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April 11, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


SOUND TIGERS WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT

RYAN O'MARRA

Center - Shoots: Right

Height: 6'2'' Weight: 200 lbs

Born: June 9, 1987 in Tokyo, Japan

Current Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Drafted 1st, 15th overall, by the NY Islanders in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft

How often have you told the story about being born in Tokyo? I couldn't even tell you how many times. My dad moved there in the 80's with my mom to head operations for the Japanese bond firm he worked for, so that's where I was born.

What's been the biggest adjustment you've had to make for life in professional hockey? Dealing with the down time. It's really opened my eyes how much time we have away from the rink. I'll probably take advantage of it to take classes on-line and work toward a college degree.

What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when you moved to the US to play in Erie? In Canada, high school is more test-oriented like college, so the onus is on you; in the US, there's more emphasis on class work and getting your homework done. It's also more of a controlled environment in the US, you're there all day and can't come and go as much.

You were Erie's Scholastic Player of the Year, how hard was it to juggle hockey and school? It wasn't too hard this season because I was taking four hours of college courses on Tuesdays and Thursday, although I did miss a lot of class time during parts of the season, like the World Juniors.

You've taken a lot of business and financial classes, how much of what you've decided to study is based on what your dad does? It's almost completely based on that. I see how successful he's been. I'd also like to be in control of my own financial future and not have to rely on others.

What do you think about your Sound Tigers teammates who've gotten Mohawks or done crazy things with their hair? I love it! If it's a team thing, I'm all for it!

Any chance you'll join in the fun? I couldn't imagine myself with a Mohawk. Although, I did grow my hair really long and get it dyed for the playoffs in junior.

NEWS & CALENDAR

All Sound Tigers games are web-cast live at soundtigers.com. Fans can also watch all games live on the Internet via the B2 Networks pay per view.

Friday, April 14th - Road game versus Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, April 15th - Regular-season finale on road versus Hartford at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18th - Earliest date the AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs can begin.

Thursday, April 20th - Tentative date of Sound Tigers' first road playoff game, should the team qualify for postseason play.

Sunday, April 23rd - Tentative date of Sound Tigers' first home playoff game, should the team qualify for postseason play.

Sunday, May 7th - Annual Sound Tigers collectables sale from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Sound Tigers playoff tickets cost as little as $11 for children and $16 for adults and can be purchased over the phone by calling 203-368-1000, on-line at ticketmaster.com or in-person at Bridgeport's Arena at Harbor Yard box office. Sound Tigers Playoff Gift Packs-- featuring four tickets, an autographed puck and four SportsCenter of CT activity passes --are also on sale for as little as $69. Information on all Sound Tigers ticket packages is available by calling 203-334-GOAL or emailing info@soundtigers.com.

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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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