Dave Rattray returns to Gorillas Line-up
Published on September 27, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â He became an instant fan favorite for both young and old alike since his arrival in Amarillo, and now Dave Rattray will make it a full half-dozen seasons in the community this fall.
The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League announced today the signing of forward Dave Rattray. The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada native is Amarillo professional hockey's all-time penalty minute and games played leader. The Edmonton, Alberta Canada native set a mark in the 2003-2004 season when he amassed 1,000 career penalty minutes.
Rattray said he is looking forward to his third season in a Gorillas uniform and playing for Joe Ferras.
"The core group of guys that have come back are huge to the team's success and I think Joe has built on the group with the additions he has made so far," said Rattray. "We look like a strong physical and talented hockey club. I believe with the success we had last year and the talent we brought in that we will be a contender for the President's Cup."
"Dave had an outstanding season for us last year," said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. "He competes hard every night and is one of the top checking centers in the CHL who I can play head to head against anyone in the league."
Rattray was one of the key ingredients to the Gorillas run to the Central Hockey League semi-finals where he won some key face-offs as well as making his presence felt offensively and defensively. Rattray fired two goals in the team's first ever road playoff win over San Angelo.
The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada native appeared in all of the Gorillas 64 regular season games during the 2003-2004 season where he picked up 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points and 175 penalty minutes. In 11 playoff games, Rattray posted three points (2 goals and 1 assists) and had 27 penalty minutes.
"With a lot of new faces in the line-up this season, I will be looking to Dave to be a leader and go to guy both on and off the ice," said Gorillas Head Coach Ferras. "With the Ratts's skating ability, toughness and work ethic he will be vital to the continued success of our penalty killing unit."
In four prior seasons in Amarillo, Rattray appeared in 244 games and notched 46 goals and 65 assists for 111 points and 946 penalty minutes.
The 5-foot, 11-inch, 212 pound forward spent one season with the Tulsa Oilers in the former CHL where he had a career high 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points and 202 penalty minutes in 70 games.
There are less than 30 days until opening night Friday, October 22 when the Gorillas host the Odessa Jackalopes at 7 p.m. at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. Single Game seats will go on sale this Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the Gorillas Hockey Office located at 1934 Civic Circle.
Season ticket holders are reminded that all money is due by October 1 and that the Season Ticket Holders Party is set for Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes the skills and drills competition, a live jersey auction and food and drink. To reserve your place at the party call 242-7825 or go on line at www.amarillogorillas.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 27, 2004
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- Gorillas announce exhibition game and single game seats - Amarillo Gorillas
- Dave Rattray returns to Gorillas Line-up - Amarillo Gorillas
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- Laxdal trades whistle for hammer - Wichita Thunder
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