Gorillas sign john dean
Published on August 21, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX â One of the Central Hockey League's most exciting rookies last season has signed with the Amarillo Gorillas and has also earned another special reward.
John Dean, who was known for his quick rushes up the ice and his intense play, inked a contract to play with the Gorillas for the upcoming season. Dean had a standout 2001-2002 freshman season in Amarillo of the CHL where he was one of the ironmen on the squad, missing just one game, (63 of 64 games played) and notching 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points and 62 penalty minutes.
The newest Gorillas forward will be heading to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend training camp with the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League in mid-September. It is a great accomplishment for the young Canadian to be able to demonstrate his impressive skills in front of the Utah Grizzlies coaching staff. "We're very fortunate to get John back," said Joe Ferras Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations. "John was one of our best players all season long, he plays with passion and intensity that as a coach you love to see."
The Don Mills, Ontario native had an outstanding training camp in Amarillo and then continued his great work all-season long, leading by example with great plays. Dean had some incredible performances last season, including a two-goal game where he helped power Amarillo to an impressive win over the Oklahoma City Blazers.
The 6-foot-4 â 221-pound left winger played his entire major junior hockey career with the North Bay Centennials of the Ontario Hockey League. In three-plus seasons, he had 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points and 130 penalty minutes in 178 games.
"It's great that John will be attending Utah's training camp," said Gorillas coach Joe Ferras. "He has been training very hard all summer and I know he will do very well. When you are only 21 years-old and 6'4" with the grit and skating ability that John has, there is a lot of upside. I am confident that John can play at the next level."
One of John Dean's personal accomplishments was scoring the winning goal to propel the Thornhill Rattlers to the Ontario Provincial Junior A Championship.
John Dean is the 14th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2002-2003 Central Hockey League season. Other inked include: Brian Pellerin, Mark DeSantis, Chris Robertson, Todd St. Louis, Scott Wray, Ryan Shannon, Dave Rattray, Eric Andersen, Shawn Degagne, Steve Debus, Ben Maidment, Justin Schabes and Joe Degenstein.
The excitement is drawing closer to opening night on Friday, Oct. 18 for the Amarillo Gorillas in the Central Hockey League. Season Tickets and Game Packs are available and for more information contact 806-242-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 21, 2002
- 'Kings add major sting to blueline - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Gorillas sign john dean - Amarillo Gorillas
- Oilers Sign Dallas Anderson - Tulsa Oilers
- Rookie Blueliners Join Blazers Roster - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Bucks Add Two More - Laredo Bucks
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