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Barracudas Sign Two

June 20, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


Today, the Jacksonville Barracudas announce that they have signed their first two players for the 2006-2007; forwards Patrick Doherty and Ryan Webb.

"We are very excited to announce the signings of Pat and Ryan," said General Manager Gilles Richard. "Both of these individuals showed a lot of ability, strength, and character through a difficult season, and we are very excited at what they will bring to the table this season."

Both players joined the Barracudas mid-way through the 2005-2006 season, Doherty through a trade with the Pee Dee Cyclones, and Webb being signed as a free agent. They ended up tied as the Cudas' top point producers with 46 points each and finished in the top-5 among SPHL rookies.

Webb, a 25-year-old Pontiac, MI native, scored 24 goals and 22 assists in just 35 games. The 6-foot, 190-pound forward quickly made himself known around the league with his speed and playmaking ability, and established himself as one of the Southern Professional Hockey League's most feared offensive threats.

"Ryan proved that he was among the best offensive talents in the league," said Richard. "We are excited to see the sort of production he can put up over an entire season in this league."

Doherty, a 24-year-old Wakefield, MA native, scored 15 goals and 11 assists in 28 games with the Barracudas last season. Before being acquired by the Cudas, he scored 13 goals and 8 assists in 27 games with the Pee Dee Cyclones. Doherty provided a healthy amount of grit to the Barracudas' lineup, to go along with a goal scorer's touch and keen hockey sense.

"Pat was a real positive force for the team last season," said Richard. "For as good as his play was on the ice, he was that much better off-the-ice, showing tireless commitment to the community and the fans.

"He is going to be a real ambassador for this organization, and is a perfect example of the type of character Coach Allain and myself expect from our players."

Head Coach Rick Allain liked what he saw from the two forwards last season, and was quick to recruit them for the Barracudas this season.

"It was clear from the games that I watched that they were two very talented individuals," said Allain. "However, what I liked best when I watched the game films was that they never quit once, even as the team slipped out of playoff contention.

"Every team needs that sort of leadership and determination."

The signings mark the beginning of Richard and Allain's mission to reestablish the Barracudas as perennial contenders for the SPHL Championship. It was just three seasons ago that the Barracudas won the WHA2 Championship on home ice, followed by a solid campaign in the SPHL's first season. However, the Barracudas fell on hard times in 2005-2006, finishing in last place and out of the playoffs. Former Head Coach Ron Duguay stepped aside to take an advisory role with the team, as Richard was promoted to General Manager, and Allain was hired to be Head Coach.

"Last season will prove to be an anomaly for this organization," said Richard. "The entire Barracudas staff is committed to giving hockey fans in Jacksonville a team which they can be proud of. Both in the effort we display, entertainment value, and ability to contend on the ice, and our involvement in bettering the community off the ice."

"These two signings are exciting, because they are another step in the right direction for the organization. "

Preparations for the 2006-2007 season are well underway, as the Barracudas have just finished up another successful season ticket renewal campaign. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available, as well as information on the popular 10-ticket Flex Packs. For more information contact the Barracudas office at 904-367-1423, or visit the team's website at www.jaxcudas.com.



SPHL Stories from June 20, 2006


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.

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