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Grrrowl agree to terms with four more

September 7, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Grrrowl News Release


GREENVILLE, SC - The Greenville Grrrowl have come to terms with four more players for the upcoming 2005-06 season. JOHN SNOWDEN, LES HAGGETT, RORY McMAHON, and DEREK PARKER become the newest set of players added to the Grrrowl roster by General Manager Ryan Stewart.

"We're extremely pleased to come to terms with these young players," said Stewart. "They all offer different elements to our team. Snowden scores goals, McMahon is a key face-off guy, Haggett is a player who dishes the puck well, and Parker adds the element of toughness. The attribute they all possess, however, is character. They have all been praised by their former coaches and GM's as being heart and soul guys who put the team first. I think our fans will enjoy watching these exciting players."

Snowden was recently acquired by the Grrrowl in a three-team trade involving Texas and Alaska on August 26th. The 23-year-old set a Wildcatters record with 37 goals last season, good for third in the ECHL. An All-Star as a rookie in 2003-04, Snowden led the ECHL in shots last season and was named the Player of the Month for April with 10 goals and 14 points in six games. A native of Snohomish, WA, the 6-0, 205-pounder spent three seasons with Lincoln of the USHL, averaging over a point per game.

"I was extremely happy with the trade," said Snowden. "I loved the coaches and everyone in Texas, but we didn't win a whole lot there. Greenville's a team that's looking to win right away. I love the city, the fans, and the rink is first class."

Haggett latched on with the Kelly Cup Winning Trenton Titans last season with just 11 games left in the regular season. The 6-0,185-pound forward made an immediate impact, earning the ECHL's Plus Performer of the Month award with a +8 rating in April. He played in all 20 of Trenton's playoff games on the way to the ECHL Championship, contributing eight points on a pair of goals and six assists. The Norwood, NY native began the 2004-05 season as a senior captain at Brown University, where upon graduation he joined the Titans.

During his time at Brown, Haggett accumulated 101 points (35 goals, 66 assists) in 121 games. He was named Rookie of the Year, produced career-highs in goals (13) and points (33) as a sophomore, finished fourth in the ECAC in scoring as a junior, and centered Brown's top line his final three seasons. Haggett was named Second-Team All Ivy League as a sophomore, and became the first Brown player in over 10 years to record over 100 career points.

"I've heard good things about John (Marks) and Ryan, and I like that they've already signed some good veterans," Haggett said. "I've heard it's a beautiful city and the fans are great. And I like that Greenville's affiliated with Norfolk, since I have good connections there with (Mike Haviland)."

McMahon also comes to the Grrrowl from the US College ranks, having recently completed his senior season at Grrrowl Coach John Marks' former school, the University of North Dakota. The 6-1, 185-pound center excelled as an assistant captain his senior season, especially in the playoffs. McMahon netted 11 points in nine playoff games, including a three-point game in a Regional Semifinal win. He finished second on the team with a +8 rating in the playoffs, and helped the Fighting Sioux to the NCAA's Championship Game last April.

In an impressive collegiate career, the Perdue, Saskatchewan native accumulated 36 goals and 47 assists for 83 points in 158 games at North Dakota. McMahon set career highs in goals (14), assists (17), points (31) PIMs (55), and games (42) as a senior, while earning a spot on the All-WCHA Academic Team and a degree in Physical Education. Always one of the team leaders in face-off success rate, McMahon also contributed seven game-winning goals for North Dakota and nine power play goals. He was a +17 in 41 games as a junior, and played in 119 straight games to close out his collegiate career.

"Every player wants to play at the highest level," said McMahon. "Coming out of college, I want to be where I'm going to get the most playing time. And I've heard good things about John Marks. Hopefully they're true, and it'll be fun playing for a UND grad."

Parker led the CHL with 47 majors and 503 penalty minutes last season playing for the Wichita Thunder. He accumulated six goals and eight assists for 14 points while appearing in 54 regular season games. The 6-2, 215-pound forward set single-season Wichita records for fighting majors and penalty minutes, while setting the CHL single-season record with 45 major penalties. He recently competed in an event called "Hockey Enforcers," held in Prince George, British Columbia. The event saw 16 players compete in an on-ice, round-robin style fighting tournament, with bouts lasting 60 seconds and being scored by judges. Parker went 3-1, with his only loss coming to the eventual champion.

A native of Melville, Saskatchewan, the 22-year-old Parker played parts of four seasons in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Moose Jaw Warriors. Parker also spent time in the SJHL with his hometown Melville Millionaires, where in 2003-04 he set career highs in goals (12) assists (24) and points (36) while accumulating 308 PIMs.

"I assume the level of play will be better, " said Parker, referring to his move from the CHL to the ECHL. "There's more signed guys, more drafted guys, and the (ECHL) is scouted a lot higher than the Central League. I'm looking forward to playing in Greenville and being a part of this team."

The foursome join Colin Pepperall, Jan Vodrazka, and Allan Sirois as the other players acquired by the Grrrowl for the upcoming season.

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