Titans Make Final Moves, Roster Set
October 22, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release
TRENTON, NJ (October 22, 2004) -The Trenton Titans today announced several roster moves as they set their 2004-05 roster for opening night .
St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center presents Opening Night at the Sovereign Bank Arena as the Titans begin their sixth season of play versus the Reading Royals on Friday, October 22 at 7:30pm.
The Titans traded defenseman Ryan O'Keefe to the Pensacola Ice Pilots in exchange for financial considerations. The 25-year old defenseman returns to Pensacola after being acquired on August 6, 2003 with Kerry Ellis-Toddington in a trade for Kam White and Tyler Beechey. O'Keefe totaled 4 assists and 141 penalty minutes in 46 games with the Titans.
In separate transactions, the Titans' AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, assigned center B.J. Abel and recalled left wing Nick Deschenes. Abel, a second-year pro, spent 13 games with the Titans in 2003-04, chipping in a goal, 3 assists and 12 PIM. In 42 games with the Phantoms, Abel compiled 10 points (4g, 6a) and 42 PIM.
Also a second-year pro, Deschenes split last season between the Phantoms and the Titans, tallying 7 points (5g, 2a) and 12 PIM in 31 games for Philadelphia and 8 points (2g, 6a) and 8 PIM in 13 games with Trenton.
Trenton had released defensemen Kevin Holdridge and Trevor Johnson on October 20 to complete their 2004-05 opening-day roster. Heading into their season opener tonight, the Trenton Titans 2004-05 roster is follows:
2004-05 Trenton Titans
2 - Vince Williams (D) 19 - Scott Bertoli (LW)
3 - Stephen Wood (D) 20 - Chris Pittman (C)
4 - Matt Libby (D) 21 - Bryce Cockburn (RW)
5 - Jerramie Domish (D) 23 - B.J. Abel (C)
7 - Rosario Ruggeri (D) 24 - Mathieu Brunelle (RW)
8 - Andy Burnes (D) 25 - Ryan Watson (LW)
9 - Evan Nielsen (D) 27 - Rick Kowalsky (RW)
10 - Brent Robinson (LW) 28 - Jay Leach (D)
11 - Phil Lewandowski (LW) 29 - Andrew Allen (G)
17 - Leon Hayward (C) 30 - Chris Houle (G)
18 - Steve Cygan (C) 32 - Matt Zultek (LW)
Twenty-two players comprise the roster, consisting of 12 forwards,8 defensemen and 2 goalies.
Ten players from last year's squad return to the Titans this season including goaltenders Andrew Allen and Chris Houle, defenseman Jay Leach and Vince Williams and forwards B.J. Abel, Scott Bertoli, Mathieu Brunelle, Bryce Cockburn, Chris Pittman and Matt Zultek.
Five rookies highlight this year's team. They include left wing Brent Robinson and defensemen Andy Burnes, Jerramie Domish, Rosario Ruggeri and Stephen Wood.
Bertoli, right wing Rick Kowalsky and Williams fill three of the four veterans spots on the Titans roster. In a players' vote, Kowalsky was selected captain of the 2004-05 Trenton Titans. Bertoli and Williams were named alternate captains.
Six players were assigned by the Titans' AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms: Wood, Ruggeri, Robinson, Abel, Brunelle and Houle.
Defenseman Matt Libby and Kowalsky both return for their second stint in Trenton. Libby made the All-ECHL Rookie Team as a Titan in 2001-02. Kowalsky joined the Titans as a free agent for their Kelly Cup playoff run in 2000-01.
There are thirteen Canadian-born players on the roster and nine born in the United States.
The Titans' average height is 6-1 and average weight is 203 lbs.
Kowalsky is the oldest player on the Titans squad at 32-years old. Ruggeri is the youngest at age 20.
Domish will start on the season on the 7-day injured reserve, while Burnes will be placed on the 30-day IR.
St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center presents Opening Night at the Sovereign Bank Arena as the Titans begin their sixth season of play versus the Reading Royals on Friday, October 22 at 7:30pm.
The Titans continue the two-game set with Reading when they travel to the Sovereign Center for match-up with the Royals on Saturday, October 22 at 7:05pm.
Join the Nation! St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center presents Opening Night at the Sovereign Bank Arena as the Titans begin their sixth season of play versus the Reading Royals on Friday, October 22 at 7:30pm. Become a part of the Titans Nation by securing your full or partial season ticket plans now. Call a Titans Ticket Representative at (609) 599-9500. The Trenton Titans are a member of the ECHL - America's Premier "AA" Hockey League.
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