Blazers Add to Defensive Corps

August 14, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed goaltender Jason Fricker and defensemen Derek Stone and Ryan Rome head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Fricker returns for a second season between the pipes for the Blazers. The 5-9, 180-pounder posted a 15-9-4 record, 3.13 goals against average and .896 saves percentage in his rookie season. The diminutive Fricker is no stranger to success. He was named an all-star three times during his career in college and won three colligate national championships.

Stone, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Leduc, Alberta will begin his third season as a professional, second with the Blazers. The steady, stay-at-home defenseman appeared in 52 games for Oklahoma City last season, picking up 13 points (3-10-13) while serving 76 penalty minutes.

Joining Stone on defense will be second-year defenseman Ryan Rome. In 63 games played in his rookie season, Rome scored 10 points (3-7-10) while serving 144 penalty minutes. The gritty, versatile rearguard also played on the left wing at times during the 2001-02 season.

"All three improved as last season went on and should be able to contribute to the success of our team," said Sauter. "We need to have a greater amount of toughness on the blueline and I expect Stone and Rome to assist in that aspect. Fricker has developed into a very good goaltender and I expect him to help share more of the load this season."

The signing of these three brings the number of Blazers signed for the 2002-03 season to 13. That trio joins Peter Arvanitis, Peter Robertson, Ryan Campbell, Jared Dumba, Tyler Fleck, Dave Shields, first-year defenseman Kane Ludwar and CHL All-Stars Marty Standish, Blair Manning and Jonathan Dubois on the Blazers preseason roster.

The Blazers begin training camp on Monday, October 7 at the Blazers Ice Centre, with the season opener slated for October 18 against the Austin Ice Bats. Season tickets are currently on sale. For more information, call 235-PUCK (7825).



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