2007-08 Roster takes Shape
July 24, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
On Thursday July, 19th 80 players arrived at the Anoka Ice Arena in Anoka, Minnesota with hopes of putting on the Green and White of a North Iowa Outlaws uniform in September. Sixty-four hours later only 27 left the arena with a smile on their face and a ticket to Mason City, IA on September 3rd, and a chance to say they are an Outlaw.
Entering camp on Thursday, Coach Dave Boitz and Jeff Crouse knew one thing; the weekend wasn't going to be fun, but rather hours of racking their brains and working to make the most difficult decisions in coaching. The camp was filled with talent, which made the decision making even more difficult.
"Camp this season was different than many of our others," Coach Boitz said. "There were a lot of talented players and good depth up front. It's hard to tell where you stand though until they start playing together in camp."
When the dust settled, 27 players earned a spot on the roster including 14 players returning from last year's squad that made an incredible playoff run. Heading back between the pipes is Robby Moss, whose solid play in Games 3 and 4 forced a pivotal Game 5 where the Outlaws saw their season end in overtime. Moss' 2.35 goals against average was second best in the playoffs, and he finished with a .944 save percentage, tied for best in the league with Lars Paulgaard. During the regular season, Moss posted a .940 save percentage, finishing in the top five in the league.
Joining Moss between the pipes will be Mason City's Austin Maginnis. The 18 year old net minder made the team for the second year in a row out of camp. Last season he was the third goaltender picked, but chose to leave and play for the Ohio Jr Blue Jackets Midget AAA team. In Ohio, Maginnis posted 20 wins, 6 shutouts and a 2.44 goals against average.
"Goaltending was the key to out late season success," Boitz added. "We feel comfortable with Moss coming back and Austin was the best guy in camp for the second year in a row. He's unproven but did put up good numbers last season and is hungry to play at this level so they'll push each other and make each other better."
The Outlaws defense took shape quickly as five players returning on the blue line. Matt Morin returns for his third season, while Erick Galt, Jon Crouse, Brandon Larson, and Chris Giebe come back for their second campaign. Giebe, who missed the last half of the season with an injury, should be ready to play around the start of the season. Adding to an already experienced defense is Tyler Jundt (Williston, ND), who spent last season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League. Filling out the roster on defense is Beau Braun (Darwin, MN) and AJ Knapp (Red Wing, MN).
"We have a strong corps coming back and Jundt adds to the experience," Boitz said. "The two new players (Braun and Knapp) are good players and we feel they'll develop into players this season."
Leading the scoring attack will be eight returning players for last season's roster, including Ross Ring-Jarvi and Max Mobley, both back for a third year in an Outlaws uniform. Jack Powers and Tyler Romasco both return for a third season in the North American Hockey League, adding to experience up front. Powers started his NAHL career with Helena before joining the Outlaws last year, while Romasco started with Bismarck two years ago and joined the Outlaws midway thru the season in a trade for Casey Dion.
Another pair of prolific scorers in Joe Harcharik and Trevor Doden will both give another go in the Outlaws uniform. Game Four hero Trevor Doden, whose overtime goal forced a Game Five in the playoffs last year, is set for hopefully another exciting season, with Joe Harcharik, who scored 24 goals for the Outlaws last season, coming back for his second full year. Harcharik came up for 6 games in 2005-06 before seeing action in 60 games last year and finishing third on the team in points. Also back is Bryant Skarda, who committed to Army last season for the 2008-09 school year. Finishing out the roster with returning players is feisty Bobby Moe. The forward who flies all over the ice was injured in Game Four of the play-offs and had off-season surgery, but is expected to be ready to play at the start of the season.
"We expect a lot from the guys returning," Boitz stated. "We have two of our top three scorers in Mobley and Harcharik back, as well as solid leadership. We have high expectations and hope they well deliver."
In addition to eight returning players, Coach Boitz added first round draft pick Shea Walters who also will enter his third season of Jr. A Hockey. The Hibbing, MN native spent two years with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL and scored 23 points last season. Walters signed with the Bemidji State University Beavers last season with Green Bay and will play there during the 2008-09 season.
Finishing out the forwards positions are Kyle Politz (Elko, MN), Mitch Torrell (Monticello, MN), Jace Hough (Omaha, NE), Jack Paul (Minnetonka, MN), Tye Lewis (Vancouver, WA), Derek Donahue (Mantowic, WI), Travis Peckskamp (Sauk Rapids, MN), and Alex Carlson (Farmington, MN).
"We're really excited to have Walters on our team. He is a kind of player who has experience and can come in a play. He'll be an asset to the team," Boitz added of the Outlaws first round pick. "The rest of the forwards played well at camp, but you never know what to expect until they play together. We expect good things and feel good about where we are entering training camp."
The players report to Mason City for training camp on September 3rd, with camp opening up in Albert Lea, MN on the 4th. The Outlaws have a scrimmage scheduled for September 10th in Albert Lea with more information to be released soon. The Outlaws have scheduled a pair of exhibition games with the Bismarck Bobcats in Bismarck on September 14th and 15th. The official open NAHL play on September 19th when the play the Marquette Rangers at the North American Hockey League Showcase in Blaine, MN.
Coach Boitz, Crouse and the rest of the staff are excited about the season and have high expectations for the team. Don't miss your chance to see all the action and save at the same time. Season Tickets are on sale now by calling the Outlaws at 641-424-5468. Season ticket holders receive great perks while saving money in the process.
2007-08 North Iowa Outlaws Roster Goalies HT WT DOB Previous Team
Robby Moss 6.01 180 10/17/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Austin Maginnis 5.10 160 11/11/1988 Ohio Blue Jackets AAA
Defense
Erick Galt 5.10 180 9/8/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Brandon Larson 6.04 200 8/30/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Tyler Jundt 6.00 193 3/7/1988 Green Bay Gamblers
Matt Morin 5.11 180 7/30/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
AJ Knapp 6.03 200 7/20/1988 Red Wing H.S.
Beau Braun 5.10 210 10/30/1988 Hutchinson H.S.
Jon Crouse 5.10 175 7/3/1988 North Iowa Outlaws
Chris Giebe 6.04 205 5/13/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Forward
Kyle Politz 5.11 165 3/16/1989 Apple Valley H.S.
Shea Walters 5.11 180 3/5/1987 Green Bay Gamblers
Ross Ring- Jarvi 6.00 185 5/27/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Jace Hough 5.11 185 2/24/1989 Omaha H.S.
Jack Powers 5.08 165 2/18/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Jack Paul 5.10 180 9/10/1988 Minnetonka H.S.
Mitch Torrell 5.11 165 8/3/1990 Monticello H.S.
Max Mobley 5.07 175 8/14/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Tye Lewis 5.10 175 6/24/1989 Fort Vancouver Pioneers
Joe Harcharik 6.00 185 7/26/1988 North Iowa Outlaws
Derek Donohue 5.09 175 12/9/1988 Green Bay Jr.
Gamblers
Travis Peckskamp 6.00 185 6/25/1988 Sauk Rapids H.S.
Trevor Doden 6.02 200 8/12/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Tyler Romasco 5.10 185 2/25/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Alex Carlson 6.01 190 9/2/1988 Rocky Mt. Wranglers
Bobby Moe 5.10 170 2/15/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
Bryant Skarda 5.10 180 7/2/1987 North Iowa Outlaws
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North American Hockey League Stories from July 24, 2007
- 2007-08 Roster takes Shape - North Iowa Outlaws
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