Gorillas defense gets stronger with signing of Eric Andersen

Published on September 8, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


AMARILLO, TX – The defense of the Amarillo Gorillas was one of the stingiest in the Central Hockey League last season and it could be that way for the upcoming year.

The Gorillas announced that they have re-signed veteran defenseman Eric Andersen for the 2004-2005 season. Andersen is firmly planted in Amarillo where he makes his home with his wife Joy. Eric owns and operates a fence company (Andy's fence) during the summer months, and will begin his sixth season of professional hockey in the city.

"I am really excited to play for the Gorillas again," said Andersen, who begins his sixth season in Amarillo. "People have treated me very nice over the years. We have made some improvements over the last couple of years and this is the year to make a run at it.

"We knew we were good enough to beat Laredo and we just couldn't get it done. We have talent, grit and now playoff experience behind us that will serve us well."

Andersen was a main stay on the Gorillas blue line when paired with Ryan Shannon. The duo became one of the top defensive pairings in the CHL and tough for other teams to play against. Andersen enjoyed a career year with the Gorillas appearing in all of the team's 64 games. The Swan River, Manitoba native netted five goals and added seven assists for 12 points and 143 penalty minutes. Andersen appeared in 11 playoffs and had no points but 35 penalty minutes.

"For the last two years our focus has been to build a solid defensive corps," said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. " By signing Andy, this gives us another outstanding stay at home defensemen that challenges himself every night and puts winning as his number one priority when he puts on the Gorillas jersey."

In five previous seasons in Amarillo, the 6 foot-one, inch 203-pound defenseman has appeared in 165 games and picked up five goals and 21 assists for 26 points and 466 penalty minutes.

"Eric has great size and is willing to compete and play hard in the tough areas," said Ferras. " With the addition of Andersen, Shannon, DeSantis, Corneau and Fels our team toughness should be fine this season."

Eric Andersen is the 13th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2004-2005 season.

Full and partial season ticket packages are on sale now at the Amarillo Gorillas hockey office located at 1934 Civic Circle, just off of I-40 and Georgia or by calling 242-7825.

The Amarillo Gorillas also announced today that the ice will available starting September 28 for bookings and that the first public skate will take place on Saturday, Oct. 2 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to p.m. Admission for public skating is $4 and $2 for the rentals.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 8, 2004


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