Potential Ice Cats Get Chance to Shine

October 3, 2003 - International Independent Hockey League (IIHL)
Ohio Valley Ice Cats News Release


Potential Ohio Valley Ice Cats could be lacing up their skates later this month to begin their journey to a pro hockey roster spot.

The Ice Cats will play 20 home dates from December until April at Bird Arena on the campus of Ohio University. They will compete in the all-new International Independent Hockey League (IIHL).

The IIHL announced an agreement today with Bob Gergerch of Pittsburgh to become Tryout Camp Director. Gergerich owns International Hockey College (IHC) and is President of IHC Scouting and Player Placement Services. He announced that potential Ice Cats can show their skills in a free agent tryout camp for South Division teams on Oct. 30-31 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Gergerich has plenty of connections to American talent. He runs an annual exposure camp for junior age players and conducts an annual free agent pro tryout camp in Niagara Falls that has directed many players to professional contracts on minor league AA-level teams.

Gergerich, who played pro hockey in Europe and in North America, is a Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA) certified Player Agent.

He has also instructed and directed many schools throughout North America and Europe with IHC during the past 20 years. He played his junior hockey in Canada and is a certified USA Master Hockey Coach. He has placed many of his students on college, junior and professional teams. Gergerich was a Sports Management major in college and writes many articles in hockey and fitness publications on instruction, conditioning and exposure.

Gergerich is currently arranging the South Division free agent tryout camp in Michigan as one of two free agent tryout camps for prospective IIHL players. They will be in addition to the new pro league's "Draft Camp" where invitees will be on display before all of the IIHL coaches and general managers in a two-day event that will conclude with a draft.

Every player drafted will be invited to IIHL training camps that begin on Nov. 24.

The IIHL is a new A-level pro league where players will be paid an average of about $500 monthly. The league restricts rosters to no more than 6 foreign-born players.

The IIHL schedule will be announced on Oct. 11 when the final list of first-year cities is revealed with the official launching of a league web site..

Home schedules have already been revealed to local media at press conferences by the Ice Cats, Southern Michigan Super Wolves and Northern Michigan Predators. The Super Wolves will be based at Chelsea's Arctic Coliseum and will play 7 games at Yost Arena on the campus of the University of Michigan. The Predators will play at the all-new Polar Bear Ice & Fitness in Harbor Springs.

A Lansing-based franchise has secured a lease to play home dates at Munn Arena on the campus of Michigan State University. An ownership group and the club's management staff will be announed next week.

Details on the "Draft Camp" and each of IHC's free agent tryout camps will be available within a few days. Gergerich can be reached by telephone at (412) 835-3801.

Anyone interested in working with the Ohio Valley Ice Cats can contact the IIHL office at (810) 249-7351. The new pro club has interviewed a number of local candidates for various positions and will open an office in Athens on Oct. 13. Opening night for the Ice Cats at home is Dec. 6 at Bird Arena. Tickets will be available to the public on Oct. 18.



International Independent Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2003


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