rochefort Resign
C - Chad Haacke New
? - Beau Moyer New
F - Cedrick Bernier New


HUNTSVILLE



JACKSONVILLE

F - Patrick Doherty Resign
F - Ryan Webb Resign
F - Greg Lecolst Resign
F - Garrett Summerfield Resign
D - Dan Hickman Resign
G - Justin Summerfield New
F - Brad Hawkins New

KNOXVILLE

F - Mike Craigen Resign
G - Terry Dunbar Resign


PEE DEE

F - Edan Welch Resign
F - Chris Murphy Resign
F - Joel Petkoff Resign
D - Josh Vanderbreggen Resign
F - Geoff Rollins Resign
LW - Allan Sirois New
D - Jason Slusher New
D - Scott English New


RICHMOND

D - Brian Goudie New

[#1 Guard Fan]

You might want to add to that Fayetteville still has no Head Coach

[osopa506]

and i see the only open positions they have under employement are some internships...

have you heard any names thrown around there yet for a new head coach?

[osopa506]

Lots of updates today...i expected something from Huntsville as they had not announced anything up until now...

HUNTSVILLE

G - Matt Carmichael Resign
D - Jason DeGuehery Resign
D - Jonathan Lounsbury Resign
F - Luke Phillips Resign
F - Sean Edwards Resign
F - Mike O’Sullivan Resign
F - Todd Bentley New
D - Brian McLaughlin New

Good signs for Huntsville...excellent goalie returning..2.75 GAA last year.
Thier F/D returning were not real high point scorers last year...highest only had 22 points and they were both the defenseman. should get some good fights with phillips returning though...396 PIM last year!

PEE DEE also announced their goaltender...

G - Guy St.Vincent New



Looks like all teams except Richmond now have their goaltenders and all but two are going with experience on the team...

Columbus--- Chad Rycroft--- Resign
Fayetteville--- Chad Collins--- Resign
Florida--- Terry Denike--- Resign
Huntsville--- Matt Carmichael--- Resign
Jacksonville--- Justin Summerfield--- New
Knoxville--- Terry Dunbar--- Resign
Pee Dee--- Guy St.Vincent--- New
Richmond--- still to come!

I like the 2005-2006 SPHL Goalie of the Year that is returning for Florida!!!

[JasonJohnson]

As a Havoc fan I am glad to see that we finally have announced some signings! Rumors were flying around that Phillips would be in Odessa and Carmichael was staying in Canada so this is great news for us. O'Sullivan is a nice surprise because the kid can flat out skate.

[SealsFan1167]

It has been posted on the seals site www.floridaseals.com that the sphl rookie of the year has signed with Trenton Titans of the ECHL. It is also been posted on the titans website http://www.trentontitans.com I think it is great for him to move up and one day maybe in the NHL. Coach Tommy Stewart said at a stanley cup watch party that he was trying to get with a team in the ECHL, because he earned it.

[Guardfan3]

Bugz are now at 5, all returning from last year.

G Chad Collins
D Rob Meanchoff (player/asst coach)
F BJ Stephens
D Tim Schneider
F Noah Katz

[#1 Guard Fan]

Look out the Fireantz are up to 5 players almost a starting linre up...lol
Just had to say something to keep people talking in here

[sphlfan]

Its Good To See The Fireantz Getting Some Players Under Contract. I Was Starting To Worry. I Am Really Excited About The Upcoming Season. Opening Night Should Be Great Hosting The Brand New Richmond Team. Two Months!!!! Can Not Wait!!!!

[Guardfan3]

Not to worry Antz fans. As I have said before, I have reason to believe that we have more players than announced. They are just spreading out the announcements to keep the name in the news. I have heard rumors of at least 5 more returning players than we have publicized. Right now is high school football and that is taking up all the space in the paper. Better to wait on the announcements than to have them overlooked because of the other sports. I am not worried, we still have 2 months to go and we have a coach that has a lot of experience, not to mention connections in the hockey world.

[sphlfan]

Thats A Very Good Point About Coach Marks Having Connections In The Hockey World. It Will Really Be Interesting To See What Type Of Team He Puts Together. In The History Of Hockey In Fayetteville I Do Not Think We Have Had A More Celebrated Coach Arrive In Town. I Had Alot Of Respect For Derek Booth And The Job He Did In Fayetteville, But He Came To Town As New Coach.

[Guardfan3]

Add one more for the Antz. Tyler Perry is back. I just hope he can stay healthy for the whole season. Obviously he's been cleared to play this year, but I would hate for him to reinjure his hand/wrist.

Welcome back Tyler, glad to have you back on the ice!!

[#1 Guard Fan]

Beat me to this one. I surely hope Perry can stay healthy all year. i know last off season he really put in a lot of work to be a better over all player. he is a great guy and glad to see him back with the team this year.

GO ANTZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[sphlfan]

Tyler Perry is a good addition for the Antz. I was happy to see him come back. Still wish Kory Baker was not overseas playing. Has anyone heard anything of George Nistas. It would be great to get another solid offensive player signed. Any ideas of who will take up the enforcer role?

