Sundogs Return Three from Championship Roster

July 24, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The 2008 Central Hockey League Ray Miron President's Cup Champion Arizona Sundogs today announced that they have signed forwards Karl Sellan, Jason Visser and Kyle Hood for the upcoming 2008-09 season. The three join Chris Bartolone as players the Sundogs have under contract for next season.

"We had a solid team last season and bringing back a core group of players from that roster is something we're committed to doing," said Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro. "All three players served significant roles for us last season and I expect them to do the same next season."

In 118 regular season games over two seasons with the Sundogs, Sellan has registered 85 points (44g/41a) and 383 penalty minutes (PIM). In 31 playoff contests, the Montreal, Quebec, native has tallied nine points (6g/3a) and 61 PIM. During the 2007-08 campaign, 5-foot-11, 200-pound forward collected a Sundogs single-season record 231 PIM to become the franchise's all-time leader in penalty minutes. Sellan joins Bartolone as the only remaining players from the Club's inaugural season roster.

"Karl has been with our organization since our inaugural season and I've seen him grow all aspects of his game," added Pietroniro. "He is a key player that can be called upon to score or establish a physical presence on the ice. He'll once again play an integral role for our Club next season."

Jason Visser, 26, returns to the Sundogs for a second season after averaging nearly a point-per-game during the 2007-08 campaign, his first full season as a professional. In 59 regular season contests, the Mississauga, Ontario, native notched 57 points (19g/38a) and 30 penalty minutes to finish fourth among CHL rookies in scoring. The 6-foot, 208-pound Visser continued to find his way onto the score sheet during the 2008 playoffs, helping his Club to the President's Cup title with 16 points (4g/12a) in 17 games.

"Jason played all of last season with an injury and was still able to finish as one of the league's top rookies," said Pietroniro. He played on our top line and maintained a point-per-game average throughout the regular season and playoffs last year and we're looking for him to continue that offensive trend this season."

Kyle Hood, 24, joined the Sundogs as an amateur for the 2008 playoffs after completing a four-year career at Ohio State University (NCAA). In 16 playoff appearances, the Osoyoos, British Columbia, native registered four goals, two assists and 32 PIM and was a plus-9. The utility player was used on both sides of the puck as a forward and defenseman during the Sundogs championship run.

"Kyle came to us on an amateur tryout agreement and early on proved his ability to play at the professional level," said Pietroniro of the Ohio State University graduate. "He made the switch from forward to defenseman several times when needed and was successful at each position. We're looking forward to having him for the entire regular season."

The Sundogs have announced their complete 2008-09 schedule and look to open the season at home at Tim's Toyota Center on Friday, Oct. 17 against Southwest Division foe the Odessa Jackalopes. Affordable group and season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Arizona Sundogs offices at (928) 772-5555.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 24, 2008


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