Billy Rochefort re-signs with Seals
July 12, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
[CELEBRATION, Fla.] - As the game of hockey has evolved into an offensive showcase, one aspect hasn't changed: defense wins championships.
The Florida Seals took a step toward a title as Head Coach Tommy Stewart announced that defenseman Billy Rochefort has agreed to terms to return to the Seals' bench at the Silver Spurs Arena this fall.
"I loved playing in Kissimmee and the fans were great," said the 24 year old blue liner from Stratford, Ontario. "That was a big part of wanting to come back along with how well the players got along with each other and with Tommy (Coach Stewart)."
Son of former NHL defenseman Normand Rochefort, Billy style isn't flashy but it is steady. His plus minus for last season was a plus-18, tied for fourth best on the team with captain Steve Zoryk. He was also very dependable, playing in all 56 regular season games as well as every Seals playoff game.
Rochefort's stay at home style made him a perfect compliment to the Seals' offensive defensemen. At 6 feet 3 inches, his height and reach come in handy when opposing forwards try to beat him. During the post-season run to the finals, he took his game up several notches, adding some heavy hitting to his repertoire. He also plays a smart game, having taken only 19 penalty minutes last season - second only to Justin Keller for fewest PIMs on the team.
As with most Canadian players, he is very close with his family. Luckily for him, his isn't very far away.
"My family lives over in Sarasota (west coast of Florida) so they're just an hour and 40 minute drive away," he said. "It makes it easy for them to catch as many games as they want."
Like many of his teammates, losing to Knoxville in the SPHL finals left the big defenseman wanting more. Rochefort is also convinced that the Seals provide a very good opportunity to get another shot at the title.
"Losing left a bitter taste in my mouth," he said, noting that there was a sense of unfinished business following the finals. "I definitely want a chance to get back there and finish the job."
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SPHL Stories from July 12, 2006
- Billy Rochefort re-signs with Seals - Florida Seals
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