Training Camp 2004 Preview: Defense

October 6, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


Today we continue in our training camp preview by position, covering the defensive corps for the Lynx. This year, eight defensemen will be battling it out in training camp for a spot with this year's club. Camp invites range from those with NHL experience to skaters right out of the college ranks. Lynx fans can take heart, as this year's defensive crew looks to be the best in some time for Augusta.

Returning on the blue line are two of the youngest D-men on the team, John Cronin and Treavor Peterson. Cronin, a Boston University product and Boston Bruins draft pick (round 8 #236 overall 1999 NHL Entry Draft), saw a definite increase in ice time as the season wore on. Adjusting to the longer pro schedule was only the start of the learning curve, but the Duxbury, MA native continue to improve his game all season long, eventually ending up in several key special teams situations. Peterson likewise saw his ice time grow along with his confidence and ability, and he is expected to be one of Augusta's best stay-at-home defenders this year. Standing 6-4 and weighing 200 lbs., he will definitely be called upon to use his size and reach to his advantage.

Among key off-season signings, Chris Hajt is among the highlights. Having played in both the American and National Hockey Leagues last season, Hajt will be called upon to fill a leadership role with the club while seeing heavy ice time. The son of former 14 year NHL veteran Bill Hajt, Chris spent five games with the Washington Capitals of the NHL last season, and is expected to translate that experience to the ice as well as the locker room.

"Chris knows what it takes to be at the next level," said Lynx Head Coach and Director of Player Operations Stan Drulia. "He's been there and the American League for his entire career, and I think that speaks volumes about the kind of player he is. We expect he'll be a tremendous help to our special teams."

Rod Sarich is another key signing for the Lynx, acquired along with Jamie Johnson in a trade from Louisiana last season. An offensive threat on the blue line, Sarich had five goals and 30 points in 55 games last year for Louisiana after coming back from Blues FNL in Finland earlier in the season. The previous year, Sarich notched six goals and 32 points over 72 games with the IceGators.

Stay-at-home is the name of the game for steady Steve Munn, a 6-2, 215 lb. rearguard who already has a Kelly Cup Championship to his name from 2002-03 with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. Acquired as the future considerations in the trade for Marc St. Jean, Munn is a sturdy defender who takes care of his own zone first and foremost. His solid, textbook play earned him a six game promotion to Bridgeport of the AHL last year, signaling bigger and better things on the horizon for Munn.

Flat Rock, Michigan native Sean Connolly spent 63 games with the Dayton Bombers last year, notching seven goals and 27 points with the team. He also spent five games with Syracuse in the AHL last year, recording no points and six PIMs while there. In 2002-03, Connolly also split time between the ECHL and the AHL, playing 32 games with Trenton and 14 with the Binghamton Senators. Known as someone who will scrap when called upon, the 6-2, 185 lb. Northern Michigan University grad will bring more size to a much bigger blue line this year in Augusta.

Rounding out the eight defensemen in camp this year are rookies Lou DiMasi and Lawne Snyder. DiMasi spent four years at Norwich University where won an NCAA Division III Championship in 2003, notching six goals and 24 points his senior year. Snyder, meanwhile, has been called the best puck moving defenseman in Division III last season. Despite his small stature (5-9, 166 lbs.) he led all defensemen in scoring (14-23-37 in 24 games) in Division III last year while at Elmira (NY) College. His 11 power play goals tied him for first in the nation with teammate Jarrett Konkle, and helped earn Snyder ACHA JOFA First Team All-American honors, as well as being selected for the ECAC West All-Conference First Team. "We're going to have battles all over camp, and defense promises to have some of the strongest competition," said Lynx Assistant Coach Chuck Weber. "On paper, we've definitely got one of the strongest defensive corps in the league. I can't wait for camp to open. It's going to be great."

The Lynx will open camp on the ice Sunday, October 10th at noon with free ice for players. Then they will skate Monday through Thursday at 9 am in preparation for Friday night's pre-season contest against the Charlotte Checkers, to be held at the Augusta Ice Sports Center at 7 pm. Tickets for the game are a $5 donation to help Augusta-area youth hockey programs. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, or to purchase full and partial season tickets, group plans, and single seats, call the Lynx office at (706) 724-4423. Welcome to THE YEAR OF THE FAN.



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