FLINT, MI - Even though he was only with the team for a short amount of time
forward Justin DePretis
certainly made a huge impact in the offensive department for the Flint
Generals.
The Generals are hoping for that spark again and today (Monday) announced
that DePretis will
be back for the 2008-2009 season. The Pittsburgh Pa, native arrived and
notched 17 goals and 6
assists for 23 points in just 31 regular season games. He also collected one
goal and two assists for
three points during the Turner Cup Playoffs for the Generals of which he was
only able to play in 3
games before an injury ended his season.
"I'm looking forward to have Justin playing a full season," said Head Coach
Peter South. "I think
there is a lot of untapped potential. He knows he won't catch anyone by
surprise this year, so he'll have
to report to camp in top shape with his mind set ready to go from Game 1."
DePretis was signed by the Generals in mid-February from the Mid-Atlantic
Hockey League
where he was the MAHL's top point getter with 93. In his first game as a
General, He set up the game
winner in an overtime win over the Fort Wayne Komets.
"Justin is a young player with skill and size," said Director of Hockey
Operations Ron Sanko. "He
brought a great attitude with him last year when he was called up and he is
deserving of the opportunity
to become an impact player with our organization."
"I am really excited to be coming back," Justin DePretis said from his home
in Pittsburgh, Pa. "I
had a terrific time last season when I got called up. I am happy with the
group of guys we have coming
back and excited about winning a title this season."
DePretis picked up seven of his 17 goals on the power play and three were
first goals. At one
point the power forward had three first goals in five straight games.
DePretis played collegiate hockey at Penn State University in the ACHA where
in four seasons
he had 54 goals and 40 assists for 94 points in 65 games.
He turned pro during the 2006-2007 season where he played 36 games for the
ECHL's Wheeling
Nailers scoring three goals and adding 23 penalty minutes.
"Playing in Flint totally over exceeded my expectations when I went there
last season," said
DePretis. "I got a chance to shoot the puck a lot where in the season prior
in Wheeling I wasn't able to
do it. I know in my mind I could produce numbers and score goals and Flint
gave me that opportunity."
The Flint Generals are preparing for their 39th year of professional hockey
in the Mid-Michigan
region. Season Tickets and Corporate Marketing opportunities are currently
available for the 2008-2009
season. A $100 deposit is required to hold your seats and they must be paid
off by October 1st.
For further information on the Flint Generals, please contact the Corporate
office at (810) 742-
9422 or email them at info@flintgenerals.com.
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