AMARILLO, TX – After a successful and record breaking 2002-2003 Central Hockey League season, the Amarillo Gorillas are looking to continue the winning tradition in the upcoming year.
Head Coach/ Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras began to assemble the group of talented players with the hopes to putting together a Gorillas hockey club that will surpass all the achievements and records attained by the 2002-2003 team.
His first step was to re-sign the cornerstone of the Gorillas defenseman corps with player-assistant coach Mark DeSantis.
The Brampton, Ontario native was one of the Gorillas ironmen last season appearing in all of the team’s 64 games, while notching seven goals and 41 assists for 48 points. DeSantis had an even plus-minus rating although he played against the other team’s top forward lines all season long. He was second on the team in shots on goal had five points in the first four playoff games in Amarillo history.
“I believe the key to any successful team is character people,” said Gorillas head coach Joe Ferras. “Mark is a premier defensemen in the Central Hockey League and is a player that demands a lot from himself and from his teammates.”
The former Central Hockey League and Western Professional Hockey League all-star was also instrumental in helping the Gorillas finish fourth in goals against and third in shots for in the CHL last season.
DeSantis was signed as a free-agent by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 1992, and was sent to their minor league affiliate in San Diego. In the past 10 years he has played for 13 different hockey teams in five different leagues, while amassing 98 goals and 308 assists for 406 points.
This could be a milestone year for DeSantis who is two goals shy of 100 for his career and is 94 points away from 500 for his professional career.
“Mark was a big reason that we were able to get to the playoffs for the first time in Amarillo history,“ said Ferras. “When the leader of your team doesn’t accept losing, it has a very positive reaction throughout the dressing room and it’s this leadership that will be counted on next season.”
The 6’1’’, 218-pound, right-shooting defenseman was runner up for the 2001-2002 CHL Defenseman Of The Year, and was third ranked offensive and defensive defenseman in the 2001-2002 CHL Best-Of-The-Best Poll.
Mark DeSantis is the first player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
GORILLAS RE-SIGN BIG OFFENSIVE WEAPON FROM LAST SEASON
AMARILLO, TX - The Amarillo Gorillas have re-signed one of the key players that powered them to a record breaking season one year ago.
The Gorillas inked Henry Kuster for the 2003-2004 season and hope he can bring the same intensity and offensive production that he displayed on many nights.
One of the highlight nights for the Edmonton Alberta native was the second game of the regular season when he fired four goals to help Amarillo defeat Wichita.
Kuster appeared in all of the Gorillas 64 regular season games where he netted 36 goals and added 33 assists for 69 points and 49 penalty minutes. He led the team with five shorthanded goals and was second on the team with nine powerplay goals. He also had eight game-winning markers.
"We are very excited to have Henry back for another year," said Gorillas Head Coach Joe Ferras. "Henry played outstanding hockey for us last season and he was a go-to guy all year."
Kuster, who was drafted in the second round of the 1996 National Hockey League draft by the Boston Bruins, was one of two Amarillo Gorillas that attended the Central Hockey League's All-Star Game in Oklahoma City. It was Kuster's first professional all-star game.
In his five previous professional seasons, Kuster has spent time with the August Lynx and the Jacksonville Lizard Kings of the East Coast Hockey League and the San Antonio Iguanas of the Central Hockey League. Kuster has picked up 116 career goals and added 128 assists for 244 points.
"Hank has a great knack around the net and is willing to pay the price to score goals," said Ferras. "It is important to put together a good nucleus from last year's team and with Kuster and DeSantis, we have a good start."
Kuster played junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League where he had 126 goals and 171 assists for 297 points in 350 games.
Henry Kuster is the second player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season joining Mark DeSantis.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
GORILLAS RE-SIGN ONE OF THEIR PILLARS ON DEFENSE
AMARILLO, TX – Defense was one of the Amarillo Gorillas strengths last season, and the hockey club took a huge step to solidifying that position again with the re-signing of Ryan Shannon.
