IceGators sign four to contracts

October 1, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release


Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana IceGators have signed wings Dennis Shiryaev and Konstantin Kalmikov, center Armands Berzins (BARE-zinch) and former NHL goalie Derek Gustafson to contracts for the 2003-04 season. Head coach and vice president of hockey operations Dave Farrish announced the signings at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. Shiryaev and Kalmikov, both natives of Kharkov, Ukraine, attended the event, as did Berzins.

Shiryaev (pronounced SHUR-yev), 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, enters his third campaign with Louisiana, having compiled 35 points (13g, 22a) and 388 penalty minutes in 99 games. The 25-year-old had his season cut short with a knee injury in late January after compiling 12 points (4g, 8a) and 106 penalty minutes in 34 contests. Overall in parts of five pro seasons, Shiryaev has 57 points (22g, 35a) and 748 penalty minutes in 209 games. Shiryaev also got his first taste of AHL hockey last season, playing two games with Houston, where he picked up a fighting major. In his first season with Louisiana in 2001-02, Shiryaev picked up a team-high 282 penalty minutes.

"Dennis really showed his versatility last year," said Farrish. "He is without a doubt one of the top fighters in the ECHL. But he also showed flashes of offensive brilliance. When he was on a line with Bruce Richardson and Daniel Goneau, he averaged more than a point per game. We were sorry to see his season cut short, but we expect great things from Dennis in 2003-04."

Kalmikov (pronounced KAL-mu-kov) played the entire 2001-02 campaign with Louisiana, and also saw action in three games with the IceGators last season. Kalmikov (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) played the majority of 2002-03 with AHL Bridgeport. Kalmikov notched 19 points (10g, 9a) in 60 games with the Sound Tigers and had four points (1g, 3a) in his three-game March stint with Louisiana. In 2001-02 with the IceGators, Kalmikov had 47 points (20g, 27a) and was a league-best plus-43 in 67 games as part of the team that finished with the most points in ECHL history. Overall in 373 professional games, mostly at the American Hockey League level, Kalmikov has posted totals of 142 points (55g, 87a) and 75 penalty minutes. The 25-year-old Kalmikov was a third-round pick (No. 68 overall) of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft at the age of 18.

"We are excited to have ‘Kosta' back in our lineup," said Farrish. "He was such an integral part of our record-setting team. He's got a great shot from anywhere on the ice, especially his off-wing side. Our fans enjoyed having him back for that weekend last year and they will get to see him for another full season."

Berzins, who stands 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, was a fifth-round pick (No. 155 overall) of Minnesota in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The Riga, Latvia, native has played two seasons of junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, racking up 78 points (41g, 37a) and 81 penalty minutes in 122 games with Shawinigan. Berzins, who is just 19, was key in the post-season for Shawinigan in 2002-03, picking up five points (4g, 1a) in just nine games. Berzins recently attended the Wild training camp.

"Berzins is really the kind of guy who can anchor a top line for you," said Farrish. "He's big and has a lot of strength, especially for being so young. Minnesota thinks pretty highly of him. We can't wait to see what he will do at the professional level."

Gustafson, who played two games with Louisiana in 2002-03, is entering his fourth pro season, and his first as non-Minnesota Wild property. The Wild inked Gustafson after one fine season at St. Lawrence University. Gustafson spent a majority of the past three seasons in the American Hockey League with Chicago and Houston and sports an impressive 51-34-9 mark with a 2.77 goals against average at that level. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Gresham, Ore., has five games of NHL experience with Minnesota, going 1-3-0 with a 2.26 goals against average. Gustafson was 1-1-0 with a 4.07 goals against average in his two-game stint with Louisiana last February. The 24-year-old was an AHL All Star last season with the Aeros during the midst of a 23-14-2, 2.82 goals against average season. In 117 overall pro games, Gustafson has a record of 57-41-9 with a 2.74 goals against average.

"It's rare that we get the opportunity to have a goaltender with this kind of experience," said Farrish. "Gus is still only 24 years old but will help all of our younger players along. He's got more than 100 games of American Hockey League experience, plus some time in the NHL. The Wild organization raved about Derek. He's a great goalie, but even more important a super person. The short time he spent here last season showed us so much about both his ability and his attitude. He's going to be a great asset for our team and our community."

The IceGators will go through physicals at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at 315 S. College St., with the first on-ice practice Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Louisiana HockeyPlex in Carencro.

Louisiana opens the season at Mississippi on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:35 p.m., before the Sea Wolves make a return trip for the IceGators' home opener Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7:05 p.m. Individual tickets, starting at just $10 for adults and $9 for kids (ages 2-12 in any level) are now on sale at the Cajundome Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Opening Night will feature a Chris Valicevic jersey retirement ceremony.

Full season ticket packages, half season plans and Ice Packs are also on sale now and can be purchased by calling (337) 234-4423. Full season packages start at just $288, while children ages 4-12 can have season tickets for only $225 in any level, including rink side, with an adult purchase.



ECHL Stories from October 1, 2003


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