T-Birds Get Goertzen Back
September 22, 2003 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Seattle Thunderbirds News Release
SEATTLE, September 22, 2003 â Seattle Thunderbirds right wing Steven Goerzten has rejoined the Thunderbirds. Goertzen had been at the preseason training camp of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.
"Steven impressed the Blue Jackets and played well in the one preseason game he played in," said Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell. "We think Steven is going to have a breakout year and be one of the best right wingers in the league this year."
Goertzen, a 6-2, 205 pound native of Stony Plain, Alberta, was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 7th round, 255th overall, of the 2002 NHL entry draft. Last year Goertzen played in 71 games and had 31 points on 12 goals and 19 assists.
Goertzen missed the first two games of the Thunderbirds season, which were ties against Vancouver and Kelowna. He will practice with the team this week and be ready for the next game which is against the Portland Winter Hawks on Thursday in Portland.
Seattle had nine players on the current roster who participated in NHL preseason training camps. Those players were: Zack FitzGerald and Justin Maiser (St. Louis Blues), David Svagrovsky (Colorado Avalanche), Nate Thompson (Boston Bruins), Ryan Gibbons (Phoenix Coyotes), Matthew Hansen (Vancouver), and Dustin Johner and Tyler Metcalfe (Tampa Bay)
Seattle has their home opener on Saturday, September 27 against the expansion Everett Silvertips. The Thunderbirds will have a pregame celebration which will include the raising of their first ever U.S. division championship banner. Tickets to the home opener range from $8 to $18 dollars and are available by calling 206-448-PUCK or at any Ticketmaster outlet.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 22, 2003
- T-Birds Get Goertzen Back - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Cougars Trade Mike Wall - Prince George Cougars
- White Sent Back - Swift Current Broncos
- Williams & Rome Returned - Swift Current Broncos
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