Hope lies in a Spirit veteran and a newcomer
August 19, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alaska Avalanche News Release
The 2004-2005 North American Hockey League season is fast approaching. With new local ownership for the Springfield Spirit, which includes Robert Smith, Marty Brickey and Dr. John Putnam, the Spirit is ready to rumble.
Two keys that the Spirit will look to are returning defenseman Sean Erickson and newcomer Gregg Stutz in goal.
Erickson, who ended last season among the top 15 scoring NAHL defenseman with 30 points, will anchor the already-solid defense. Sean is a very mobile and smart defenseman who plays a big role for the Spirit. He is a great offensive threat with great hockey sense and the ability to create opportunities. The Spirit coaching staff is looking for Sean to have another great year.
Between the pipes for the Spirit, Minnesota- born Gregg Stutz comes to the Spirit after a brilliant high school career at Centennial High School, where he led his team to a Minnesota State High School Hockey Championship. Gregg was the first goaltender ever to record three consecutive shut-outs in the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals of the Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament.
With a successful recruiting class, including Matt Stahhely from Illinois, Mike Glaesmer from Michigan and a young solid defenseman from Wisconsin, Mike Ackley, the Spirit is already on top of the game.
The Springfield Spirit take the ice for the start of the new season on September 3 in a preseason game at Jordan Valley Ice Park. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Visit the Sprit official web site for further information about tickets and this season's schedule.
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