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Vodrazka returning to Pride

August 5, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz News Release


FLORENCE, SC – The Pee Dee Pride announced today that the team has signed veteran defenseman Jan Vodrazka to a contract for the 2004-2005 season.

Vodrazka was a part of the record-breaking 1998-99 Pride team that set league records at the time for most wins, most points, and most home wins in a single season. The 27-year-old enjoyed his finest statistical season of his career that season, posting eight goals and adding 12 assists for a career-high 20 points. Vodrazka also accumulated 262 penalty minutes that season, a number that still ranks as the most in a single season in team history.

Following the 1998-99 season, Vodrazka left the Pride and spent the first of two seasons with the Kansas City Blades of the now-defunct International Hockey League. In 2000-2001, he moved on to the American Hockey League, playing in 49 games with the Lowell Lock Monsters, while also suiting up in four games for the Florida Everblades, Lowell's ECHL affiliate. In 2002-2003, Vodrazka played in a career-high 80 games with the Saint John Flames, before moving on to the Houston Aeros last season.

Vodrazka has played 330 of his 457 career professional games in either the IHL or AHL. During his career, he has notched 19 goals and added 60 assists for 79 points, while also racking up 1,477 penalty minutes.

He and his wife, Emily, a Florence native, recently celebrated the birth of their first child.

"I am looking forward to returning to the Lion's Den this season and playing in front of our great fans," Vodrazka said. "It's always great to get out into the community and interact with our fans, and that is something else I look forward to getting to do this season. Florence has become a second home to me, and I am definitely excited about the rapidly-approaching season."

"Last season we lacked leadership and toughness on the blue line, and Jan will more than fill that void," Pride Head Coach Perry Florio said. "Jan is only 27-years-old, yet is still very respected in the hockey circle. With the recent departure of Wes Goldie to the Quebec Senior League, it freed up money for Jan that I did not have before. We feel goal scoring can be replaced, but good, tough, experienced defensemen are hard to find. We have ourselves a gem in Jan."

Opening Weekend 2004 is right around the corner! The Pride host the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies on Friday, October 22 and the Augusta Lynx on Saturday, October 23. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. More details about Opening Weekend 2004 will be announced over the next several weeks.

Season tickets, flex plans and corporate partnerships for the 2004-2005 season are still available. For more information, or to place your order, visit the Pride office, located at the Florence Civic Center, or call (843) 669-7825.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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