Danbury Whalers Sign KHLer Solarev & McCauley from the ECHL
December 5, 2013 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Danbury Whalers News Release
The Danbury Whalers are proud to announce that Forward Ilya Solarev has signed an agreement join the team. Solarev will be in the lineup tomorrow night when the team faces the Watertown Privateers.
Solarev, a native of Kazakh, was a 9th round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2001 NHL Draft. For the past four seasons he has been playing professionally in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) which is the Russian equivalent of the National Hockey League (NHL).
In four seasons with Barys Astana of the KHL, Solarev has tallied 15 goals in 119 games.
Prior to this season, Solarev received a 2-year ban from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) following a positive test for Salbutamol, a banned substance, under the World Anti-Doping Code. Salbutamol is used by Solarev to treat his asthma condition and helps to control the pulmonary issues he suffers from. During this test period, Solarev was found to have taken over 1600 micrograms in a 24 hour period. The medication is allowable, however, it was the dosage level and the time frame with which he took it that caused the suspension.
Through research of this drug there has been no performance enhancement related to its use.
Solarev commented through Danbury Whalers Forward and translator #22 Igor Karlov with the following statements:
On being in Danbury, Connecticut:
"I am excited to be in the United States. This is the first time I have seen America and can't wait to travel. I especially am looking forward to seeing the tall buildings of New York City. While there, I also I plan on paying my respects to where the World Trade Center was."
Playing in the KHL:
"The talent level is so tremendous there. The World Class players are unbelievable. Where the game is different that I can see already is the skill and quickness on the Olympic size sheet of ice versus the smaller rink in the North American game. There is more hitting and less finesse here."
Eating in America:
"For the most part I have been cooking and preparing traditional Russian meals. The Russian way is a structured meal with soup, salad, and then the entrée. What I have seen here is that I love Chinese food. It is very good, but I would love to experience the meals of America while I am here."
The Suspension:
"I suffer from asthma. There is not much to say. I made a mistake on my dosage. I look forward to continuing my hockey career and thank the Danbury Whalers for giving me this opportunity and believing in me."
Solarev is now the 5th former NHL draft pick to play for the Danbury Whalers, joining Steve McClellan (Colorado Avalanche), Mike Brown (Boston Bruins), Ed Campbell (New York Rangers), and Eric Lind (Pittsburgh Penguins).
For further information on Ilya Solarev and the Danbury Whalers, contact Herm Sorcher at hsorcher@thedanburywhalers.com or call 973-713-7547.
Danbury Whalers Sign Forward Myles McCauley
The Danbury Whalers are proud to announce that Forward Myles McCauley has signed an agreement to join agreement to join the team. McCauley will be in the lineup tomorrow night when the team faces the Watertown Privateers.
McCauley, a native of Sterling Heights, Michigan, comes to the Whalers after playing 12 games in the ECHL last season with the Greenville Road Warriors and Evansville Ice Men.
At 22 years old, McCauley is 6'1 200 pounds and has played 34 professional games. His Junior Hockey career includes stops in two top rated leagues including the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Omaha Lancers and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Plymouth Whalers, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and the Peterborough Petes.
While with the Plymouth Whalers during the 08-09 and 09-10 seasons, McCauley was a teammate and played on a line with former Boston Bruins and current Dallas Stars Forward Tyler Seguin. Seguin was the #2 overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft and has scored 68 goals in the National Hockey League.
For further information on Myles McCauley and the Danbury Whalers, contact Herm Sorcher at hsorcher@thedanburywhalers.com or call 973-713-7547.
Buffalo Wild Wings Teacher Appreciation Night Friday, December 13th
Free Wings, Beverage, & Whalers Hockey
The Danbury Whalers and Buffalo Wild Wings of Danbury have announced the 2nd Annual Teacher Appreciation Night. This event will take place on Friday, December 13th when the Whalers take on the Dayton Demonz.
On this night, Buffalo Wild Wings extends an offer to all area teachers. Receive a complimentary ticket to that night's Whalers game and enjoy a complimentary pre-game meal of wings and a beverage of your choice at Buffalo Wild Wings.
There is ZERO cost to the teachers and they can take advantage of this great offer by signing up with an email to the Whalers front office at hsorcher@thedanburywhalers.com
If you are interested in participating in this event send an email to secure your spot right away and we will contact you once the date has been set.
Buffalo Wild Wings with over 750 national franchises, opened in 2010 on 26 Backus Avenue in Danbury. Evan Manes and group, Four M Capital, the owners of the Danbury franchise, own nine franchises throughout the New York - Metro area.
Evan Manes noted on this promotion, "We had a great turnout last year with over 100 teachers attending. We love the idea of thanking our educators and giving them a fun night at our restaurant and with the Whalers."
For more information on Buffalo Wild Wings in Danbury, check out ww.buffalowildwings.com
The Danbury Whalers are the Federal Hockey League's defending champions. The team is currently in first place. The repeat is underway.
For more information on the Danbury Whalers, check out www.thedanburywhalers.com or call 973-713-7547.
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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from December 5, 2013
- Danbury Whalers Sign KHLer Solarev & McCauley from the ECHL - Danbury Whalers
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