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CHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Re-Sign Three, Add European Defenseman

September 15, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


INDEPENDENCE, Missouri- Missouri Mavericks' President and General Manager Brent Thiessen announced Thursday the club has re-signed three players from the 2010-11 season and a Latvian defenseman. Defenseman Steven Later, goaltender Gerry Festa and forward Mike Berry all return, and defenseman Janis Brakss has also signed.

"We are thrilled to bring back these three returning players and adding a new face to the roster," said Thiessen. "We are now at a total of 29 players in our training camp which will make this the biggest camp in our history. These players are competing for 19 roster spots and we expect a lot of great competition throughout training camp."

Later, 27 (9/12/84), rejoins the Mavericks after an impressive 27-game stint last season, including playoffs, where he recorded 14 points on three goals and 11 assists in 18 regular-season games and nine playoff games. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native labored through most of the postseason, as he suffered a knee injury in the first round of the playoffs against Wichita. Later was acquired via trade with forward Todd Griffith from the Texas Brahmas in exchange for Sean Muncy late last season. This will be Later's fifth professional season and second with the Mavericks.

Mike Berry, 28 (6/28/83), returns to Independence after an impressive 57-point campaign for the Mavs last season. The Kanata, Ontario native notched 27 goals along with 30 assists and finished first on the team in goals scored and second in points. Berry also tied his career high in goals and set a new career high with a +10 plus/minus rating. This will be Berry's fifth professional season and second with the Mavericks.

Gerry Festa, 27 (1/18/84), returns for his third season with the Mavericks. The veteran goaltender held down the reserve goaltender spot last year, spelling 2010-11 CHL Goaltender of the Year Robby Nolan. Festa posted a 3.11 goals-against average to go with his .894 save percentage. In two seasons, the Calgary, Alberta native has a 16-13-3 record with the Mavericks and has compiled over 2000 saves in 38 games played with Missouri.

Joining the Mavericks for his first professional season in North America is Janis Brakss, 24 (6/12/87). Brakss spent the last two seasons in the French Elite League, with Avignon and Montpellier. The Riga, Latvia native brings a disciplined game across the pond, recording just 92 penalty minutes overall in the last two seasons. The 6-foot, 190-pound blueliner recorded 12 points on five goals goals and seven assists in just 26 games last season with the Montpellier Vipers. Through 52 games with Montpellier, Brakss recorded 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points.

The Missouri Mavericks will begin their third season in the Central Hockey League in October. The Mavericks play their home games at the state-of-the-art Independence Events Center where parking is always free. Individual game tickets will go on sale on September 17, and season tickets are on sale now starting at just $11 per game. Call (816) 252-7825 for more information or visit www.MissouriMavericks.com .

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