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Saints Add Offensive Power

August 24, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
San Angelo Saints News Release


San Angelo, TX—The San Angelo Saints of the Central Hockey League today announced the signing of right wing Bret DeCecco (De-check-o) to contract for the 2004-05 season.

DeCecco, 24, enters his fourth season of professional hockey with the Saints. Last season, he split time with two East Coast Hockey League Teams. He started the season with the Peoria Rivermen where in 54 appearances he notched 10 goals, 14 assists and 92 penalty minutes. In early March, he was traded to Alaska where he put up 3 goals, 3 assists and 13 PIMs for the Aces in the regular season, and contributed a goal during the playoff battle.

DeCecco played at the junior level for six successful seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. In 311 regular season games, he scored 182 goals and 176 assists for 358 points, and posted 338 penalty minutes. During his first five seasons with the T-birds, DeCecco made 48 playoff appearances where he contributed 19 goals, 18 assists and 50 PIMs. Because of his performance in Seattle, he was named Assistant Captain to the All-Star team in 1996-97, as well as to the Team Canada Under-18 Roster. In 1998-99, he was selected to the All-Star team once again and in 1999-00 was named Captain for the Thunderbirds. In 1999, the Buffalo Sabres selected DeCecco in round seven of the NHL Entry Draft.

"I was thrown into that leadership role right away in juniors and had to learn the role quick," said DeCecco. "I'm a complete player—I skate well and am very defensive. I hope to apply that to our team this year."

A native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, DeCecco played among the ranks of former Saints Ryan Finnerty and Derek Booth, and new player/assistant coach Dan Hodge during his tenure in Peoria. In his first two seasons with the Rivermen, he tallied 26 goals, 32 assists and 110 PIMs in 100 games. Before making his mark in Peoria, DeCecco contributed 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) and 34 PIMs to the Roanoke Express and Greensboro Generals, both of the ECHL.

Saints Head Coach/Assistant General Manager Ray Edwards knows that DeCecco will make an impression not only on the roster, but also to the Saints fans.

"I'm excited to work with Bret this year," said Edwards. "He will play a major role offensively and as a leader on the team, and I know our fans will appreciate the grit and electricity he brings to the ice."

**In other news, the Saints fans are encouraged to attend the Saints 2nd Annual Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. The San Angelo Convention Center will host the event in which fans can voice thoughts, concerns and finally get the answers to their questions. Saints President Jim Cook and Head Coach/Assistant GM Ray Edwards, along with Michael McEnrue from the City of San Angelo, will use this opportunity to get feedback on last year's season and let fans know what to expect for the 2004-05 season.



Central Hockey League Stories from August 24, 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.

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