GULLS BULK UP FOR PLAYOFFS

March 18, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


Teammates Laylin and Fitzgerald Join Squad

SAN DIEGO- The San Diego Gulls have signed veteran defenseman Cory Laylin and veteran forward Rusty Fitzgerald, the West Coast Hockey League club announced today.

This will be Laylin's second stint with the Gulls. He played on San Diego's 2001 Taylor Cup Championship team. The 5-foot-10 inch, 170-pound native of Minneapolis has played the majority of his career in Europe. Laylin played this season in Germany's DEL, one of the top leagues in Europe. He led the Iserlohn Roosters with 49 points (17g, 32a) in 58 games played. Laylin played in 27 games for the Gulls last season, registering 27 points (9g, 18a).

Fitzgerald is a newcomer to the Gulls organization, but was Laylin's teammate in Iserlohn. The 6-foot-1-inch, 185-pound native of Minneapolis lead the Roosters with 27 goals (sixth in the DEL) and ranked second behind Laylin with 45 points. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Fitzgerald in the second round (38th overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. Fitzgerald played 25 career games with the Penguins recording four points (2g, 2a). He's spent the majority of his career in the International Hockey League. Last season, Fitzgerald was given the "John Cullen Award," formerly named the "Comeback Player of the Year Award."

"To add two key, caliber players gives us a big boost for the playoffs," Gulls head coach and general manager Steve Martinson said.

To make room on the roster, Martin St. Amour will resume associate coaching responsibilities.

The Gulls finish their homestand this weekend against the Tacoma Sabercats. They host the Cats Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Floppy hats will be given to the first 5,000 fans on Saturday. Sunday's game is a Family Day, with "Skate with the Gulls" held immediately following the game. All games can be heard live on 1130AM-KSDO and at www.ksdo.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play.



ECHL Stories from March 18, 2002


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