Two defensemen and one goalie coming to Kissimmee
September 26, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
[KISSIMMEE, Fla.] -The Florida Seals continue to add to their roster for their first Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) training camp. Head Coach Tommy Stewart has signed defensemen Craig Geerlinks and Justin Nattress and goalie Morgan Smietana.
Geerlinks joins the list of Stewart's former Macon players to make the trek to Central Florida. The 6'1", 207 pound blue liner was one of the most improved rookies in the SPHL last season. In 52 games, the rookie scored 11 points and amassed 83 penalty minutes.
"Craig really improved in the second half of the season," said Stewart. "His role will be bigger this year for the Seals as a stay at home defenseman."
Adding to the blue line will be Justin Nattress. The rookie defenseman has spent the last two years in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. The Hamilton, Ont. native has a familiar name to many hockey fans. His father Ric Nattress spent 11 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadians, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers.
"Justin certainly has hockey in his genes," said Stewart. "He should be able to move the puck well. He is very eager to start his professional career."
The third addition to the Seals camp is the second goaltender to be signed by Stewart. Morgan Smietana will be one of three goalies competing for two spots on the roster. The Toronto, Ont. native has spent the last three years in the Ontario Hockey Association Senior League.
"He has gotten a lot of good recommendations from Central Hockey League coaches I have talked to," said Stewart. "I expect the goaltending competition to be very interesting during training camp."
Get ready for the home opener Saturday, October 29 at the Silver Spurs Arena. The puck will drop for the first ever hockey game in the arena at 7:35 pm versus the Jacksonville Barracudas. Magnet schedules and Cheerstix will be given out to the first 3,000 fans. In addition, enjoy the Zooperstars performances throughout the game and 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Captain Mike Eruzione.
To reserve your season tickets or find out more about partnerships with the Seals call the office at
(407) 343-PUCK or go to www.floridaseals.com. Season tickets for exciting Seals hockey start as low as $225 and there are many different options to set up a payment plan to fit your budget.
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SPHL Stories from September 26, 2005
- Two defensemen and one goalie coming to Kissimmee - Florida Seals
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