Ice Cats Eye ECHL Goalie
Published on October 13, 2003 under International Independent Hockey League (IIHL)
Ohio Valley Ice Cats News Release
The Ohio Valley Ice Cats have announced a verbal commitment from an American-born goaltender hoping to see lots of action this winter.
The Ice Cats are the new Athens-based pro hockey team in the International Independent Hockey League (IIHL). The home opener at Bird Arena is on Saturday, Dec. 6 and tickets are expected to go on sale Oct. 18.
The IIHL is aiming to carve a niche for itself within the pro hockey world by serving as a development "feeder system" organization at the bottom of the minor league ladder. The league is restricting rosters to no more than 6 foreign-born players to create more pro opportunities for Americans in a sport currently dominated by Canadians and Europeans.
Goalie Terry Craven of East Hamilton, New York is the perfect example of a player who can benefit from IIHL action.
He's currently at training camp with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. He was the No. 3 goalie last season with the ECHL's Lexington Men O'War after previously serving similar roles in the United Hockey League with the Asheville Smoke and Mohawk-Valley Prowlers.
"I want to play, that's what I need right now and Athens might give me that opportunity," Craven said in extending a verbal commitment to the Ice Cats organization. He also picked up a year of coaching experience as an assistant at the college level after his NCAA career with Massachusetts College.
IIHL officials have made it clear they want to develop American coaches as well as develop more opportunities for American players. Craven wouldn't mind a coaching career later, but is hoping right now to realize his dreams of reaching the NHL.
He may have a better chance of advancing by taking the ECHL route since teams it has clearly been the top AA league for moving up players during the past few years.
Wheeling's ECHL franchise is within easy driving distance of Athens if Craven can impress the Nailers coaching brass enough at training camp this week to consider making him their No. 3 man. He could play full-time with the Ice Cats to hopefully improve his game or get an opportunity later in case of an injury to one of Wheeling's two goalies or a call-up.
The Nailers are affiliated with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and Pittsburgh's AAA affiliate (Wilkes-Barre Scranton) in the American Hockey League.
The Ice Cats are also hoping to choose a Head Coach by Oct. 22 and they will reveal a new web site later this week.
International Independent Hockey League Stories from October 13, 2003
- Ice Cats Eye ECHL Goalie - Ohio Valley Ice Cats
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