Training Camp Kicks Off

October 8, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


Amarillo, TX - The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today officially began preparing for the 2007-2008 season, as the opening day of training camp commenced at the Amarillo Civic Center. The Central Hockey League has adjusted the roster totals for this season, allowing teams to carry 19 players on their active rosters, up one from a season ago. Amarillo entered camp on Monday with 23 players vying for those 19 spots.

The Gorillas come into camp with 9 returning players from last year's squad, 7 players with previous pro experience outside of Amarillo, and 7 rookies looking to make their mark in professional hockey. There are currently 3 veterans on the squad in Chris Lipsett, Trevor Read and Joey Bastien, all returnees from last season. Head Coach Jim Wiley is anxious to see which players will rise to the challenge, saying "Obviously you are looking for a players skill level, but equally as important, if not more important is the character they have. You look for hockey intelligence, intensity, the enthusiasm, the work ethic."

The roster breaks down as follows:

Forwards DOB: Last Year:

1. Brock Becker 5/14/84 UHL - Bloomington PrairieThunder

2. Jason Chafe 2/14/81 CHL - Amarillo Gorillas

3. Chris Martini 7/11/82 ASHL - Bendley

4. Matt Miller 2/21/84 CHL - Amarillo Gorillas

5. Austin Sutter 7/25/85 CHL - Amarillo Gorillas

6. Bill Vandermeer 5/3/84 CHL - Amarillo Gorillas

7. Keith Rowe 4/13/81 CHL - Amarillo Gorillas

8. Joey Bastien 2/12/80 CHL - Amarillo Gorillas

9. Chris Affinati 10/5/79 CHL - Oklahoma City

10. Michael Young 2/8/83 CHL - Lubbock CottonKings

11. Chris Lipsett 9/24/74 CHL - Amarillo

12. Jesse McNeil 6/24/86 USHL - Des Moines

Defensemen DOB: Last Year:

1. Trevor Read 12/1/80 CHL - Amarillo

2. Trevor Socholotuk 8/19/82 CHL - Amarillo

3. Joe Pace 2/6/85 SPHL - Richmond

4. Jon Hutcheon 2/29/84 NEHL - Danville Pounders

5. Marcus Reszka 9/29/83 SPHL - Pee Dee

6. Chris Dunsmuir 1/1/86 OPJHL - Hamilton Red Wings

7. Dan McLaughlin 8/25/83 Worcester State College

Goalies DOB: Last Year:

1. Dan Bauer 5/16/85 SJHL - Nipawin Hawks (05-06)

2. Dan McWhinney 5/13/85 UHL - Fort Wayne

3. Jordan Ramstead 2/21/85 So. Alberta Inst. Of Technology

4. Ray Jean 7/14/82 Bentley College

With only a week to prepare for their first exhibition game, coach Wiley is ready to dive right in with this group, noting "For all intents and purposes you want the players to get a feel for the ice, we'll be going through some pretty standard types of drills, as well as some that incorporate some of our systems."

The Gorillas camp is open to the public, and their schedule is as follows:

Tue 9th - Practice 10-12; 4-5

Wed 10th - Practice 10-12

Fri 12th - Exhibition game @ Oklahoma City 7:30 PM

Sat 13th - Exhibition game @ Oklahoma City 1:00 PM

Mon 15th - Practice 3:30-5:30PM; Season Ticket Holder Party 5:00-7:30PM

Tue 16th - Practice 10-12; 4-5

Wed 17th - Practice 12-12; 4-5

Thu 18th - Practice 10-12; 4-5

Fri 19th - OPENING NIGHT vs. TULSA OILERS 7:05 PM

Sat 20th - VS. ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAGE 7:05 PM

For more information on tickets and corporate partnerships, call the Gorillas office at 242-PUCK or visit our website at www.amarillogorillas.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 8, 2007


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