SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers

Ice Flyers Add Goalie And Forward; Gilbert Holds U. Of Southern Maine

December 14, 2009 - SPHL (SPHL)
Pensacola Ice Flyers News Release


The Pensacola Ice Flyers announced today the signing of two new players, goalie Jamie Gilbert, and forward Dan Buccella. Gilbert holds the University of Southern Maine single-season save-percentage record with a 91.4% in the 2007-2008 season, and Dan Buccella has played in the SPHL since 2004.

Dan Bucella comes to the Ice Flyers from the Louisiana IceGators. The 6-1, 180 pound Buccella scored 20 goals in 50 games for the 2008-2009 Fayetteville FireAntz, adding five more goals in the playoffs. That same year he had 24 regular-season assists with six more in the playoffs.

"We're very fortunate to get Dan Buccella," coach Todd Gordon explained. "He's a defensive forward that can also score." Buccella broke into the SPHL in 2004 with the Hunstville Havoc, amassing 47 points in 56 games. After playing with the Youngstown Steelhounds of the Central Hockey League for a year, Buccella returned to the Havoc from 2006-2008. Last year Buccella advanced to the finals with the FireAntz, an accomplishment not lost on Coach Gordon: "He's been in the finals with this league; he'll provide us with a lot of leadership."

Gordon added a defensive piece to his chess set by picking up goalie Jamie Gilbert. "Adding young goalie Jamie Gilbert clears up salary room for our pursuits still trying to find a veteran defenseman," Gordon explained. Gilbert will use his 6-2, 195 pound frame to block the Ice Flyers' goal, something he did remarkably well for the University of Southern Maine.

Gilbert holds the USM single-season save-percentage record with a 91.4% in 2007-2008. Last season Gilbert picked up seven wins with the Huskies and another save-percentage over 90%. Gilbert started this season with the Louisiana IceGators of the SPHL. Ice Flyers fans may remember Gilbert from the Ice Flyers' November 28 game. The 1-0 Ice Flyers win saw Gilbert turn away 49 out of 50 Pensacola shots.

"I think our fans will see a much more balanced team," Gordon said. "We're excited about these guys."

In exchange for Gilbert and Buccella, the Ice Flyers traded forward Mike Tuomi to the Louisiana IceGators. Pensacola also waived goalie Chad Collins and forward Trevor Karasiewicz.

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