The Leduc, Alberta, Canada native will begin his third season in Amarillo and his second with the Gorillas. Shannon was one of the Gorillas’ most durable players last year appearing in all but one game where he notched two goals and 10 assists for 12 points and 125 penalty minutes.
“Ryan played outstanding hockey for us last season,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “Ryan was a great leader on and off the ice and I look for him to build off that and be a huge part of our hockey program this season.”
Shannon was a standout on defense all season long. He was asked to play in many key situations for the hockey club, including penalty killing where he was a force in keeping the opposition from setting up in front of the net.
The big defenseman had tryouts with a couple of National Hockey League teams. His professional career began four years ago in 1999-2000 with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League where he appeared in 52 games, and had one goal and 11 assists for 12 points and 68 penalty minutes.
In 2000-2001, Shannon moved on to the Fort Worth Brahmas of the Western Professional Hockey League where he had one goal and seven assists for eight points and 81 penalty minutes in 32 games.
The six-foot two, 215-pound left-shooting defenseman would begin to make Amarillo home in 2001-2002 as a member of the Rattlers in the Central Hockey League. In 50 games, Shannon picked up two goals and added 10 assists for 12 points and 125 penalty minutes.
“Ryan is a player that takes pride in his defensive game and shutting down the other teams’ top lines,” said Coach Ferras. “He is a complete team player and one that has enormous respect from his teammates and the coaching staff.”
Shannon played his entire junior career with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. In his final season, (1998-99) he captained the Hitmen to the WHL Championship and later the Memorial Cup Canadian Major Junior Hockey Championship game where they would lose in the final in overtime.
Shannon is the third player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season along with defenseman Mark DeSantis and forward Henry Kuster.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
‘RAZOR’ IS BACK IN AMARILLO
AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Gorillas added more grit and intensity to its 2003-2004 roster with the re-signing of forward Scott Wray.
Wray appeared in 56 games last year for the Gorillas and picked up 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points and 108 penalty minutes. Down the stretch, Wray was a key player for the Gorillas in their playoff march with timely goals and solid defensive play. In four playoff games for the Gorillas, Wray picked up two assists.
The six-foot, 190 pound native of Ottawa Ontario Canada played similar to his nickname “Razor” with the passion and toughness on every shift.
“Scott is a key player for the Gorillas,” said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “He plays with a lot of heart and is the type of player that shows up in the big games.”
Wray joined the Amarillo franchise midway through the 2001-2002 season and made a significant impact. In 20 games, he netted eight goals and added five assists for 13 points and 21 penalty minutes.
Wray set a professional career high of 38 points (19 goals and 19 assists) in 47 games during the 2000-2001 season with the Lake Charles Ice Pirates of the Western Professional Hockey League.
“Amarillo is a great place to play and we have great fans here,” said Wray. “We have a great group of guys returning and I think we can make an impact in the league this season. I am excited and can’t wait for the season to begin.”
Wray also had stops in the East Coast Hockey League and the Western Professional Hockey League.
“Scott will play a big part in our special teams with a lot of focus on our penalty kill success”, said coach Ferras. “Razor skates very well and finishes his checks and I think with his experience this will be a big year for Scott.”
After beginning his junior career in 1996-1997 with the Owen Sound Platers of the Ontario Hockey League, Wray would soon find a home with the North Bay Centennials where he would wind up play the next three years.
In his OHL career, Wray fired 41 goals and collect 54 assists for 95 points and 156 penalty minutes in 179 games.
Wray is the fourth player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas to go along with player-assistant coach Mark DeSantis, forward Henry Kuster and defenseman Ryan Shannon.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
GORILLAS INK CONTRACT WITH
ROOKIE SAM HILL
AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Gorillas hope that the signing of another graduate of RIT can prove to be as successful as it was last season.
