Seals Add Five Players To Roster
Published on September 14, 2006 under SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
CELEBRATION, Fla. - Florida Seals Head Coach Tommy Stewart made a conscious decision following the 2005-2006 SPHL season. After having a nucleus of players who played for him both in Macon, Georgia and in Kissimmee, he felt that the roster needed some alterations.
Continuing the wave of change that started back in June, Stewart and the Seals announced that they have come to terms with five fresh-faced rookie players. Forwards Phil Gianfrancesco, Seth Gray, Jeff Valdes and Jacob "Jake" Taylor along with defenseman Tyler Wooddisse will be joining the Seals when they start training camp on October 16th.
Gianfrancesco, a 21-year old from Toronto, comes to the Seals from the Streetsville Derbys of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. Last season, he had 22 goals and 20 assists in 44 games played. Those numbers included 12 power play goals as well as four game winners. His leadership abilities on the ice earned the captain's "C" from the Derbys for three seasons running.
Off the ice, he spent a great deal of time doing community service work, going into schools and telling kids to say no to drugs, alcohol and peer pressure.
"I enjoy dealing with kids, especially at a younger age because they look up to you," he said.
Gray, who hails from Port Perry, Ontario, has come up through the ranks. Following a stint in juniors, he attended Humber College in Toronto. While at Humber, he displayed outstanding offensive skills, notching 28 goals and 60 points in 30 games over two seasons. That led to an opportunity to play overseas in Germany. In 2004-2005 for EC Pfaffenhofen, he tallied 45 points and added 172 penalty minutes for good measure.
Gray describes himself as a hard worker and is ready to help the Seals win the SPHL title.
"I'm definitely a hard worker and I have a positive attitude, a winning attitude," he said. "I've got good speed and a good shot and I'll try to do my best for the team."
East Falmouth, Massachusetts born Valdes brings a wealth of collegiate experience with him. He played four years at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. While there, he was consistently in the top three in scoring on the squad. During his senior season he was elected a team captain. Prior to AIC, he played a season with the Bridgewater (MA) Bandits of the Eastern Junior Hockey League.
When asked about personal goals, Valdes said his are more team-oriented.
"I'd like to look back and say I contributed on a regular basis," he explained. "If I contribute and play my role every game, doing what I'm supposed to do, I'd say I had a pretty good season."
Taylor, a 21 year old from Roseneath, Ontario, comes in with a reputation as a bruising forward with scoring touch. He comes in with four years of junior experience, having spent three years with the Cobourg Cougars in the OPJHL and last season with the Port Hope Predators. His 2005-2006 season included 15 goals (three on the power play), 12 assists and 190 penalty minutes.
Taylor prides himself on his tough nosed play and having a good plus-minus stat column.
"I'm gritty, more of a grinder type," he said. "I'm more of a plus minus player. I like to concentrate more on defense than offense, penalty killing and stuff like that."
Wooddisse, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, is very much an offensive style defenseman who doesn't back down in the defensive zone either. His hockey background includes two years with the Oakville Blades in the OPJHL and two with the Burlington Cougars. While with the Cougars, he had back-to-back 40 plus point seasons and was second in the league in power plays goals in 2005-2006. Add in over 160 minutes in penalties and you've got a prototypical blue liner.
Wooddisse, who counts Scott Stevens and Bryan McCabe as NHLers he tries to pattern his game after, sees himself as an all-around player.
"Being able to make that first pass up ice is a huge asset as well as being an all-around player," he said. "I like hitting to fighting to scoring - all aspects of the game."
The Florida Seals are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 SPHL season. The Seals return to the Silver Spurs Arena is only days away. Florida Seals will begin their season at home on October 27th vs. Huntsville at 7:35pm. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information please call the Seals at (407) 343-7825 or log on to www.floridaseals.com.
SPHL Stories from September 14, 2006
- Seals To Participate In Asthma Walk - Florida Seals
- Patterson, Hynes set to return for Havoc - Huntsville Havoc
- Seals Add Five Players To Roster - Florida Seals
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