Gorillas sign Sam Hill
June 23, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas hope that the signing of another graduate of RIT can prove to be as successful as it was last season.
The Gorillas have signed former Rochester Institute of Technology standout Sam Hill to a contract for the 2003-2004 season. RIT was the same school that produced the 2002-2003 CHL Rookie Of The Year Derek Hahn.
Hill had a great four-year career at RIT where he scored sixty goals and added 64 assists for 124 points and 76 penalty minutes in 101 games. The Strathroy, Ontario native has finished among the top five on his team in scoring each of the last three years. He also led the team last year with 10 power play goals. He was known as a big game player for RIT netting the game winner with time expiring to help his school win the 2002 ECAC West Regular Season Title.
"It is great when you can pick up a winger with the size of Sam Hill," said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. "With the heavy shot and quick release that Sam has, it should pay off with a lot of great offensive opportunities in our building."
Hill said he is excited to be coming to Amarillo to play for the Gorillas.
"I have heard nothing but good things about Amarillo and how the city treats its players," Hill said. "I am looking forward to playing there. I hope that I can live up to the standard of RIT hockey that Derek Hahn set last year."
RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson says Hill will be a great edition to the Gorillas team. "Sam is a big strong physical player that can shoot the puck," said RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson. "He is best around the net and on specialty teams especially on the power play. He is a good teammate and great edition to your organization."
The six-foot, one-inch 215 pound was a product of the well known St Thomas Stars of the OHA Western Junior B Hockey League in Ontario. St. Thomas has produced well known players including Boston Bruins star Joe Thornton and Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars.
"When you get players that come from very successful hockey programs like RIT you know that you are getting a player that is very well coached and a quality kid," said Coach Ferras. "This should help ease Sam's adjustment to the professional game that will be a key ingredient in Amarillo's success this season." Sam Hill is the fifth player overall signed by the Gorillas, including Mark DeSantis, Henry Kuster Ryan Shannon and Scott Wray.
The Amarillo Gorillas are busily preparing for the 2003-2004 season and fans are encouraged to inquire about partial and full season ticket packages by calling their offices at 242-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 23, 2003
- Saints Re-Sign Speedy Forward - San Angelo Saints
- Silver Spur to Conduct Dance Auditions - Laredo Bucks
- Gorillas sign Sam Hill - Amarillo Gorillas
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