Gorillas Sign Goaltender Lohtander
July 15, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 7/15/09 - Three-year Finnish Mestis league goaltender Tuomas Lohtander has signed with the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2009-10 season, the team announced Wednesday.
Tuomas Lohtander (pronounced TOH-mas LOH-tan-der) was among the top goaltenders in the Finnish Mestis league, averaging a 2.96 goals against average and a .919 save percentage over three seasons. Last season, Lohtander led the Finnish Mestis league in winning percentage (66%) and save percentage (.934).
"We're delighted to have Tuomas on our 2009-10 club," remarked Gorillas Head Coach Brian Pellerin. "The goaltending position is obviously a position of importance. I know that responsibility is something Tuomas is looking forward to."
During the 2007-2008 season, Lohtander was named the Finnish Mestis league's Most Valuable Player.
"The Gorillas are happy to welcome Tuomas to the Central Hockey League," expressed Gorillas General Manager Robert Simmons. "I am always asked by fans, âWill we have a quality goaltender this year?' Now I have an answer. Yes."
One notable Central Hockey League player from the Finnish Mestis league is Odessa netminder Juha Toivonan. Lohtander earned his Master's degree in education from the University of Joens in Eastern Finland.
Lohtander joins defensemen Neil Smith and James Jernberg as well as forwards David Nimmo, Austin Sutter, Gordon Bell, Joe Guenther, and Patrick Connelly for the 2009-2010 season.
The AMARILLO GORILLAS are now renewing season tickets for the 2009-10 season in âThe Jungle'! Renew your tickets today by calling (806) 242-PUCK (7825) and get a discount if paid in full by the beginning of July. Special deals on new season ticket holder packages are also available.
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Central Hockey League Stories from July 15, 2009
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- Gorillas Sign Goaltender Lohtander - Amarillo Gorillas
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