RiverDogs Ink Rookie Scoring Sensation

October 6, 2003 - United Hockey League (UHL)
Richmond RiverDogs News Release


Richmond, VA – The Richmond RiverDogs of the United Hockey League have signed C Olivier Fillion to a contract for the 2003-‘04 season. Fillion joins Richmond from Acadie Bathurst of the Quebec Major Junior League.

Fillion had back to back 104 point seasons for the Titan. He helped lead the Titan to the QMJHL finals in 2001 and 2002. Fillion also represented the QMJHL in the Canadian Hockey League Hershey All Star Series in 2002 and 2003. Fillion began this season in training camp with Norfolk of the AHL.

"Olivier is one of the top rookies at this level," said RiverDogs General Manager Jeff Croop. Due to a knee injury requiring surgery, Fillion is expected to make his RiverDogs debut in early to mid-November. He will report to Richmond to rehab the injury at HealthSouth. "We have the best medical people in pro hockey," Croop said. "We wanted to have him here early so they can help him get healthy." Croop added.

The RiverDogs now have 18 players under contract for the upcoming season: Filion joins J.J. Wrobel, Jay Murphy, Kevin Carr, David Bagley, Paul Johnson, Brad Both, Michal Lanicek, Brad Cook, Derek Schutz, Darren Wetherill, Richard Pitirri, Maxime Gingras, Kevin St. Jacques, Brian Goudie, Dave Shields, Jeremy Wray, and Justin Kaput. Richmond has signed 11 forwards, five defensemen, and two goalies. Richmond now has five veterans and six rookies under contract. Four players are former NHL draft picks. The ‘Dogs have signed Nick Murray, Eric Erb, Matt Stack, Yevgeniy Kabanets, Andrew Zoppo, Donald Seremak, and Olivier Dannel to tryout agreements. The RiverDogs Director of Community Relations David Dartsch will also attend camp.

· Tickets for the opening weekend of the Richmond RiverDogs inaugural season in the United Hockey League are on sale now. The ‘Dogs open at home Friday, October 31 at 7:35 vs. the Muskegon Fury. Richmond is also home Saturday, November 1 vs. the Fury at 7:35.

· Single game RiverDogs tickets are available at the Coliseum Box Office (780-4970) and all TicketMaster locations (all Ukrop's, Hecht's, and Tower Records locations). ‘Dogs tickets are available on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.

· The RiverDogs open training camp October 12. Richmond plays home preseason games vs. the Columbus Stars Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18 at 7:35 in the Richmond Coliseum. Tickets for those games will go on sale next week.

· Single game tickets for the remainder of the home schedule will go on sale in November. Season tickets and 10 game Flex Packs are on sale now. Group ticket rates are also available. For more information please call 225-PUCK (7825).



United Hockey League Stories from October 6, 2003


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