Blizzard Acquire NAHL's Biggest Player
September 27, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
ALEXANDRIA, Minn.-They say bigger is better. That was the thinking Thursday as the Alexandria Blizzard aquired the biggest player in the North American Hockey League. Taylor Vichorek - all 6 feet 8 inches and 250 menacing pounds of him - is expected to make his Blizzard debut Friday night in Fargo, ND against the Fargo-Moorhead Jets. He was acquired in a trade from the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We found out at the Showcase last week that we needed to get bigger and tougher, particularly on defense," said Blizzard coach Brad Willner. "Taylor certainly fills the bill. He is a big, tough defenseman who will make opponents pay the price in our zone."
Vichorek, 19, hails from Moose Lake, Minn. Since joining Fairbanks last season, he has appeared in 57 games, recording 2 Goals and 11 Points. Perhaps most importantly - given the role he plays - Vichorek posted 185 penalty minutes.
"I am excited to be here," Vichorek said. "I think I can help this team. Coming from the Southern Division, we played it pretty physical in Fairbanks and that's my game. I also like to open up the ice with the long pass, too."
The 2006 graduate of Cloquet High School will wear No. 21 for the Blizzard. "It's great to be back closer to home."
More Roster Movement Expected
The Blizzard are not through tweaking their roster. Forward Tony McDonald (New Brighton, Minn.), a highly-touted rookie from Totino-Grace, has moved on after appearing in just three games for the Blizzard. His destination remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the team is expected to make more roster moves in the week ahead.
"That's the nature of the business," Willner said. "We have to get better as a team."
The Blizzard travel to Fargo for games Friday and Saturday night against the Jets, the defending Central Division regular season champions. Alexandria returns to the Runestone Community Center October 12-13 for its home opening weekend against the Alaska Avalanche.
NEXT UP: at Fargo-Moorhead, Sept. 28-29
North American Hockey League Stories from September 27, 2007
- Blizzard Acquire NAHL's Biggest Player - Alexandria Blizzard
- IceDiggers hosting meet the team dinner - Alpena IceDiggers
- IceDiggers open home schedule - Alpena IceDiggers
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