Bombers Captain Labenski Returns For 2008-09 Season
Published on July 29, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release
Dayton, OH - Dayton Bombers Head Coach Bill McDonald announced today that veteran defenseman and two-time team captain Greg Labenski has signed a contract for the 2008-09 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"It's great to be back for another season and to get another chance at a championship," Labenski said. "I've made Dayton my home and it feels good to have the opportunity to play here,"
Labenski enters his 11th professional season, and fourth with the Bombers. The Welland, Ontario, native first skated in Dayton during the 2000-01 season and returned for the 2006-07 campaign. Last year Labenski led all defensemen on the squad with 39 points (6g,33a) and finished second on the team with 112 PIM.
"He's the cornerstone of our team," McDonald said of Labenski. "He's just a competitive guy that hates to lose, and that rubs off on the rest of the team."
Throughout his professional career, which includes more than 80 games played in the American Hockey League, Labenski has skated in 617 regular season games and an additional 97 playoff games. He has tallied 296 points (68g,228a) in the regular season and 30 (4g,26a) in the post-season.
"There aren't too many guys like him out there," said McDonald. "He works hard day in and day out and plays hard every game. He's a great leader to have in the dressing room."
Labenski was an integral part of the Bombers' run to the 2007 Kelly Cup Finals. He appeared in all 22 games of the post-season and had 10 points, including a pair of goals in the Bombers come-from-behind victory in Game 5 of the American Conference Finals over the Florida Everblades.
"I just have that drive in me to win," the defenseman said. "Hopefully this new crop of guys plays with that same sense of urgency and competitiveness that will make us a successful team."
Prior to his return to Dayton Labenski won a Colonial Cup Championship with the Kalamazoo Wings (UHL) in 2006. He was also a participant in the 2005 UHL All-Star Classic where he had a goal and an assist.
Labenski has also played for the Cleveland Barons, Houston Aeros and Syracuse Crunch of the AHL; the Cincinnati Cyclones, Louisiana Ice Gators and Toledo Storm of the ECHL and the Canadian National Team.
So how does the 30-year-old feel about competing in a league with a bunch of 20-somethings?
"I've been fortunate to have some of my best seasons as I've gotten older, so I don't think that age is much of an issue in my case."
Save the date! The Bombers will open their 2008-09 campaign at the Nutter Center on Saturday, October 18 against the rival Cincinnati Cyclones! Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 775-4747.
Season tickets for the 2008-09 Bombers 18th Anniversary season are on sale now! Renew your seats today with a $50 deposit per seat. New season ticket information is available in the Bombers office or by contacting (937) 775-4747. For ticket information visit www.daytonbombers.com.
ECHL Stories from July 29, 2008
- Condors ink Roussin - Bakersfield Condors
- Phoenix native Bryan Esner joins RoadRunners - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Enforcer Dougherty Returns to Bombers Lineup - Dayton Bombers
- Romfo Re-Signs with Stingrays - South Carolina Stingrays
- Bombers Captain Labenski Returns For 2008-09 Season - Dayton Bombers
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