Blizzard into pre-season preparation with 14 newcomers in camp
September 16, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
The Minnesota Blizzard Junior "A" hockey team welcomes 14 new faces to its roster, as it prepares for its second season in the North American Hockey League.
The team assembled for its daily workout schedule on Tuesday, September 7, in preparation for the season, which begins September 23.
Among the 14 individuals who are new to the Blizzard roster in 2004-05, three have previous junior hockey experience. Forward Rylan Galiardi (Calgary, Alberta), previously spent time with Calgary, of the AMHL. Forward Ryan Hawkins (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) joined the Blizzard after playing with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, while forward Dan McCauley (Blaine, Minnesota) was previously part of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs roster, of the NAHL.
The newest goalie to the Blizzard roster is Clay Nestor (Glenwood, Minnesota), who completed a stellar high school career in Fergus Falls, Minnesota last winter.
New defenseman on the Blizzard squad include Bobby Kuehl from St. Paul, who graduated from St. Paul Johnson High, the alma mater of the late hockey coach, Herb Brooks. Paul Henderson (Menomonie, Wisconsin), Mark Horbacz (Mora, Minnesota), and Chris Johnson (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota) will also play as defensemen for the Blizzard in 2004-05.
Among the new forwards on the Blizzard roster for this season is one of Alexandria's own, Andrew Olson, who comes in off an outstanding high school season last winter, helping the Alexandria Cardinals grab a share of the Central Lakes Conference title.
Dan Swanson (Menomonie, Wisconsin), Dylan Decker (Faribault, Minnesota), Scott Motz (Maplewood, Minnesota), Sam Windsor (Plymouth, Minnesota), and Brian Baker (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota) also join the Blizzard as forwards for the 2004-05 season.
These 14, along with 11 returning Blizzard veterans, will open their season Thursday, September 23 in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a three-game weekend series versus the Ice Dogs. Full schedule details are on the official web site of the Minnesota Blizzard.
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