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Whalers sign defenseman Frank Grzesczak

June 10, 2006 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP - Plymouth Whalers President, General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci has announced the signing of 16-year-old defenseman Frank Grzeszczak, who was selected by the Whalers in the 11th round (209th overall) of the 2005 Ontario Hockey League Draft.

"We're happy to have Frank in Plymouth," Vellucci said. "He's an excellent skater who should help us."

Grzeszczak - pronounced GRAY-shack - played last season with Sioux City of the United States Hockey League, where he scored five goals with nine assists for 14 points and 30 PIM's in 50 games.

"I'm excited to be playing for the Whalers," Grzeszczak said. "We're supposed to have an excellent team next season and I really want to be part of that."

Plymouth returns at least 12 players next season that helped the team to a 35-28-1-4 record and a West Division title in 2005-06. Returning players include National Hockey League drafts Dan Collins (Florida), James Neal (Dallas) and Ryan McGinnis (Los Angeles) as well as three Whalers who will be selected in the NHL Entry Draft on June 24 - John Armstrong, Andrew Fournier and Tom Sestito. In addition, Plymouth could bring back NHL drafts Jared Boll (Columbus) or Evan Brophey (Chicago) as overage players.

Before next season's training camp in late August, Grzeszczak has been selected to participate in the USA Hockey's Select-17 Festival July 8-14 in St. Cloud, MN.

Independent scouting publication Red Line Report said this about Grzeszczak at a previous USA Hockey Evaluation Camp:

"Outstanding feet, the best here. Jumps smartly into the offense and has recovery speed."

With rule changes instituted in the Ontario Hockey League last year designed to promote offense, Grzeszczak's skating and skill will be a plus on the Plymouth blue line.

2006-07 SCHEDULE: The Whalers will release their 2006-07 schedule early next week. The Ontario Hockey League will release its' entire schedule at the same time. Whalers' season tickets are available by calling the Compuware Sports Arena box office at (734) 453-8400 during business hours.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 10, 2006


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