Bombers Re-Sign Acrobatic Goaltender Ayers and Sign Sought-After OHL Speedster
Published on August 2, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release
The Dayton Bombers have re-signed goalkeeper Mike Ayers and signed speedy centerman Geoff Platt.
Ayers carried the goaltending load for the Bombers last season, holding opponents to under three goals per game and saving more than 1,400 shots on goal in 51 games played for Dayton.
The acrobatic style and competitive spirit of the 25-year-old native of Massachusetts has made Ayers a fan favorite in Dayton. He attended the University of New Hampshire where he was an All-American goaltender for the Wildcats before turning pro in 2004.
"Without much help in front of him last season, he showed flashes of brilliance out there," said head coach Don MacAdam. "He's working hard in the off-season. I think he'll pick up right where he left off last season."
"I'm looking forward to being back in Dayton," said Ayers in a phone interview Tuesday. "I'm working Hockey Schools right now and getting ready for the start of the season with the Bombers."
Platt was highly sought-after in this year's push for free agents. The 20-year old from Mississauga, Ontario was voted the fastest skater in the OHL last season and should provide some offensive punch for the Bombers this season.
After four years in the OHL with both the Saginaw Spirit and last season with the Erie Otters, Platt had his best year in 2004 as the league's second leading scorer with 45 goals and 34 assists in 68 games. He got on the ice with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL for just two games at the tail end of last season, logging two assists in two games.
"Geoff really has an excellent future in the game," said head coach Don MacAdam. "We need to enjoy him while we can." Platt's grit and speed make him an offensive threat on the ice, an area the Bombers hoped to improve on this season, according to MacAdam.
"He has ability as good as this league will see."
The Bombers open their season on October 22 against in-state rival, Toledo. Contact the Dayton Bombers office at (937) 775-4747 for ticket information for the 15th anniversary of Dayton Bombers Hockey.
ECHL Stories from August 2, 2005
- Neilson Back for Third Season With Ice Pilots - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Neilson back for third season with Ice Pilots - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Ice Dogs Add Rookie Defenseman Luke Fritshaw - Long Beach Ice Dogs
- Gladiators Veteran Brown Returns for Third Season - Atlanta Gladiators
- Bombers Re-Sign Acrobatic Goaltender Ayers and Sign Sought-After OHL Speedster - Dayton Bombers
- Parsons and Olynick Agree To Terms - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL, TeamWork Online Announce Partnership - ECHL
- Chiefs To Have Fan Trip on the West Coast - Johnstown Chiefs
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