\'Dogs Return Three in Visser, Lehtinen and Nesdill

Published on September 1, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Arizona Sundogs Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro announced today the team has re-signed three players in Jason Visser, Rob Lehtinen and Mike Nesdill for the upcoming 2010-11 Central Hockey League season.

Visser returns to the Sundogs for his fourth season with the team in 2010-11. The 28-year-old forward appeared in 43 games during the 2009-10 season recording nine goals, 12 assists and 18 penalty minutes (PIM) while injuries limited him to just 13 games in 2008-09.

The Mississauga, Ontario, native averaged nearly a point-per-game with Arizona during the 2007-08 campaign, tallying 57 points (19g/38a) in 59 regular season contests to finish fourth in scoring among CHL rookies.

The 6-foot, 208-pound forward continued his offensive production during the 2008 playoffs, helping the Sundogs to the Ray Miron President's Cup title with 16 points (4g/12a) in 17 games.

"Jason has missed parts of the last two seasons due to injury," said Pietroniro. "But he's set to enter training camp healthy and we're excited for him to return to the ice and re-establish himself as a leader for our team."

Appearing in all 64 regular season contests last season, Lehtinen, 27, collected five goals, nine assists and 36 PIM while splitting time as a forward and defenseman.

"Rob is a reliable player that has the ability to play both as a forward and defenseman," noted Pietroniro. "We've called upon him numerous times to play both positions and he's made the switch with ease. He's a great team player and we're happy to have him back for the 2010-11 season."

The Marquette, Michigan, native set career highs in goals (12), assists (19) and points (31) during the 2008-09 season.

In 2007-08, his first season with Arizona, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound two-position player recorded 22 points (7g/15a) and 36 PIM while again splitting time on both sides of the puck. Lehtinen added three goals and eight PIM in 17 playoff appearances en route to the 2008 Ray Miron President's Cup title.

Entering his third professional season, Nesdill, 26, collected two goals, 14 assists and 107 PIM in 64 contests with Arizona last year.

"Mike's a skilled player with a lot of potential and we're hopeful he'll be able to build upon the strides he made with our team last year," added Pietroniro. "We're pleased to have him return for the 2010-11 season."

The Phoenix, Arizona, native spent his rookie season in the ECHL with the Victoria Salmon Kings, Cincinnati Cyclones and Mississippi Sea Wolves, recording six assists and 51 PIM in 46 games.

Prior to turning pro, 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman played four years of collegiate hockey at Bowling Green State University (NCAA) where he amassed 45 points (7g/38a) and 145 PIM in 115 contests.

Nesdill played two seasons of junior hockey for the United States Hockey League's (USHL) Lincoln Stars and was also a member of the U.S National Under-18 Team in 2000-01 and 2001-02 and the U.S. Jr. National Team in 2001-02.

Visser, Lehtinen and Nesdill join forwards Joey Sides, Adam Smyth, Chase Watson and Steve Kaye, defensemen Tyler Butler and Mike Novosad and goaltender Doug Groenestege as players under contract with Arizona for the 2010-11 season.

The Sundogs will celebrate their fifth season in the Central Hockey League beginning this October at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Season ticket packages are available for as low as $295. For more information call (928) 759-6600 or visit www.arizonasundogs.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from September 1, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central