ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Pair of Forwards Bolsters Road Warriors' Roster

Published on September 15, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


GREENVILLE, SC -The Greenville Road Warriors, ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, announced today that they have signed forwards Brendan Connolly and Sean Berkstresser for the 2010-11 season.

"Brendan Connolly and Sean Berkstresser are both solid additions to our team. They are experienced professionals who possess a lot of character and play a similar style of game; gritty, hard-working, willing to do whatever it takes to help the team be successful," said Road Warriors head coach Dean Stork.

Connolly, 25, is entering his second full season of professional hockey. The Road Warriors initially acquired his rights, along with the rights to Maxime Gratchev and Wes Cunningham, in a trade that sent Thomas Beauregard from the Johnstown Chiefs to the Elmira Jackals. Connolly placed 10th on the Jackals with 26 points (12G, 14A) in 2009-10, and was the fourth-highest scoring Jackal in the playoffs with five points (2G, 3A) in five games. He also racked up 81 of Elmira's league-leading 1721 penalty minutes.

"I signed with Greenville because Coach Stork is an upfront, honest, hard working guy looking to prove himself as a head coach, and I can really relate to him. I'm an honest, hard working player looking to prove myself in Greenville. Coach Stork has done a great job in putting a team together that can win and I look forward to getting there and helping the team win," said Connolly

The 5-8, 175-pound forward from Dawson Creek, British Columbia scored a highlight-reel goal last season. Before turning pro he played four seasons of college hockey at Ferris State University. He totaled 81 points (35G, 46A) and 286 penalty minutes in 147 games with the Bulldogs.

A third-year pro from Apollo, Pennsylvania, Berkstresser is coming off of a career-high point total last season. He racked up 43 points for the Johnstown Chiefs, finished second on the club with 21 goals in 69 games, and also served as an alternate captain. The 6-0, 210-pound forward tied for the team lead with two shorthanded goals in 2009-10 and chipped in five power play goals. He played in 129 games for the Chiefs over his career totaling 65 points (29G, 36A) and 139 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro he suited up for the Robert Morris Colonials (NCAA) and registered 67 points (30G, 37A) in 137 games.

"I've heard nothing but good things about Greenville and I'm looking forward to being part of a championship-caliber team. I am totally committed to doing whatever it takes to make our team successful. Playing for the Road Warriors gives me the best opportunity to win the Kelly Cup and to move up to the next level," said Berkstresser.

Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of hockey's return to the Upstate! Season tickets for the Greenville Road Warriors' 2010-11 campaign are on sale now and you can reserve yours for as little as $100. To get your season tickets visit the Bi-Lo Center Box Office, point your web browser to www.greenvilleroadwarriors.com, or call the team's office at 864-250-4868.

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ECHL Stories from September 15, 2010


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