Vipers Acquire Elezi From Jackals
December 28, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Roanoke Valley Vipers News Release
ROANOKE, VA - The Roanoke Valley Vipers, member of the United Hockey League (UHL), announced today that they have acquired forward Charlie Elezi in a trade which sent left wing Josh Tataryn to the Elmira Jackals.
The Vipers have been looking to add some toughness to their roster, and finalized a deal over the holiday weekend adding the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Elezi, who spent the first two months of this season and all of last season with the Jackals. His seven plus-year career has also included stints with the Kalamazoo Wings and Port Huron Beacons of the UHL, the Oklahoma City Blazers and Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League (CHL), and the Toledo Storm of the ECHL. Elezi compiled 100 or more penalty minutes in five of those seasons, including 221 with the CHL Blazers in 2003-04, and 260 in 2002-03, which he split between Port Huron and Kalamazoo.
"We are definitely looking forward to seeing the physical play that we believe Charlie will add to the mix," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jim Wiley.
Elezi, who will turn 29 next month, has an assist and 37 penalty minutes in 17 games with the Jackals so far this season. The big winger played for Vipers owners Ken and Kristen Dixon for 10 games as a Beacon during the 2002-03 season, and the two were quick to point out that he was a fan-favorite in Port Huron even during that short stretch.
The Vipers will head to Rockford, Illinois on Friday, December 30th to face the Ice Hogs for the first time this season before traveling to Fort Wayne for a New Year's Eve matchup against the Komets on Saturday. Catch the live action on 3WR 910AM or visit the Vipers' website at www.valleyvipershockey.com to access the broadcast via the internet. Come out to the Roanoke Civic Center and welcome Charlie Elezi as the newest Viper on Wednesday, January 4th at 7:05p.m. as the Muskegon Fury come to town! Call (540) 345-PUCK (7825) to get your tickets today!
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