Former Blazer, Jackalope signs with Gorillas
September 12, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 9/12/08 - The Amarillo Gorillas and Head Coach Tom Coolen announced the signing of experienced CHL player John Kozoriz (pronounced ko-ZORR-iz) for the 2008-09 season Friday.
Kozoriz, acquired as part of the deal that sent Bill Vandermeer to Oklahoma City earlier this summer, has spent the last four seasons playing in the Central Hockey League. The 5'11", 190-pound center played his junior hockey with Oshawa and Mississauga-Kozoriz played at the collegiate level with the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada.
"(Kozoriz) will get good minutes and play in some crucial situations for us this season," said Coolen. "He has been a solid player in the Central Hockey League and he'll be a good player in Amarillo."
A native of Komoka, Ontario, Kozoriz saw his best CHL season in 2005-06, scoring 51 points with the Odessa Jackalopes. During that same season, he played in eleven playoff games for the Jackalopes, scoring three goals and ten points to lead all Odessa skaters.
Hampered by injury over the last two seasons, Kozoriz skated in just 12 games for Odessa in 2006-07, before playing in 26 contests for the Jackalopes last season. He was acquired by Oklahoma City midway through the year, and saw action in 16 games for the Blazers, despite sitting out over a month near the end of the season.
"He's a proven player in the league," Coolen elaborated. "He moved around a few times last year and we hope that he will regain his form that he had with Odessa a few years ago."
Kozoriz is the 12th player signed under contract in Amarillo for the 2008-09 season. Gorillas training camp for 2008 will begin Sunday, October 5 at the Amarillo Civic Center.
Enjoy all the benefits of being an Amarillo Gorillas season ticket holder, including pregame meetings with Coach Coolen and one-of-a-kind access to special events! Gorillas season tickets for 2008-09 are available by calling (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Gorillas office at 901 Buchanan in Amarillo.
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Central Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2008
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