Phantoms Enthusiastic after NAHL Draft
May 23, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
FRISCO, Texas (Wednesday May 21, 2008) - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms stayed busy this weekend, making trades to sign key tenders as they try to replace the five veteran defensemen that have moved on following last season.
The Phantoms traded the rights to veteran Kyle Bailey to the Alaska Avalanche for their first two picks of the draft and a tender. With the tender, they signed defenseman Tyler Bowman, formerly of the Texas Tornadoes. Assistant Coach and Director of Player Personnel Curtis Carr has high hopes for Tyler. "We lost five veteran defensemen from last year. Tyler has played in the league before and has been a top defender on his teams and in the league, so we're looking for him to be a top defender for us."
The Phantoms then traded the pick acquired from Alaska and two more picks to Owatonna for two more tenders. They used these to sign forwards, and brother, Brandon and George Saad, formerly of the Midget Major Pittsburgh Hornets. "We're looking for the Saads to help replace our offensive losses. Brandon has lots of potential and a knack for scoring goals. George is a late bloomer that is very strong. We'll look to develop him into a power forward type player."
All tenders for the league had to be signed by midnight, May 19th.
The 2008 NAHL Robertson Cup Runners-Up made selections with their remaining seven picks in the draft. Assistant Coach Carr had plenty of positives to focus on for his incoming draftees. Due to league policy, the draft order of the players cannot be given.
The Phantoms selected:
Nate Brown, Defenseman, Team NXI Midget Major - "Nate is a very skilled defender who plays bigger than he is. He's extremely solid."
David Chaney, Defenseman, Bell Tire Midget Major- "David is a solid defender who makes big plays from the defensive zone. We expect him to be a playmaker and make simple plays."
Grant Gettinger, Defenseman, Cleveland Barons Midget Major - "Grant is a talented young defender with lots of potential. He can add a lot of offense from the defensive side."
Cody Ganchar, Forward, Mahoning Valley Phantoms Midget Major - "Cody is a solid player that does all the little things. He'll come back to black shots on the defensive end and is great on the penalty kill. He has a knack for scoring goals and will be solid on our front line."
Michael Gunn, Defenseman, Compuware Midget Minor - "Michael is a young, skilled defenseman with a ton of potential. We'll look for him to step in and be an offensive minded player and score points from the defensive side." Michael Pateras, Forward, Pittsburgh Hornets Midget Major - "Mike is a young forward that is strong and aggressive. He has a good shot and will be a solid forward."
Trevor Schively, Defenseman, Mahoning Valley Phantoms Midget Major - "Trevor is defensive defenseman who likes to block shots and play very physically. He does everything you ask of him and has proven to be a great leader for his teams in the past. We look for him to provide leadership for us."
The Phantoms will have an open tryout camp to fill remaining roster spots on May 29-31 at the Ice Zone. For more information or to sign up, contact Curtis Carr by phone at (330) 965-7500, or email to ccarr@fireworks.com.
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North American Hockey League Stories from May 23, 2008
- Phantoms Enthusiastic after NAHL Draft - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Bobcats Make Trade, Sign Tender - Bismarck Bobcats
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