Pepperall returns to Greenville
August 9, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Grrrowl News Release
GREENVILLE, SC - The Greenville Grrrowl announced Tuesday that it has agreed to terms with last year's captain Colin Pepperall. The veteran appeared in every game for Greenville last season, leading the team in goals, points, game-winning goals, power play goals, and shooting percentage.
"Bringing Colin back was a priority for us this off-season," said Grrrowl General Manager Ryan Stewart. "He solidifies our middle with experience and skill. A veteran centerman is a commodity in this league. To have one who is truly a fan favorite is a luxury for us. Colin was dominant in the second half of last season, and he has all the tools and desire to continue that pace for the upcoming campaign. He's playing to bring another championship to Greenville, and that's the type of player we want on this team."
Pepperall played in Greenville during the team's inaugural season of 1998-99. He returned in 2000 and was an integral part of Greenville's Kelly Cup Championship team the following year. He made a return to the BI-LO Center to captain the Grrrowl last season, where he suited up for all 72 regular season games and all seven playoff games. When the season ended, the 27-year-old hadn't anticipated a return to Greenville.
"I had thoughts on retirement," said Pepperall, who lives with his fiancé in his hometown of Niagara Falls, Ontario. "But when the season started getting closer, I realized I just couldn't give it up. I love Greenville - the community, the organization, the coaching staff. This is not a time in my career that I want to start fresh anywhere else. I think Ryan and (John Marks) are doing a great job recruiting. I'm here for a championship."
Pepperall was drafted in the fifth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. The 5-11, 185-pound center began his junior career with the Niagara Falls Thunder of the OHL, then moved on to the Erie Otters before turning pro. The majority of his rookie season was spent in Greenville, where Pepperall notched 35 points in 55 games. He also played with Portland of the AHL and Indianapolis of the IHL as a rookie in 1998-99. In total, Pepperall has played 41 games in either the AHL or IHL, with stops in Hartford (AHL), Portland (AHL), Binghamton (AHL), Indianapolis (IHL) and Cleveland (IHL). In 2002-03, Pepperall suited up for six games with Manchester of the BISL.
Last season was one of Pepperall's most productive, as the veteran netted a career-high 26 goals and led the ECHL in shooting percentage, scoring on 19.8 % of his shots. Six times last season he recorded a three-point game, and led the team in power play goals with eight, and in game-winning goals with five.
Pepperall becomes the third player Greenville has agreed to terms with for the upcoming season, joining Allan Sirois and Jan Vodrazka.
"I played against Vodrazka since juniors and he's always been a great D," Pepperall said. "And Sirois' always one of the best players on the ice. I hope we can all gel together quickly and I can get off to a faster start than last season."
Pepperall will take the ice with his new teammates on October 21st, when the Grrrowl play in Columbia to open up the 2005-06 season. Greenville's home opener will be at the BI-LO Center the following night when the Grrrowl host the Charlotte Checkers on October 22nd at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call 864-467-4777.
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