Sports stats

Slammers Ink First Goaltender

October 2, 2003 - World Hockey Association-2 (WHA2)
Alabama Slammers News Release


PELHAM, Ala. – The Alabama Slammers announced today that goaltender Fred Beaubien has been signed to a contract for the upcoming 2003-04 season.

A former 5th Round Selection of the Los Angeles Kings in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Beaubien joins the Slammers after enjoying one of his best seasons as a professional playing for the Knoxville IceBears of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL). Beaubien was an impressive 26-12-1 last season where he led the IceBears to the ACHL Championship Finals. His 2.76 goals against average and .906 save percentage was 3rd best in the league. Beaubien's outstanding play earned him ACHL "Goaltender of the Week" honors four times during the regular season and was recognized as the ACHL's "MVP Goaltender" in Just Hockey Magazine.

Entering his 10th season as a professional, Beaubien will be reunited with current Slammers Head Coach, Garry Unger, who he played for in New Mexico during the 1997-98 season. Fred posted an 11-2-1 record with a 2.29 goals against average and a .930 save percentage for the Scorpions that season. Overall, Fred has amassed an impressive 124-90-30 record as a professional.

"Goaltending is, in my opinion, the most important position in hockey. A good goaltender will give you a chance to win every night," said Slammers Head Coach, Garry Unger. "Beaubien is without a doubt, an elite goaltender at this level, and he should be a major factor as we compete for a championship this season."

Beaubien echoes the sentiments expressed by his head coach.

"I am really looking forward to playing for Coach Unger Again," said Beaubien. "I have a lot of respect for him as both a player and a coach. Garry is a winner and I personally won't be satisfied with anything less than us winning a championship this season."

Beaubien is the fourth player signed by the Slammers for the upcoming season. Forwards Jeff Cheeseman and Jim Black, as well as defenseman Bobby Quinnell have inked contracts with the club.

The Slammers open the 2003 - 2004 campaign at home at the Pelham Civic Complex on Friday, November 7th against the Jacksonville Barracudas. The Slammers will also face the Lakeland Loggerheads, Macon Trax, Miami Manatees, and Orlando Seals in the inaugural season of the World Hockey Association 2 (WHA2). All games will be broadcast on www.irn.fm.

Season Tickets for the Alabama Slammers are currently on sale and going fast. Call the Slammers ticket office at (205) 328-PUCK (7825) or visit www.slammershockey.com to get your tickets today.

For more information on the contract signing of Fred Beaubien, contact Taylor Hall at (205) 328-PUCK.



World Hockey Association-2 Stories from October 2, 2003


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.

Other Recent Alabama Slammers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central