Two Generals Return for Duty

Published on September 9, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greensboro Generals News Release


Greensboro, NC — The Greensboro Generals of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) are having a busy day. After signing defenseman Kurt Drummond earlier in the day, the Generals have announced they have re-signed two players from last year's squad, defenseman Andrei Lupandin (loo-PAHN-din) and center Chris Bell.

Lupandin was the Generals' lone All-Star representative last year. The 24-year old native of Kharkiv, Ukraine was third in the league amongst defensemen with 18 goals, and added 22 assists for 40 points in 63 games. After starting last season with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Lupandin blossomed as a General, scoring 15 of his 18 goals in a Greensboro uniform. Lupandin was also the only General to earn a call-up to the American Hockey League last season, playing five games for the Cleveland Barons. Lupandin's only point in Cleveland was a goal on his first shift of his first game.

Bell, 26, finished second on the team last year with 50 points on 17 goals and 33 assists. His 33 assists, 66 games played, and a plus/minus rating of +5 were all team highs. In 132 career games, Bell has posted 41 goals and 64 assists for 105 points

"Andrei is one of the fastest defensemen in the league," says Generals head coach Rick Adduono (ah-DOO-no). "He knows when to step up in the play and make things happen, and he's got the speed to get back on defense after his rush. He's a very dynamic player, and I'm sure the fans will be happy he's coming back."

"Chris is a solid, versatile centerman," Adduono added. "He can kill penalties, win the big face-offs, and get you the big goals. He proved last year that he can produce at this level, and I expect much the same of him this year."

The Generals now have seven players under contract for the upcoming season. A current list of Generals players follows this release. Greensboro's season opener is slated for Friday, October 11 at 7:30 at the Lexington Men O'War. The Generals' home opener is Friday, October 25 at 7:30 against the Reading Royals. Opening night is Hooters Magnetic Schedule Night, with the first 2,000 fans entering the building receiving a Generals 2002-2003 schedule. The Generals are currently selling season tickets for all 36 home games for as low as $255.00 for goal view seats. Anyone purchasing season tickets will receive a season parking pass absolutely free while supplies last. Fans can receive season ticket and other information by clicking on the Generals new team website, www.greensborogenerals.com.

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