Gorillas acquire Roger Holeczy from the Rio Grande Valley Killler Bees
Published on May 13, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas continue to complete trades that occurred during the 2003-2004 season and today announced the acquisition of forward Roger Holeczy (pronounced Ho-leh-kee) from the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.
The acquisition completed the trade of defenseman Brandon Carper to the Austin Ice Bats.
"With the loss of Shawn Roed we needed to fill that position and Roger will do that for us. He is an excellent skater that will be counted on for both the power play and penalty kill. He is also an American which is very important," said Gorillas Assistant Coach Brian Pellerin.
Holeczy appeared in all 64 games for the Killer Bees during their inaugural 2003-2004 season and notched nine goals and added 28 assists for 37 points and 28 penalty minutes. The five foot, eight inch 170 pound forward also notched three power play goals and added one shorthanded.
Holeczy, a native of Lake Forest Illinois, was part of a hard-working line that included former Amarillo hockey star Bill Newson and gritty forward Ryan Shmyr. He co-led the Bees in shorthanded points (5) and led the team in shorthanded assists with 4.
Rio Grande Valley Head Coach Tracy Egeland says he is a small guy who plays big.
"Roger competes hard every shift and he plays with a lot of heart," said Coach Egeland.
Holeczy played US juniors in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with Dubuque and then advanced to an NCAA Div. I career at Northeastern, where he was a teammate of Killer Bees forward Bill Newson. The two-time captain holds Northeastern's all time "Iron Man" record with 145 consecutive games played. Holeczy netted 29 goals and added 71 points for 100 points in 145 games.
Once he completed school, Holeczy spent part of a season with the New Orleans Brass of the ECHL. In the 2001-2002 season, Holeczy played in Germany and also with the Greensboro Generals and the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the ECHL. In 31 games, the gritty forward posted nine goals and chipped in 10 assists for 19 points and 39 penalty minutes.
In the 2002-2003 season, Holeczy spent time with St. Pete's and Winston Salem of the former ACHL and Pensacola Ice Pilots of the ECHL where he netted 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points in 42 games.
"He was a fan favorite in Rio Grande Valley and I am sure our fans will embrace his hard work and skill," said Pellerin.
Season Tickets are currently on sale for the 2004-2005 season for the Amarillo Gorillas. Fans who book now and have their tickets paid in full by June 1 can save 10 per cent off the price. There is a $50 deposit required per seat and all tickets must be paid in full by October 1. For further information on the full and partial season ticket plans that are available drop by the Gorillas Corporate Office at 1934 Civic Circle off of I-40 and Georgia or call 242-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 13, 2004
- Saints Receive Tourism Award - San Angelo Saints
- Gorillas acquire Roger Holeczy from the Rio Grande Valley Killler Bees - Amarillo Gorillas
- Shmyr Re-Signs With Bees... Holeczy to Amarillo - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
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