[Guardfan3]

Possibility of Nistas going overseas as well. Hopefully will get confirmation on that soon. As soon as I hear anything definite, I will post. I saw where Derek took another player to Bloomington also. Clarke will be playing up there this year.

As always, good wishes to all former Antz wherever they may be playing this year. (Except Corbett, I only wish him well when Richmond's not playing against the Antz.)

[sphlfan]

That Is Great That The Antz Have Another Player Moving Up. Its Good To See Guys Get A Shot At Higher Leagues And Helps Validate The Sphl. I Hate Will Not Get To See Him Play. He Was Only In Fayetteville For One Season And I Missed That Whole Season. Looks Like The Antz Will Be Well Represented In The Uhl This Season.

[Guardfan3]

Add another Ant. Josh Welter returns.

[#1 Guard Fan]

Another great player coming back to the Antz with even more playing time under his belt

[sphlfan]

I See That Derek Booth Has Three Former Fireantz On His Training Camp Roster. They Are Mark Phenow, Mike Clarke And Shawn Roed. Maybe If Any Of Those Do Not Make The Team He Will Encourage Them To Head Back Down To Fayetteville. I Would Love To See Any Of Those In A Fireantz Uniform. As I Remember, Shawn Roed Was A Speedster.

[Guardfan3]

I don't think it has been announced yet, but expect to see Whidden playing for Booth as well. When he left last year, he missed enough games to still be consdered a rookie, and Booth needs 3 rookies at all times. Great opportunity for him. I wish him all the best. Derek is building a great team up there and they should do well. As far as sending players back here, he has already said that he would do just that. And not just former Antz players, but any guys that he has to cut from his team but would still be an asset to us. He has maintained a good relationship with the office here and is willing to cooperate in sending us players. Of course the bad side of this is that he will probably also be watching our team very closely and might pull players from here as well. But any opportunity for these guys to move up just speaks well for our organization.

[sphlfan]

I Always Thought Highly Of Coach Booth And I Am Sure There Will Mutual Hand Washing Going On. As You Say, Anytime You Get To See A Guy Move Up You Have To Be Happy For Him. I Just Read That The Antz Signed Two More. I Really Feel "our Team" Has A Good Reputation In Hockey Circles. I Am So Very Excited About Getting Back To The States And I Make It Just In Time For Opening Night!

[Guardfan3]

Add another for the Antz. It has not been in the papers yet, but Chris Ferguson was at the golf tournament Saturday and at the fireAntz Festival at Bullard Furninture on Sunday. He has signed and will be returning this year.

This brings the total to 10 for now.

[FireAntzFan06]

I'm excited that Kormanyos has signed back again. It is great to have some of the players back from last year. I can not wait until the 21st!

[#1 Guard Fan]

Sounds like we are getting a good core of last years players back plus some new blood. I think we will be a team to contend with again this week. I don't think Coach Marks will stand for anything less just like Coach Booth.

[sphlfan]

I Read That Chad Collins Is Going To Camp With Another Team. Does Anyone Know What Other Goalies Are Coming To Camp With The Antz?

[#1 Guard Fan]

I think there will be a lot of other Fireantz players trying out for other(higher) teams. That is what this league is all about moving up and making more money. I mean look at last year Chad moved up and then came back. I think he will be in the net for the Antz when the season starts

[BackInBlack]

Chad was in canp with an ECHL team and offered a number 2 goalie job and turned it down to return to Fayetteville as the number 1 goalie. I talked with Kevin tonight at the Stanley Cup event at the mall. He told me that they have some additional player signings and i think some will be out tomorrow. He also told me that Fayetteville will have the largest training camp ever in Fayetteville. They will hold a free agent camp before the actual training camp and expect at least 30 players for the FA camp with 4 or 5 moving on to the actual training camp the following week. They expect at least 40 players at training camp and i think he told me that they have 17 players under contract at this time.

[Hockeyrules14]

what about the cudas? I think this season will be a much better outcome than the last, now that allain is now head coach and everything, i am looking forward to this season for them and hope to see them a great season. Anyone know anything about their returning players or anything???

[osopa506]

Back in August Rob Sich, Last Year Rookie of the Year, signed a contract with Trenton Titans of the ECHL. Today this was on the ECHL website:

Following are the ECHL transactions for Oct. 13:

CONTRACTED PLAYERS RELEASED (eligible for waivers/waiver claims)

Trenton:
Rob Sich, F
Alex Goupil, F



I wonder if rob will be returning to Florida for another season? I know coach said a while back that if rob did not get an ECHL deal he wanted to be back in Florida...

[SealsFan1167]

When I went to the stanely cup watch party coach stwerat said that if Rob Sich would be back with the Seals this season. If what he said is true then we all as Florida fans welcome him back and give some props and love to see him back in the seals sweater.

[osopa506]

He was at camp today so looks like he will be returning!