Miami Manatees Sign First Player
May 22, 2003 - World Hockey Association-2 (WHA2)
Miami Manatees News Release
MIAMI, Fla. - Miami Manatees Head Coach Zac Boyer today announced the signing of Kevin Swider, who finished second in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in goals (40) last season. Swider becomes the first player signed by the expansion Manatees, who will begin play in the World Hockey Association 2 (WHA2) this fall.
"Kevin has tremendous skills. He's a natural goal scorer with a great touch around the net," said Boyer, who will be entering his first season as head coach. "He'll be a key player in the Manatees' offense."
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward recorded 40 goals and 40 assists in 53 games during the regular season and a goal and two assists in six playoff games for the Knoxville Ice Bears. The Ice Bears finished the season in second place to Boyer's Orlando Seals and then were swept by the Seals for the championship.
"I think going down to Miami will be a great opportunity for not only me but also for the team and the city," Swider said.
"[Zac Boyer] knows how to get the team going. Watching him play last season, it was obvious he's a great player and that he really knows the game. He just finished his playing career, and he still has a player's mentality, which will be great for the guys he's coaching."
Before joining the Ice Bears, Swider played for the UHL Asheville Smoke where he collected 41 points (19G, 22A) in 38 games.
Swider and the rest of the Miami Manatees begin their season in late October at the Miami Arena. They will face the WHA2's Jacksonville Barracudas, Orlando Seals, Lakeland Loggerheads and a yet to be named Central Alabama team.
World Hockey Association-2 Stories from May 22, 2003
- Miami Manatees Sign First Player - Miami Manatees
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.
