Gorillas acquire rights of three from Oklahoma City
Published on July 22, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 7/22/08 - The Amarillo Gorillas Tuesday announced the acquisition of three players from the Oklahoma City Blazers.
The Gorillas acquired the rights to Gordon Bell, Ryan Watson, and John Kozoriz in exchange for the rights to Bill Vandermeer.
Watson, the Blazers' second-leading scorer last season, scored 25 goals and 55 points, while collecting 46 penalty minutes in 63 games. Over his last five seasons in the Central Hockey League, Watson has eclipsed the 20-goal-plateau three times.
Bell has spent the last two seasons with Oklahoma City after playing two years with St. Mary's University in Canada. With the Blazers in 2007-08, Bell tallied 36 points and 89 penalty minutes in just 49 games. The talented center pieced together eight multi-point games last season.
Kozoriz, meanwhile, is a four-year Central Hockey League veteran. Despite spending the latter part of last year on the injured reserve, he managed 19 points in 42 games between Odessa and Oklahoma City. While with the Jackalopes in 2005-06, Kozoriz finished fourth in team scoring, enjoying career highs in goals (26), assists (25), and points (51) during that season.
"Bill (Vandermeer) was exploring options with two European teams and it was fairly clear he was not coming back to the Gorillas," said Amarillo Owner Randy Sanders. "So we thought it was best to acquire three incredibly talented players for him rather than lose him for nothing. As an organization, we feel this deal brings us closer to becoming a championship-caliber squad. We wish Bill luck in his future endeavors and hope that he makes Amarillo his home again in the future."
The Oklahoma City-bound Vandermeer has played the last two seasons in Amarillo, scoring 84 points during the 2007-08 campaign.
"Amarillo Gorillas: Guaranteed Fun!" Enjoy all the benefits of becoming an Amarillo Gorillas season ticket holder, including pre-game meetings with Coach Coolen, merchandise discounts, and more! Gorillas season tickets are available by calling (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Gorillas office at 1934 Civic Circle in Amarillo.
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