Frostbite Sign Goaltender with NHL Experience

Published on July 23, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Adirondack Frostbite News Release


Glens Falls, NY – The Adirondack Frostbite, member of the United Hockey League (UHL), today signed goalie Derek Gustafson, it was announced by Frostbite Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Marc Potvin. Gustafson was signed by Minnesota as a free agent in June 2000 and was up and down between the Wild and Houston Aeros (AHL) for the next two seasons. As per team policy, terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Gustafson, 25, played in five NHL games with Minnesota and picked up his first win in his first start, 4-1 over the New York Islanders on March 9, 2001. Last season, between the pipes for the Louisiana IceGators (ECHL), he had 28 wins and a goals against average of 2.09. The Oregon native was runner up for ECHL goalie of the year and named to the All-ECHL Second Team.

"The signing of a goalie like Gustafson, who has a wealth of experience in the AHL and NHL, is significant for our franchise," said Potvin. "Goaltending was a major concern of ours this off-season and we feel that Derek was the best goalie available."

Before joining the IceGators, Gustafson spent the majority of the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons with Houston where he was named an AHL All-Star and skated with Frostbite player Sylvain Cloutier.

"Derek was the reason we were a first place team in Houston," said Cloutier. "Derek's a goalie that will go out there and win you games. He's a competitor and hates to lose." Before turning pro, Gustafson spent one year at St. Lawrence University where he led his team to the ECAC Championship, was named ECAC Rookie of the Year, Tournament MVP and NCAA East Regional Tourney MVP.

Gustafson becomes the sixth player to sign with the Frostbite for the 2004-05 season. He joins left wing Hugo Belanger, right wing Frank Littlejohn, center Sylvain Cloutier and defensemen Scott Drevitch and Henrik Bergfors.

Season Tickets for the 2004-05 season are on sale now at the Frostbite front office located at the Glen Street entrance of the Glens Falls Civic Center. Tickets may be purchased at the office from 9AM to 6PM Monday through Thursday and from 9AM to 5PM Friday or by calling 926-PUCK. Also, kids may vote now on the name of the new Frostbite mascot. Go to www.frostbitehockey.com to vote or for more information.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 23, 2004


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