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IceDiggers set training camp roster

August 16, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alpena IceDiggers News Release


Alpena MI: The Alpena IceDiggers will open training camp on Tuesday September 4, 2007 with an on ice session beginning at 2:00PM. All IceDiggers practices will be open to the public.

Twenty seven players will report on Saturday September 1, 2007 at Northern Lights Arena looking to lock up one of the twenty four spots for the season.

The IceDiggers returns four forwards from last years squad, Alpena native Erik Peterson, Jimmy McCusker (Novi MI), Kerry Bence (St. Clair MI) and Mike DeGrazia (Novi MI). On the back end veterans Ben Kitzmiller (Lambertville MI), Evan West (Marysville MI) and Carl Nielsen (Lorain OH) return for another season in Alpena.

"We will be a young team so it is important for our returning guys to remain confident during the rough times, I feel we have added several good players to this years team and if we play the way we are capable of we will be ok." said 3rd year head coach Kenny Miller

Other veteran players that have spent time in the NAHL that will be attending camp are forwards Russ Anderson (St. Louis Bandits), Chris Perko (Fairbanks Ice Dogs) and netminder Nate Pellegrino (Alaska Avalanche). Tristan Harper (Scotland UK) spent time with the St. Louis Bandits last season before being sent down to the CSHL to play for the Junior "B" National Champs the St. Louis Jr. Blues.

Forwards Jerrod Hartman (Findlay HS), Jon Puskar (Compuware), Tyler Pilmore (Toledo Cherokee), Adam Kuhn (Michigan Ice Dogs), Andy Yarber (Compuware), Fred Burnham (Little Caesars), Ryan Timar (Michigan Ice Dogs) Pat Leonard (Compuware) and Brandon McConnell (Alpena Midget) along with the returning forwards will battle it out during training camp for the 14 forward spots available on this years roster. Cheboygan MI native Isaac Viau will also be in camp he spent the past two seasons playing Juniors in the NOJHL

"Each and every guy coming to camp needs to be at his best during the preseason to secure a spot on the team, we are going to have to make some tough decisions prior to the showcase in late September." added Miller

Defensemen that will be reporting for training camp include, JC Gulch (Toledo Cherokee), Cameron Small (Michigan Ice Dogs), Anton Thornquist (Victory Honda), Steve Tulgestka (Alpena HS) Tom Murphy (Texas Attack)

Dan Pason (Little Caesars) will handle the goaltending duties with Pellegrino this year for the Diggers'. "I really like the two guys we have in goal, they both have the ability to give us a chance to win every night if they play to their capabilities" said Miller

The IceDiggers open the regular season in Blaine MN at the NAHL Showcase September 19-22. Alpena plays Wichita Falls, Southern Minnesota, Fargo-Moorhead and North Iowa.

For more information please visit the clubs website at www.icediggers.com or call the main office at (989) 356-9812.



North American Hockey League Stories from August 16, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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