Gorillas Re-Sign John Dean
Published on July 31, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â One the Amarillo Gorillas' ironmen from last season has re-signed for his third season of hockey in the city.
John Dean, who is characterized for his great speed and hard-work ethic, will dawn the Gorillas' black, red, white and grey for a second season. Dean, who appeared in all of the Gorillas' 64 regular season games and four playoff games, had 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points and 56 penalty minutes. In the post season, the Don Mills, Ontario native potted two goals and three assists for five points.
"I am really pleased to get John back in a Gorillas jersey," said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operation and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. "Deaner is an excellent skater and plays with so much passion and heart that makes him such a vital part of our line up."
John Dean said he is happy to be back in Amarillo for another exciting season.
"Amarillo is like a second home to me, having played here for two years under coach Joe Ferras," Dean said from his Don Mill, Ontario home. "We have made great strides with some of the signings Joe has made defensively and up front. We did so well last year in making the playoffs, and that was one of the main reasons for coming back."
Dean bursted upon the scene with Amarillo of the Central Hockey League in 2001-2002 where he appeared in 63 of 64 games, netting 17 goals and pitching in 16 assists for 33 points and 62 penalty minutes.
Dean's excellent rookie debut helped to gain him attention of scouts and prior to last season, he attended the training camp of the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League.
"Amarillo gave me a chance and Joe believed in my abilities," Dean said. "I want a shot at winning a championship and Amarillo deserves that chance, too."
"I am looking for John to build on last year's performance, especially his great play in the last part of the season and playoffs," said Coach Ferras. "He is a quality person who comes from a great family, and brings a lot of character to our dressing room."
John Dean is the 11th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 season in the Central Hockey League.
The Amarillo Gorillas will open up their season on Saturday, Oct. 18 when they travel to Lubbock to face the Cotton Kings at 7 p.m. at Lubbock Municipal Coliseum.
The home opener for the Gorillas is set for Friday, Oct. 24 when they entertain the expansion Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at 7 p.m.
Partial and Full Season Ticket packages are on sale for the Amarillo Gorillas and for further information please contact 242-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 31, 2003
- Killer Bees Create Even More Buzz - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- 2 More Rookies Get Their Halos - San Angelo Saints
- Gorillas Re-Sign John Dean - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas Tax-Free at Westgate Mall - Amarillo Gorillas
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