The Gorillas have signed former Rochester Institute of Technology standout Sam Hill to a contract for the 2003-2004 season. RIT was the same school that produced the 2002-2003 CHL Rookie Of The Year Derek Hahn.
Hill had a great four-year career at RIT where he scored sixty goals and added 64 assists for 124 points and 76 penalty minutes in 101 games. The Strathroy, Ontario native has finished among the top five on his team in scoring each of the last three years. He also led the team last year with 10 power play goals. He was known as a big game player for RIT netting the game winner with time expiring to help his school win the 2002 ECAC West Regular Season Title.
“It is great when you can pick up a winger with the size of Sam Hill,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “With the heavy shot and quick release that Sam has, it should pay off with a lot of great offensive opportunities in our building.”
Hill said he is excited to be coming to Amarillo to play for the Gorillas.
“I have heard nothing but good things about Amarillo and how the city treats its players,” Hill said. “I am looking forward to playing there. I hope that I can live up to the standard of RIT hockey that Derek Hahn set last year.”
RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson says Hill will be a great edition to the Gorillas team.
“Sam is a big strong physical player that can shoot the puck,” said RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson. “He is best around the net and on specialty teams especially on the power play. He is a good teammate and great edition to your organization.”
The six-foot, one-inch 215 pound was a product of the well known St Thomas Stars of the OHA Western Junior B Hockey League in Ontario. St. Thomas has produced well known players including Boston Bruins star Joe Thornton and Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars.
“When you get players that come from very successful hockey programs like RIT you know that you are getting a player that is very well coached and a quality kid,” said Coach Ferras. “This should help ease Sam’s adjustment to the professional game that will be a key ingredient in Amarillo’s success this season.”
Sam Hill is the fifth player overall signed by the Gorillas, including Mark DeSantis, Henry Kuster Ryan Shannon and Scott Wray.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
GORILLAS ADD SCORING AND CHARACTER WITH NEW SIGNING
AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Gorillas have added some offensive firepower to their line-up with the signing of former El Paso Buzzards forward Derrell Upton.
Upton spent the past two seasons with the Buzzards where he was one of their offensive leaders, appearing in 115 games and picking up 34 goals and 58 assists for 92 points and 36 penalty minutes. His leadership powered El Paso to the CHL playoffs during the 2001-2002 season where the team would advance to the Southern Conference championship. Upton had three goals and six assists for nine points in 11 post-season games.
“Amarillo was my top choice of teams to play for this season,” said Upton. “I think being good friends with a number of players on the team made the decision to play for the Gorillas that much easier.”
Upton began his professional career in 2000-2001 with the Lake Charles Ice Pirates of the former Western Professional Hockey League where he was a teammate of Scott Wray’s. In 65 games Upton, had 16 goals and seven assists for 23 points.
“Derrell will be a great addition to our hockey club,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “To compete as hard as Derrell did all of last year under tough circumstances, showed great perseverance and a type of player that will fit in great with what is expected of the Amarillo hockey program.”
The six-foot-one inch, 205-pound, right-shooting, right winger played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Erie Otters, Oshawa Generals and the North Bay Centennials. In 223 career games, Upton had 56 goals and 77 assists for 133 points.
“I want to help the Gorillas offensively, especially on the power play,” said Upton, who is a native of Toronto, Ontario. “I have always enjoyed playing in Amarillo and I look forward to being there on a regular basis.”
Derrell Upton was a thorn in the side of the Amarillo Gorillas in the 2002-2003 season and almost played spoiler in the team’s attempt to make the Central Hockey League playoffs for the first time. In nine games last season, the crafty forward netted 16 points to lead El Paso to four victories over the Amarillo Gorillas.
“It is a great credit to Derrell’s character that many of our own players have spoken so highly of him,” said Ferras. “I am confident that Derrell will fill the offensive void we lost when Dorian Anneck decided to sign in Europe.”
Ferras noted that the Gorillas special teams will be greatly improved with the addition of Upton who can be very effective on either the left or right wing.
