Blazers add three new faces to roster

Published on August 6, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed defenseman Ryan Waldner and forwards Bobby Reed and Brennen Francon, head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Waldner, a 6-2, 200-pounder from Edmonton, Alberta played the last three seasons with the University of Western Ontario. Over those three seasons with the Mustangs, he recorded 22 points (4-18-22) while serving 84 penalty minutes in 57 games. Prior to his stint at Western Ontario, he skated in 45 games over two seasons with Grant MacEwen College, recording 28 points (6-22-28) and serving 131 penalty minutes.

Reed, a 6-1, 191-pounder from Huntsville, Ontario played parts of the last six seasons with St. Francis-Xavier University in Nova Scotia. In 125 games over those six seasons, he recorded 39 points (17-22-39) and served 108 penalty minutes. Prior to his collegiate career, Reed played one season in the pro ranks with the Tupelo T-Rex of the former Western Professional Hockey League. In his first pro season, he amassed 17 points (5-12-17) and served 56 penalty minutes. During his final season of junior hockey with the Moncton Wildcats, he showed a gritty side, recording 20 points (10-10-20) and serving 197 penalty minutes in 67 games.

The 6-0, 180-pound Francon hails from Red Deer, Alberta. Last season, he played 40 games with the Columbus Cottonmouths, recording 27 points (8-19-27) and serving 113 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro, he played in three seasons at the junior level with the Nainamo Clippers. In 155 games over those three seasons, he scored 139 points (50-89-139) and served 270 penalty minutes.

"These players all bring experience to the table with their tenure at other levels," said Sauter. "Waldner is a strong, steady defenseman who is known to be a mature player and who plays the game well. Francon is a former linemate of Bill Vandermeer in Nainamo. Last season, he played in Columbus on their top line in the postseason after playing through injuries most of the regular season. Reed has a year of experience as a pro, plus two extra seasons at the university level. He is a versatile player who can play all three forward positions."

Waldner, Reed and Francon bring the number of players signed by the Blazers for the 08-09 season to 10. They join forwards DJ Jelitto, Jason Murfitt, Simon Lambert, Bill Vandermeer and Ted Vandermeer defensemen Stacey Bauman and Justin Sawyer and goaltender Andy Franck on the Blazers roster.

The Blazers 17th season of play commences October 17 at the Ford Center against the Tulsa Oilers. Season ticket packages are available now by calling the Blazers office at 235-PUCK.

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