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Thomas winning early chess match

June 28, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies News Release


Greetings again Bullies fans! The first week of Summer has come and gone, which means were only that much more closer to Opening Night 2004 on October 22 down in Greensboro. Thanks to everyone for all the compliments, suggestions and most importantly questions in response to the inaugural issue of BULLIES BYTES. We'll take a look at this week's e-mail bag down at the bottom!

NOW ON TO THE BULLIES…

It was another great week of signings for new Head Coach Matt Thomas, locking up defenseman Ian Walterson and Dave Reid, and forward Josh Prudden. With 6 returning players officially signed up to this point (Scott Horvath, Chad Dameworth, and Jake Moreland the other three), the Bullies have the most returning players of any team in the ECHL. Remember that the 2003-04 edition of the Boardwalk Bullies was the best in the 14-year history of the franchise, so to that I say a job well done Tito! Thomas is also quietly winning the Bullies recruiting chess match against former Head Coach Mike Haviland, who is now with archrival Trenton. Often when a head coach departs for a new team at this level of sports, his former players tend to follow him. However, it seems that last year's Bullies have decided to put their faith in Thomas and the organization. Why is Thomas ultimately winning this chess match? On their June 11 season-ending roster, the Bullies listed 16 players. By July 1, they can protect the rights of up to 8 players on their season-ending roster for the 2004-05 playing season by submitting them qualifying offers. Those who are unsigned and not protected become free agents. Therefore, with 6 days to go before the deadline, technically only 2 current Bullies remain in limbo. Again you ask why? Of those 8 players that the Bullies protect, the only way that they can go play with another team in the ECHL is if their rights are traded. Translation: Should any of that elusive 8 want to go play for Haviland in Trenton, the Bullies are guaranteed of getting something in return.

Good to see Josh Prudden back in a Bullies uniform for 2004-05. With 18 goals and 52 points in his rookie season, the Bullies 2004 Fans' Choice Player of the Year might have been one of the most underrated rookies in the ECHL last season outside of Atlantic City. Josh finished the year with 48 points in his last 54 games, and was without a doubt one of the most consistent point producers on the team. You had a feeling that playing under the shadows of Darren Haydar (Milwaukee), Colin Hemingway (Peoria/Worcester), Sean Collins (Still in college), etc, for four years at New Hampshire that Prudden wanted to prove he was simply more than a role player. Not only did he get rid of that tag last season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Josh among the league scoring leaders next year given the way he finished the season.

AROUND THE ECHL…

With the aforementioned July 1 deadline quickly approaching, signings are picking up around the league. Trenton has already locked up their core unit of Matt Zultek, Scott Bertoli, and defenseman Vince Williams. Peoria has also re-signed two of their top three scorers from a year ago in Trevor Baker and Tyler Rennette. Ironically, those aren't the players that Bullies fans should fear. Baker and Rennette combined for just 8 points against the Bullies during the regular season and playoffs. Check back with me when Marty Johnston, Adam Edinger, and Garret Cameron sign with the Rivermen. Brabham Cup Runner-Up Wheeling and Northern Division Champion Reading have both yet to announce any official signings.

GRAB BAG…
It's our first check of the weekly e-mail bag with a couple of intriguing questions:

" Dan,
Great first issue of BULLIES BYTES! My question concerns Scott Stirling. Why was he not included on the Bullies season-ending roster? Do you believe he will return with the Bullies next year? If not, is there any chance he may wind up in Trenton?

Joe
Galloway, NJ

" Joe,
Scott Stirling was not included on the Bullies season-ending roster because according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, players who are under contract at the beginning of the playing season to teams either in the AHL or NHL are not allowed to be protected. As far as Stirling coming back, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what transpires. No doubt Scott is an AHL-caliber goaltender and the fans in Atlantic City have had the privilege of watching him play for the past three seasons. Being named Goaltender of the Year and ECHL MVP last year might convince Scott that he's proved all he can prove by playing in the ECHL, and maybe its time to look at other options. That being said, depending on what happens with the NHL labor situation, things could certainly change in a hurry and jobs may become scarce. As far as Trenton goes, hey nothing is impossible!

SPEAKING OF THE LOCKOUT

" Dan,
How will a potential NHL lockout in 2004 affect the Bullies on a player front next season?

Ray,
Egg Harbor Township, NJ

" Ray,
It's a tough question to answer, but I have a couple of theories. Should the NHL go into a lockout before the start of next season, my belief is that most NHL teams will stockpile their AHL clubs with their young prospects (those with 50 games or less of NHL experience). In turn, that might push either some veterans or third and fourth line AHL guys down to the ECHL, meaning their could be some good talent in abundance that could help all ECHL teams and not just the Bullies. However, with the recent surge of AHL guys (example: Kirk Furey) heading to Europe and if the aforementioned NHL prospects also go to Europe, you could potentially see a lot of current ECHL players playing in the AHL next year. Again, time will only tell what happens, but not doubt it's going to be an interesting off-season.

AND FINALLY….

Speaking of the lockout and NHL players such as Martin St. Louis, Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, and Manny Legace that have been quoted as saying they would consider the re-incarnated World Hockey Association (should it ever materialize) as a possible option, I only have one question. The NHL Players Association is fighting for no salary cap, so why would these players go play in a league that has publicized a $15 million salary cap? Doesn't make much sense to me.

This weekend is the NHL draft down in Raleigh, NC and the overall consensus is that the Russian dynamic duo of Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeny Malkin will go first and second respectively. Besides that, many general managers feel this draft is a roll of the dice. "I think No. 10 could be 40 or even 80. It is a little bit all over the map," says Don Maloney, the vice-president, player personnel of the New York Rangers. The top North American skater is Andrew Ladd who plays for Calgary in the WHL. The 6'2, 200lb winger notched 30 goals and 75 points in his most recent season in juniors.

AND FINALLY (PART II)…

Operation: 1,700 is in full swing. IT'S TIME FOR ACTION! Make sure you do your part and purchase your season tickets today. Call (609) 348-7825 to speak with your Bullies Customer Service Representative.

That's all for this edition of "Bullies Bytes". Make sure you send those emails and questions along (dan.weiss@boardwalkbullies.com) and I'll be sure to tackle them next week. Have a great weekend! 119 DAYS TILL OPENING NIGHT!!!!

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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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