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Portland Pirates Announce 2015-16 Season Opening Roster

October 9, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates, proud AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, today announced the full 24-man roster for the start of the 2015-16 American Hockey League Season. It includes a total of 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goalies.

Only one player returns from last year's squad, the 2014-15 Portland Pirates Most Valuable Player, goalie Mike McKenna. This will be his third season with Portland under a third different affiliation. He played for Portland in 2007-08 while the Pirates were affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks, and last season as an Arizona Coyotes affiliate.

This season's roster includes a total of four rookies: goalie Sam Brittain, forward Kyle Rau, and defensemen Mike Matheson and Josh Brown.

Portland Pirates Season Opening Roster (Numerical)

1. Sam Brittain (G)

2. MacKenzie Weegar (D)

3. Jonathan Racine (D)

8. Brent Regner (D)

9. Wayne Simpson (RW)

10. Rob Schremp (C)

11. Shane Harper (RW)

12. Brett Olson (C)

13. Chase Balisy (RW)

14. Sena Acolatse (D)

15. John McFarland (LW)

19. Garrett Wilson (LW)

20. Corban Knight (C)

21. Mike Matheson (D)

22. Logan Shaw (RW)

24. Cameron Gaunce (D)

26. Rob Flick (LW)

28. Wade Megan (LW)

36. Vinny Saponari (RW)

39. Greg McKegg (C)

42. Kyle Rau (LW)

44. Yann Sauve (D)

45. Josh Brown (D)

56. Mike McKenna (G)

In addition, the Portland Pirates also announced that Brent Regner will be the team captain for the 2015-16, and that Garrett Wilson, Cameron Gaunce, and Brett Olson will serve as alternate captains.

Regner, a 6-foot, 190 pound defenseman from Westlock, Alberta, will serve as an AHL team captain for the second straight year. He wore the "C" for the Chicago Wolves last season. The 26 year-old is entering his seventh pro season and joined the Panthers organization on a two-year, two-way contract in July.

Wilson, a 6-foot-2, 199 pound left wing from Barrie, Ontario, embarks on his fifth season as a pro. A Panthers' Fourth Round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the 24 year-old has played the majority of the last four seasons with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage. Wilson has also played five games over the past two seasons with Florida. He will wear an "A" for all 76 games.

Gaunce, a 6-foot-1, 203 pound defenseman from Markham, Ontario, begins his sixth pro season, joining the Pirates from the AHL's Texas Stars. The 25 year-old joined the Panthers organization after signing in one-year, two way contract in July. Gaunce will wear an "A" for 38 games this season.

Olson, a 6-foot, 185 pound center from Superior, Wiscosin, returns to the Panthers organization after signing a one-year, two way contract in May. The 28 year-old enters his fourth pro season, playing with the San Antonio Rampage last season and the Abbotsford Heat the previous two years. Olson will also wear an "A" for 38 games this season.

Portland's regular season opener will be at the Dunkin Donuts Center this Sunday, October 11 against the Providence Bruins at 3:05 p.m. Join "Voice of the Pirates" Jeff Mannix for the call of the game on the WPEI Portland Pirates Radio Network, Presented by Napa Auto Parts, on 95.9 and 95.5 FM, starting with the Pirates Pregame Show at 2:45.

The Portland Pirates begin their first season as the top affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers in 2015-16! The Pirates 23rd AHL home opener is set for Saturday, October 17 at Cross Insurance Arena against the Hershey Bears! Game time is 7:00 p.m. Home opening weekend continues with another game against Hershey on Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 p.m. Full-Season, Half-Season and 10 Game Season Ticket plans are on sale right now! Log onto portlandpirates.com or call 207-PIRATES to lock in your seats today!

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