Sports stats



Pride Ink Trio from Merrimack

August 18, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz News Release


FLORENCE, SC – The Pee Dee Pride announced today that they have signed three rookies for the upcoming season. Forward Tim Reidy and defensemen Tony Johnson and Eric Pedersen all enter the pro ranks for the first time after wrapping up their collegiate careers at Merrimack College.

Reidy, a native of Shrewsbury, MA, played four seasons with the Warriors, racking up 42 points in 117 career games. Last season, he finished tied for fourth on the team with 20 points, and was third with 11 goals.

Johnson, a Woburn, MA native, posted 20 points on four goals and 16 assists last season. The 20 points were tied with Reidy for fourth on the squad, while his 16 helpers was tied for second. In his four-year career, Johnson tallied 49 points in 130 games.

Pedersen played three seasons with the Warriors, totaling 21 points in 97 games. The Saugus, MA native enjoyed his best offensive season last year, tallying 11 points in 36 games.

All three players come to the Pride as natural leaders: Pedersen was Merrimack's captain last season, while Reidy and Johnson served as alternates.

"This is a very good day for the Pee Dee Pride. All three of these kids come from a solid Merrimack program that plays in one of the strongest leagues in Division I hockey; Hockey East," Pride Head Coach Perry Florio said. "Tim will give us speed up front which we lacked at times last year. He will score goals and provide spark to our offense. He was an alternate captain last year along with Tony Johnson.

"Tony is one of the best two-way defensemen coming out of the east this year. He is a heady player, strong in his own zone and he will see time on the power play.

"Eric is another solid player and was the captain of the Warriors last season. He is a steady, intelligent puck moving defenseman. He will not be overly flashy, but he will be very effective. To get three players, all captains and roommates, from the same school is something we are very excited about."

Opening Weekend 2004 is right around the corner! The Pride host the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies on Friday, October 22, and the Augusta Lynx on Saturday, October 23. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. More details about opening weekend will be released in the near future.

Season tickets, flex plans and corporate partnerships for the 2004-2005 season are still available. For more information, or to place your order, visit the Pride office, located at the Florence Civic Center, or call (843) 669-7825.

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from August 18, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central