Gorillas add veteran forward to roster
September 29, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 9/29/08 - Head Coach Tom Coolen and the Amarillo Gorillas announced Monday the signing of veteran forward Sam Ftorek to the team for 2008-09.
Ftorek, who has spent most of his professional career in the ECHL, is a native of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. His father, Robbie Ftorek, played parts of 14 seasons in the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association. The elder Ftorek has also been a head coach for three NHL teams (Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Boston) over the past 20 years.
The 6'2", 189-pound right wing has notched double digits in goal scoring in each of his full East Coast Hockey League campaigns, with a career-high 33 goals coming with the Greensboro Generals in 2002-03. He recorded 19 goals and 32 points last year with Bloomington of the IHL, seeing action in just 28 contests after returning from a stint in Germany.
"He's been a proven goal scorer with some good ECHL hockey teams," said Coolen. "Everyone tells me he's got one of the hardest shots you'll ever see and he's a great student of the game."
The signing of Ftorek puts the number of veterans on the Gorillas' roster at three, alongside defensemen Jason Tessier and Shane Kenny. With ten professional seasons under his belt, Ftorek has played in various leagues, including the ECHL, IHL, and the American Hockey League. The forward's resume also includes stints in Europe, with teams in Switzerland, Germany, and England.
"He can finish as well as anybody in the league, and he's definitely got plenty of experience," Coolen continued. "He should be a fantastic part of our organization in Amarillo."
Ftorek becomes the 16th player under contract for the Gorillas in 2008-09. Training camp for the team will begin October 6, and is open to the public. The Gorillas' first pre-season game takes place October 10 against Southwest Division rival New Mexico. Tickets for the game are $5 (not including a $2 facilities fee) and can be purchased the day of the game at the Amarillo Civic Center box office.
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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