Best Beast Roster Ever Set to Open 2016-17 ECHL Season
Published on October 14, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Brampton Beast News Release
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO - The Brampton Beast, ECHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, announce today the group of 22 players that comprise the Beast's Opening Day lineup that will take to the ice on Saturday night against the Wheeling Nailers.
The 2016-17 roster features 13 players that suited up for the club last season, plus ten high-end off-season additions that make this roster one of the most competitive ever iced by the hockey club.
Beast Head Coach is happy with the roster that he and Beast Assistant Coach Peter Goulet have assembled over the offseason and believe this could be the season the Beast open some eyes across the league.
"We believe with the signings over the summer and having some of our key veterans back, we really feel like we have a good opportunity to win a lot of hockey games this year and be right in the mix with the best in the ECHL," Chaulk said.
Manning the crease to start the season is a pair of young but seasoned goaltenders who both saw time with the organization, including former Peterborough Pete Andrew D'Agostini and University of St. Thomas graduate Drew Fielding, who will start the season in Brampton while Bryan Pitton skates with the St. John's IceCaps on a Professional Tryout contract.
The Beast will start the season with nine blueliners. The defense core is highlighted by a varied group of hard hitters, smart stay-at-home defenders and high-end puck distributors and scorers including returnees Mike Vernace, Jordan Henry, Dalton Thrower, Jeremie Blain, Reggie Traccitto and Tim Billingsley as well as newcomers Garrett Clarke, Justin Baker and Mike Folkes.
Up front, the 2016-17 Brampton Beast forward unit appears to be among the strongest and most potent in the ECHL. Brandon Marino highlights the list of high-octant forward returnees, which also includes 2015-16 Offensive Player of the Year Luke Pither, Fan Favourite Luc-Olivier Blain, Scott Jacklin, Chris Auger and Mitch Zion. The Beast have bolstered their forward lines with some of the most talented players the ECHL has seen in recent years, including former South Carolina Stingrays leading scorer David Pacan, former St. John's IceCap Brandon MacLean, FHL and SPHL sniper Chris Leveille, ECHL All-Rookie Team member David Vallorani and AHL mainstay Yannick Veilleux.
The 2016-17 Brampton Beast will play their Season Opener this Saturday night at WesBanco Arena against the Wheeling Nailers at 7:05PM.
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The Brampton Beast will be bringing their exciting brand of ECHL hockey back to the Powerade Centre this fall. Don't miss a minute of the action! 2016-17 Memberships are now available, starting at $34.78 plus HST per month.
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