Wildcatters Sign First New Player; Dean Stork Adds Size to Defense
June 24, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
BEAUMONT, TX (June 23, 2004) â Texas Wildcatters Head Coach Robert Dirk announced today the Wildcatters and defenseman Dean Stork have agreed to terms for the 2004-05 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 6-foot-3, 215 pound Stork, who is 28 years old, played last season with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. He had 2 goals, 17 assists for 19 points and 61 penalty minutes in 63 games. Entering his seventh season of professional hockey, Stork is a veteran of 317 professional hockey games, including 304 in the ECHL and 13 in the American Hockey League. His career totals include 27 goals and 90 points along with 374 penalty minutes.
"I have heard a lot of good things about Robert Dirk and I look forward to playing for him," said Stork. "I'm excited to be coming to Texas and look forward to playing in the South again."
"Dean will provide character on the ice, in the dressing room and in the community," said Dirk. "I couldn't be happier; this is the first major signing of a new player."
The Edmonton, Alberta native played three years at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst prior to turning pro at the end of the 1998-99 season. Defined as a stay-at-home defenseman, Stork had a career high 15 goals and 28 points in 2002-03 with the Arkansas RiverBlades.
"I expect him to help stabilize our defensive core, which should lead to fewer goals against," added Dirk.
Stork is the first new player to agree to terms with the Wildcatters, joining defensemen Aaron MacInnis and Mark Jackson and All-Star forward John Snowden, who have already signed.
The Wildcatters will open their second season on the road against the defending ECHL Eastern Conference Champion Florida Everblades. The home opener is Saturday, October 30 against the Louisiana IceGators. Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now on sale. For as little as $50.00, you can reserve your seat for the second year of Wildcatters hockey in Southeast Texas. For more information about the Wildcatters, log on to www.wildcattershockey.com or call (409) 951-5500.
ECHL Stories from June 24, 2004
- Pair of Ryans Sign for the Blueline - Bakersfield Condors
- Coalter First Signee of 2004-05 Season - Florida Everblades
- Former Rivermen Head Coach Don Granato Receives Contract Extension with Worcester - Peoria Rivermen
- Lynx Meet St. Louis - Augusta Lynx
- Goldie returns to Pride - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- Wranglers re-sign McBain brothers - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Bullies Continue Growth Project - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Wildcatters Sign First New Player; Dean Stork Adds Size to Defense - Texas Wildcatters
- Jickling Signs with Stingrays - South Carolina Stingrays
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