Seals Name Stewart New Head Coach, Ink Four Players
Published on April 30, 2005 under SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
CELEBRATION, FL â The Florida Seals announced today the hiring of Tommy Stewart as the team's new Head Coach.
Stewart was introduced along with four new players during the team's Open House Party at the Silver Spurs Arena on Saturday. Stewart brings three years of coaching experience to the Seals, having previously coached the Macon Trax in the SPHL.
In two seasons as Head Coach of the Trax, Stewart was 66-43-6 and led Macon to the Championship Finals both years. He was also named the WHA2 Coach of the Year following the 2003-2004 season.
"We are extremely thrilled to be able to hire a coach of Tommy Stewart's caliber," said Seals President David Waronker. "He's got tremendous experience in this game and this league. He has the track record of a winner and is capable of putting together a Championship team this season."
"It is a great honor to join the Seals organization," said Stewart. "I am looking forward to bringing a Championship to this City and becoming a part of this great community"
Former NHL Ironman and 16-year NHL veteran Garry Unger was announced as the Seals new Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations. Unger, affectionately referred to as "The Ironman", appeared in 914 consecutive NHL contests. In addition to that lofty accomplishment, he was a member of seven NHL All-Star teams while representing the St. Louis Blues. In the NHL alone, Unger played in 1,105 games while making stops at St. Louis, Detroit, Atlanta, Edmonton, Los Angeles and Toronto.
The Seals also announced the signing of four players for the upcoming 2005 season. Former Macon Trax players David Deeves, Steve Zoryk, Ryan Rivard and Art Mnatsakanov became the first four players signed by the new look Florida Seals. All four players were instrumental in leading the Macon Trax to back-to-back SPHL Championship Final appearances.
Deeves, a native of Barrie, Ontario, joins the Seals after three seasons's playing for the Trax. He was named WHA2 League MVP in 2004 after recording an impressive 85 points (36 G, 37A) in just 55 games. Last season, Deeves was second in team scoring, notching 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points on the year.
Zoryk, a 6'2" 220-pound forward from Timmons, Ontario, brings seven years of professional experience to the Seals and led all Trax players in scoring last season. In 56 games last season, Zoryk registered 73 points (36G, 37A).
Mnatsakanov becomes the first defensemen signed by the Seals this season. A native of Grosse Point, Michigan, Mnatsakanov started the season playing for the Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League before returning to Macon to help the Trax reach the SPHL finals. In 58 games last season, Mnatsakanov recorded 33 points (8G, 25A).
The Seals also announced the signing of forward Ryan Rivard. The West Lorne, Ont. native appeared in 53 games for the Trax last season scoring 34 points (17G, 17A). The winger also amassed an impressive 243 penalty minutes.
Former Macon Trax Broadcaster, Adam Minnick was introduced during the press conference as the Seals new Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Considered one of the best broadcasters in "AA" Hockey, Minnick will be the voice of the Seals this season when the team broadcasts their home and away games.
Several hundred fans attended the Seals Open House Party at the Silver Spurs Arena Saturday afternoon for a chance to meet and get autographs from the Seals new Head Coach and players. The Seals sold over 100 new season tickets during the three hour event as fans were once again able to select their seat locations for the upcoming season. Former Seals forwards Zac Boyer and Ryan Anderson were scheduled to attend the event but were unable to due to family emergencies.
The Florida Seals will kick off their inaugural season at the Silver Spurs Arena this October as a member franchise of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Season tickets are on sale now and available for as low as $25/month. Group rates and corporate sponsorship packages are also available. For more information, please contact the Seals at (321) 939-2465 or log on to the Seals website at www.floridaseals.com.
SPHL Stories from April 30, 2005
- Seals Name Stewart New Head Coach, Ink Four Players - Florida Seals
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