Derrell Upton is the 6th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 season, joining Mark DeSantis, Henry Kuster, Ryan Shannon, Scott Wray and Sam Hill.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
GORILLAS RE-SIGN GRITTY FORWARD BEN GUSTAVSON
AMARILLO, TX – Hard working, gritty and tough. . .
Those are some of the words to describe left-winger Ben Gustavson, who the Amarillo Gorillas announced they have re-signed for the 2003-2004 season.
Gustavson appeared in all but one game for the Gorillas last year and compiled 12 goals and 30 assists for 42 points and 98 penalty minutes.
“I feel it’s important to bring back players that have been winners and know what it takes to win,” said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “Ben is a complete player that we count on a lot in both ends of the rink.”
The Aylmer, Ontario, Canada native appeared in four playoff games for the Gorillas and notched one assist.
Gustavson, who will be entering his fifth season as a professional, has spent time with the Phoenix Mustangs and the Bakersfield Condors of the West Coast Hockey League, Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League as well as the Port Huron Border Cats and the Adirondack IceHawks.
In those five seasons, the five-foot, 11 inch 200 pound right shooting forward has picked up 49 goals, 67 assists for 116 points and 352 penalty minutes.
“Ben was a great addition to the Gorillas hockey club last season,” said Ferras. “He was one of our best penalty killers last season always willing to sacrifice his body to make the play and these are the type of players that we need in Amarillo.”
Gustavson played his entire junior career with the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League. During the 1998-99 season, Gustavson helped the 67s capture the Memorial Cup Canadian Major Junior Hockey Championship.
Ben Gustavson joins Mark DeSantis, Henry Kuster, Scott Wray and Ryan Shannon, Eric Andersen and Sam Hill as players under contract for the Amarillo Gorillas.
GORILLAS STALWART DEFENSEMEN RETURNS FOR ANOTHER SEASON
AMARILLO, TX – One of the Amarillo Gorillas stalwart defenseman will be back on the blue-line for a fifth season of professional hockey in the city.
Eric Andersen was introduced to fans and the media during a press conference at Sports World Family Fun Center on Wednesday afternoon. The six-foot one inch 215- pound defenseman played in 62 of the team’s 64 games last year and collected two goals and four assists for six points and 159 penalty minutes.
Andersen was a main stay on the Gorillas blue-line all season long and when paired with recently signed Ryan Shannon, the duo proved to be tough on the opposition.
“Eric is a type of player that goes unnoticed at times,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “ He plays against other team’s top lines all year and takes pride in shutting them down. These are the types of players that you can never have enough of.”
The Swan River, Manitoba native has spent parts of four previous years in Amarillo where he now makes his home with his wife Joy. Eric is firmly planted in the community and owns a fence company that he operates during the summer months. Andersen has appeared in 103 career games in Amarillo and netted three goals, 17 assists for 21 points and 307 penalty minutes.
Andersen spent the 2001-2002 campaign with the B.C. Icemen of the United Hockey League where he had 11 points (0 goals and 11 assists) in 65 games and was chosen as his team’s Most Valuable Defenseman.
“When you have players that compete as hard and are as self motivated as Eric is, it certainly makes my job easier,” said Coach Ferras. “ We are very happy to have Andy back in the fold and look forward to another great season.”
Eric Andersen is the seventh player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas in preparation for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season, joining Mark DeSantis, Henry Kuster, Ryan Shannon, Scott Wray, Ben Gustavson and Sam Hill.
Re: 2003-04 Gorillas roster
GORILLAS SIGN ANOTHER TALENTED ROOKIE
Amarillo, TX – The Amarillo Gorillas have dipped back into the large talent pool at the Rochester Institute of Technology for its second rookie signing for the 2003-2004 season.
