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Richmond adds youth, experience and toughness

September 13, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Richmond RiverDogs News Release


Richmond, VA - The Richmond RiverDogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, today announced a trio of signings which included a pair of familiar names to the area.

The Dogs added young right wing Bill Vandermeer, fellow winger and former RiverDog Kris Waltze and center Chris Ferguson.

Vandermeer, 21, is the second-youngest member of a group of locally renowned stick-handling brothers. The eldest, Peter, 29, inked a contract with the Montreal Canadiens earlier this summer after a career spent prominently in the American Hockey League; Joe, 28, played overseas last season; the 27-year-old Dan has already re-signed with Richmond hockey for the upcoming year; and, Jim, 25, has spent most of his time in the National Hockey League since the 2002-2003 season. That only leaves Ted, 19, who has been in the Western Hockey League for the past two seasons with the Red Deer Rebels. Bill will also become the fourth member of the Vandermeer clan to don a Richmond hockey jersey, joining Peter, Joe and Dan.

"Bill comes from a good pedigree," joked Head Coach and General Manager Robbie S. Nichols. "All hockey roads seem to lead through Richmond for the Vandermeers. This feels like a good match."

The rookie Vandermeer brings with him to Richmond more than just the family name, however. He brings the skill as well. Last season, the Caroline, Alberta, native led his British Columbia Hockey League team in scoring, totaling 75 points while netting 23 goals for the Nanaimo Clippers. Additionally, the 5'11" forward earned 97 penalty minutes.

Speaking of penalty minutes, the RiverDogs also added veteran forward and somewhat familiar name Kris Waltze. The winger came over to Richmond in a trade toward the end of last season from the Flint Generals, then coached by Nichols, and played in a pair of games, both on the road. Between both stops, the Two Hills, Alberta, native took to the ice in 58 games, notching nine goals, six assists, and 285 penalty minutes, twenty more than his seven-season average.

"I know Kris Waltze, he's a great team guy," said Coach Nichols. "He played for me in Flint and he adds a lot of toughness, which is especially important in this division if we're going to match up well with teams like Danbury."

In his career, Waltze has 45 goals, 42 assists, and 1,793 PIMs in 372 games, most spent in the East Coast Hockey League.

Along with Waltze, Richmond signed another forward, a rookie. Chris Ferguson, a center out of Brockville, Ontario, spent his rookie campaign in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

"Ferguson isn't a rookie to me," said Coach Nichols. "I liked him when I had him in training camp in Flint last season but I thought he needed a little more experience so I sent him to the Southern Hockey League. He had a great season with 19 goals and 224 penalty minutes in 52 games. He hits like a truck."

With the new additions, the RiverDogs have 21 players under contract for the 2005-2006 season, including 14 forwards, six defensemen and a goaltender. The blackjack field also includes a king's ransom of rookies.

Tickets are currently on sale for Richmond's pre-season contests on October 14th and 15th against new rival Roanoke. The matches, taking place in the 700-seat Skate Nation, are being tabbed as the "Battle on Broad Street!" Season-ticket holders for the Dogs have the first chance to purchase seats to the pre-season games for $11. Seats go on sale to the general public on October 3rd, provided the games are not already sold out. We encourage season-ticket holders to reserve their tickets as early as possible.

The regular season commences on Friday, October 21st, as the RiverDogs host the Adirondack Frostbite at the Richmond Coliseum. Individual game tickets for all Richmond home games will be available for purchase on October 3rd. Season tickets, FlexPaks, birthday parties and group packages are available through the RiverDogs' office. With questions on tickets or upcoming games, please call (804) 225-PUCK (7825).

Also, as a reminder, the RiverDogs will be hosting their first ever golf tournament to be played at the River's Bend Golf Club in Chester, Virginia, on October 10th. The tournament will feature all of the Dogs' team and staff and will be followed by a banquet, including a dinner buffet and auction.

The event is open to the public for $100 per person or $300 for each group of four people who would like to participate. Each foursome will be joined by a RiverDogs player or staff member to complete the five-person team. If people are interested in attending the event but would prefer not to play, they can still attend the banquet for only $20 to cover their buffet dinners. For companies who may be interested in sponsoring one of the 18 holes, this can be done for only $150 per hole. If interested, please contact the RiverDogs office for more details or to make your purchase. Tickets must be reserved by October 3rd at 5 pm.

PLEASE NOTE: Our website is currently under construction as plans for a new site are in development. The new address will be www.riverdogsuhl.com. This is certain to be functional by October 1st and we appreciate your patience throughout this process.

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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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