Florida Seal announce opening night roster
October 20, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
[KISSIMMEE, Fla.] -The preseason is almost officially over. For 18 months the Seals have changed many things and finally the first roster in Florida Seals history can be released.
Head Coach Tommy Stewart has picked many familiar faces to Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) fans and even one former Orlando Seals will break camp with the new Seals. Leading the team will be veterans John Gurskis, center/assistant coach and Captain Steve Zoryk.
Joining the veterans from the Macon Trax roster are forwards David Deeves, Crag Miller, Dominick Dawes, Andrew Katzberg, who played in New Mexico last season and Ryan Rivard, defensemen Art Mnatsakanov and Craig Geerlinks, and goaltender Terry Denike.
"Why mess with success?" asked Stewart. "We had a good run the last two years and I knew I had a good core. I have brought in some new faces as well that I expect will turn into a championship caliber team."
The new players to Stewart's system include forwards Ryan Baker, Justin Wise and Justin Kaput, defensemen Billy Rochefort, Trevor Hammer, and Lawne Snyder, and goaltender Morgan Smietana. Defenseman Nick Cammarata, a former Orlando Seal, was also signed to the roster with a five game tryout contract.
"I expect the new players to my system to play key roles as well," said Stewart. "All of these guys I have seen play and been impressed or have come very highly recommended by people I trust."
Fans can check out the roster page on the Florida Seals website for jersey numbers, personal and statistical information about their favorite Seals players. Go to http://www.floridaseals.com/roster.asp day or night for all the information.
The Florida Seals begin their first Southern Professional Hockey League season this Friday night against the Knoxville Ice Bears. The game can be heard on Talk Radio 1190 WAMT. Fans outside of Central Florida can hear the game through the station's website at www.wamt1190.com. The puck drop is set for 7:30pm EDT.
Get ready for the home opener Saturday, October 29 at the Silver Spurs Arena. The puck will drop for the first ever hockey game in the Silver Spurs Arena at 7:35 pm versus the Jacksonville Barracudas. Magnet schedules and Cheerstix will be given out to the first 3,000 fans. In addition, enjoy the Zooperstars performances throughout the game and 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Captain Mike Eruzione.
To reserve your season tickets or find out more about partnerships with the Seals call the office at
(407) 343-PUCK or go to www.floridaseals.com. Single game tickets for exciting Seals hockey start as low as $10 for an individual and $6 for groups.
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