Gorillas announce signing of goaltender Steve Briere
Published on August 10, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League announced the signing of proven starting goaltender Steve Briere for the 2004-2005 season.
Briere, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, has spent the past two years with the Fife Flyers of the British National League. In the 2003-2004 season, Briere backstopped the Flyers to the BNL Championship. He was chosen as Most Valuable Player in the League as well as in the All-Star Game.
"I am very excited about Amarillo," Briere said from his home in Winnipeg. "I needed a change in my life and to go somewhere were we had a good chance to win. Joe (Ferras) has a good shot at winning. He is a great coach and this is a dream situation."
"At the Central Hockey League level, we know how important it is to have great goaltending, we are very fortunate to have a goaltender of Steve Briere's caliber," said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. "Having two successful years in the ECHL and then going over to play in the British National League in Europe, where he was selected the most valuable player, Briere should be a great addition to the organization."
Before heading overseas to play in England, Briere spent the 2001-2002 season with the Cincinnati Cyclones and the Toledo Storm of the East Coast Hockey League. In a combined 50 games with the two division rivals, Briere had a record of 17-22-6 and a Goals Against Average of just over 3.5 per game.
Frank Pieterangelo, Briere's agent, and former National Hockey League goaltender, as well as longtime friend of Joe Ferras says people in Amarillo will be happy to have Steve as part of the team.
"Steve is a very consistent goaltender with a big heart and wants to be the best," Pieterangelo said. "He is driven guy who wants to be at the top of his game and by the end of the season he will be close to if not there. Steve is well liked by his peers and he has had great success.
"I know the fans in Amarillo are losing a favorite, but be patient with Steve â he is a great kid and will be a welcome addition to have in the community. Just give him a couple of games and Steve will be a fan favorite without a doubt."
Briere had an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers where he was a teammate of current Gorillas Darren Curry and Tyler Butler. In a brilliant three-year career at the University, Briere had a 28-9-4 record with a Goals Against Average of just under three per game.
"One attribute that Steve carries with him -- is a player with a tremendous work ethic and love of the game, said Ferras. "We are looking for great things from Steve and know that he will be a tremendous asset both on and off the ice and a great leader for our hockey club."
Briere began his professional career in 1999-2000 with the Memphis RiverKings of the former CHL where he appeared in seven games and compiled a record of 2-4-0 and a Goals Against Average of 3.27.
The 5-foot, 8-inch, 160-pound puck stopper then moved on to the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the East Coast Hockey League where during the 2000-2001 season. He had a 19-17-3 and a 2.88 Goals Against Average. In that season, Briere also spent time with his hometown Manitoba Moose of the former International Hockey League and the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League.
Steve Briere is the seventh player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2004-2005 season joining his friends Darren Curry and Tyler Butler as well as new friends and teammates Mark DeSantis, Derek Hahn, Ryan Shannon, new faces Mike Corneau and Ken Fels as well as rookie Bill Cass.
The Amarillo Gorillas face off their 2004-2005 regular season on Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m. when they host the Odessa Jackalopes at 7 p.m. at The Jungle. Fans are encouraged to purchase their season tickets, and a $50 deposit is required and tickets must be paid in full by October 1. Drop by the Gorillas hockey office at 1934 Civic Circle, just off of I-40 and Georgia, or call 242-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 10, 2004
- Eagles Getting Ruff - Colorado Eagles
- Saints Sign Weisgerber - San Angelo Saints
- Bucks Ink Elliott - Laredo Bucks
- Gorillas announce signing of goaltender Steve Briere - Amarillo Gorillas
- Tarantulas Sign Brannen - Topeka Tarantulas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
