Danbury Trashers sign key hockey veterans

Published on July 7, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Danbury Trashers News Release


Danbury, Conn._ The Danbury Trashers announced today the signing of three key veterans that should make the expansion team highly competitive in its first year of United Hockey League play.

Brent Gretzky, Scott Stirling, and Jim Duhart will be looked upon to anchor the Trashers in their first year league competition this fall.

"We have an outstanding core of players who bring first-class hockey skills and leadership. These guys are minor-league veterans who will provide an exciting product for the City of Danbury," said Trashers coach J. Todd Stirling.

Gretzky, whose brother Wayne, is perhaps the greatest professional player of all-time, has carved out a successful minor league career and has played brief stints with the Tampa Bay Lighting of the National Hockey League. Last year he scored 81 points in 63 games, including 43 goals, with the UHL's Port Huron Beacons.

Stirling was the MVP of the East Coast Hockey League last year as a goalie for the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies posting a 31-13-5 record in the net. He has been the league's top rated goalie the past three years. Stirling will be coached by his older brother, Todd. Their father, Steve, is head coach of the New York Islanders.

Duhart is a hard-nosed winger who is a UHL All-Star. He has scored 766 points, including 403 goals, in his 13-year career. He played the last four years for the Flint (Mich.) Generals.

Trashers president A.J. Galante said the signing of the three veterans will make the Danbury team a league force once the puck drops for the team's first game on Oct. 15 at the Danbury Ice Arena.

"This will make us legitimate contenders for the Colonial Cup in our first year. These guys will provide us with a solid foundation and give us the quality of play we'll need to be competitive."

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 7, 2004


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