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SteelHounds Monthly

August 2, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


Some Local Flavor Coming to the Blue Line:

Youngstown SteelHounds Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Kaminski has been busy this July signing players for the upcoming season. July saw the first rookies signed to the team in defenseman Denis Kirstein and goaltender Layne Sedevie. Kirstein made team history on July 10th when he became the first local product ever to be signed by the SteelHounds. The 24 year old comes to the Valley after growing up outside of Pittsburgh in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania before playing four years of NCAA Division I hockey at nearby Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania. The 6-0, 200-pound Kirstein played in 102 games while amassing three goals, 20 assists and 104 penalty minutes for the Lakers. Kirstein earned an amateur tryout with the Toledo Storm of the ECHL where in eight games he had one goal and four penalty minutes. Layne Sedevie was the first goaltender to be signed by the team this season and will begin his career with the SteelHounds after playing four years of Division I hockey at Bemidji State University (Minnesota). While with the Beavers the native of Bismarck, North Dakota had a 29-21-4 record in 54 games with two shutouts. Prior to attending Bemidji State the 5-9, 180 pound net minder played two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Sioux Falls Stampede and the Topeka Scarecrows.

Young Veterans Return to the Valley:

Rookies were not the only players to be signed in July as Coach Kaminski also brought back a couple of young players who are looking to continue their career with the SteelHounds in forwards Mark Johnson and Chris Shaffer. Johnson, 21, was the second youngest member of the 2006-2007 squad that qualified for the Central Hockey League Playoffs. The native of Glencoe, Ontario had a strong rookie campaign in the Mahoning Valley notching seven goals and nine assists to go with 112 penalty minutes in 57 games. Forward Chris Shaffer is beginning his third season with the Hounds as well as his third year as a professional as he made history when he became the first SteelHound to play his first 100 games in a Youngstown sweater. During the 2006-2007 season he had 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 62 games. In the playoffs the native of Dryden, Ontario had two assists and 12 penalty minutes in six games.

Hounds in the Community:

Crusher and the Lady SteelHounds are traveling throughout the Valley this August and you will have the opportunity to see them at many great events. On Sunday, August 5th come see Crusher, radio broadcaster Tim Sampsell and the SteelHounds Hummer at the Niles Best Buy near the Eastwood Mall for the annual auto show. Tuesday the 7th don't miss the Lady SteelHounds at the Dairy Queen in Cortland and do not forget to stop by the SteelHounds stand at Vexfest on the 12th. For more information on all of these events and on how you can book Crusher or the Lady SteelHounds for your event call the Hounds today at (330) 747-PUCK.

Are You Still Without Season Tickets?

Season tickets for year three of hard hitting, action packed SteelHounds hockey are still on sale and start as low $42 per month. Can't make all 32 games? The SteelHounds offer half-season tickets as well as mini plans and voucher plans. Want to bring a group to a game? The Hounds offer group rates and wonderful hospitality options. Do not miss out on the action that is Youngstown SteelHounds Professional Hockey at the Chevrolet Centre by calling the Hounds ticket department at (330) 747-PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 2, 2007


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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