Sound Tigers Announce Season-Opening Roster
October 13, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers announced today the team's season-opening roster for its 16th season in the American Hockey League. The roster is comprised of 16 forwards, 11 defensemen and two goaltenders as Bridgeport opens the season this Saturday against the Providence Bruins at Webster Bank Arena.
Of the 29 players on the initial roster, 23 have previously worn the Sound Tigers sweater in at least one regular season game. The roster also includes 17 players on an NHL contract with the New York Islanders, including two former first round draft picks. Forward Michael Dal Colle was selected fifth overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, while forward Josh Ho-Sang was taken 28th overall that year.
Among the seven rookies, Dal Colle, 20, is also the youngest player on the squad (June 20, 1996). Tanner Fritz, Ho-Sang, Loic Leduc, Kyle Schempp, Travis St. Denis and Devon Toews make up the other six rookies. The Sound Tigers season-opening roster also contains four veterans: Stephen Gionta, Ben Holmstrom, Bracken Kearns and Jon Landry, who signed a professional try-out (PTO) this afternoon. The average age of the club is 25-years-old.
Furthermore, the roster features 2,909 games of AHL experience and 350 games of NHL experience between eight different players. Nine players were born in the United States, 19 are from Canada and one is from Finland (Gibson).
Bridgeport's season-opening roster is listed below, alphabetically by position.
Forwards (16)
#17 Michael Dal Colle
#11 Tanner Fritz
#13 Stephen Gionta
#26 Josh Ho-Sang
#21 Ben Holmstrom
#12 Josh Holmstrom
#32 Ross Johnston
#29 Connor Jones
#28 Kellen Jones
#38 Bracken Kearns
#25 Colin Markison
#18 Andrew Rowe
#16 Kyle Schempp
#24 Travis St. Denis
#20 Carter Verhaeghe
#27 Josh Winquist
Defensemen (11)
#8 Kyle Burroughs
#41 Pat Cullity
#42 Matt Finn
#2 Jesse Graham
#14 Kane Lafranchise
#3 Jon Landry
#15 Loic Leduc
#10 Scott Mayfield
#4 Adam Pelech
#6 Ryan Pulock
#7 Devon Toews
Goalies (2)
#33 Christopher Gibson
#35 Stephon Williams
Opening Night: The Sound Tigers celebrate the start of a new season on Saturday, October 15 by giving away free magnet schedules to the first 2,000 fans presented by the CT Department of Transportation. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. against the Providence Bruins at Webster Bank Arena. Make it a family night and enjoy the Kid Zone on the Plaza presented by Big Y. In addition, receive $5.00 off your game ticket at the box office when showing your AAA Membership Card before October 14 at 5 p.m.
Storm Team Mascot Garden Gnome Giveaway: Be one of the first 2,000 fans on Saturday, October 29 and receive a free Storm garden gnome courtesy of Buckle Up Connecticut. Plus, receive $2.00 off your game ticket at the box office when you show your AAA Membership Card.
Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com . Keep up with the latest Sound Tigers news on Facebook and on Twitter . For more team information, log on to soundtigers.com .
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