Pride Set for Opening Weekend

October 20, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz News Release

FLORENCE, SC – The Pee Dee Pride announced today the season-opening roster for the 2004-2005 season.

The roster is highlighted by six players returning from last year's team: goaltender Sebastien Laplante, defenseman Adam Elzinga, right wing Jeff Szwez, center Kyle Kidney, and left wings Eric Naud and Allan Sirois. Defenseman Jan Vodrazka returns to the Pride for the first time since the 1998-99 season. The veteran has spent the last five seasons in the International and American Hockey Leagues.

Five players will be making their professional debuts: defensemen Tony Johnson and Matt Maglione, center Gregg Johnson, left wing Mark Mullen and right wing Kevin Cooper.

There are eight players who enter their first season with the Pride: goaltender Nick Boucher; defensemen Tyler Kindle, Jake Wiegand, and Darryl Green; centers Brian Collins and Chad Sprurr; right wing Michael Chin; and left wing Pat O'Leary.

Spurr and Tony Johnson will begin the season on the injured reserve list, giving the Pride two active goaltenders, six defensemen and 10 forwards.

"We are very optimistic about the 2004-05 season," Pride Head Coach Perry Florio said. "Training camp went very well and we feel like we have a team that will contend for the East Division title. Opening weekend should be exciting for players and fans alike."

Opening Weekend 2004 is right around the corner! Friday the Pride host the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come to the game early to tailgate in the civic center parking lot while listening to the music of local band Paradigm. All fans in attendance will receive a free rally towel courtesy of Wachovia Bank.

On Saturday, the Pride host the Augusta Lynx, also at 7:30 p.m. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Pride magnetic schedule courtesy of SCE&G. Following the game, the Pride in conjunction with Archadeck of the Pee Dee; BB&T; Griggs-Floyd & Grantham, Inc.; and Micky Finn's present the Blue Dogs in concert.

Group tickets for all Pride home games are now available. In addition to receiving discounted tickets, groups of 15 or more are also eligible for group raffles, and will have their name announced over the PA system and printed in the game-day program. For more information, or to reserve your tickets today, call the Pride office at (843) 669-7825.

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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.

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