The Gorillas signed forward Mike Bournazakis, after being ranked among the top three in RIT scoring each of the last four seasons. In 106 career games at RIT, Bournazakis fired 66 goals and chipped in 135 assists for 201 points. He has picked up 16 game-winning goals and 30 power play markers.
“You always hope your rookies can make an impact,” said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “Mike has been a proven scorer at every level and I am confident he will continue to do so at the CHL level.”
Mike Bournazakis is no stranger to the Central Hockey League as his brother Peter and former line-mate Derek Hahn were the past two winners of the Central Hockey League’s Rookie-of-the-Year Award. Bournazakis, a native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, said knowledge of the league should help make his adjustment to professional hockey much easier.
“My brother Peter and friend Derek Hahn both had very successful seasons in the CHL,” Mike Bournazakis said. “From talking to them, I feel very prepared coming into training camp and hope to contribute a great deal to the Gorillas hockey club.”
“Mike is very strong on the puck and is very effective in traffic,” said Coach Ferras. “With the size of the rink in Amarillo, these qualities will help create a lot of scoring chances and he’ll be a great asset on our power play.”
Bournazakis has received many prestigious honors in his collegiate career. He was named ECAC West Rookie of the Year during his freshman season and in his senior year, he was named the Rochester Press Radio Club's Male College Athlete of the Year.
“We are hoping that this season’s rookies, Sam Hill and Mike Bournazakis have the same impact that the Hockey Club received with our two top notch rookies Derek Hahn and Darren Curry last season,” said Ferras.
Mike Bournazakis is the ninth player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season, joining Mark DeSantis, Henry Kuster, Ben Gustavson, Ryan Shannon, Eric Andersen, Derrell Upton, Scott Wray and Sam Hill.
AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Gorillas added more toughness to its blueline this week with the signing of Mario Cormier.
The Moncton, New Brunswick native is no stranger to Amarillo fans, after spending time with the New Mexico Scorpions and the Abilene Aviators of the Western Professional Hockey League. In three WPHL seasons, Cormier had three goals, 26 assists for 29 points and 160 penalty minutes in 161 games.
“If there is a player’s style that was built for the Amarillo Gorillas ice surface it is Mario Cormier,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “Mario plays a very sound defensive game and takes pride in winning one-on-one battles with his physical play.”
Cormier said he is looking forward to his return to the Central Hockey League.
“I am very excited to be playing in Amarillo this season,” said Cormier from his New Brunswick home. “I have a few friends on the team such as Coach (Joe) Ferras, Brian (Pellerin) and Mark (DeSantis) who was my defensive partner in New Mexico. It helped to make my decision to come to Amarillo that much easier.”
The five-foot, 11-inch 215-pound left-shooting defenseman also spent time in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the South Carolina Stingrays and the Jacksonville Lizard Kings where he netted seven points in 68 games and amassed 88 penalty minutes.
“Mario is a team guy in all areas of the game,” said Ferras. “He is the type of player that you love to play with, but hate to play against and he is willing to do whatever it takes to win hockey games, including sacrificing his body every game”
Cormier said hard work is what characterizes his play.
“I am a hard worker and give 100 per cent every shift out there,” he said. “I am a defensive defenseman and I like to try and shutdown the opposition.”
Cormier played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Beauport Harfangs, Drummondville Voltigeurs, the Moncton Aplines and the Moncton Wildcats. He appeared in 267 junior games where he netted nine goals and 41 assists for 48 points and 682 penalty minutes.
Mario Cormier is the 10th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas this season joining teammates Mark DeSantis, Ryan Shannon, Henry Kuster, Eric Andersen, Ben Gustavson, Scott Wray, Derrell Upton, Sam Hill and Mike Bournazakis.
Preparations are continuing for the Amarillo Gorillas 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. The schedule should be released within the next week. Full and partial season tickets are available at all price ranges and for further information please contact 242-7825.
GORILLAS RE-SIGN SKILLED AND SPEEDY FORWARD JOHN DEAN
AMARILLO, TX – One the Amarillo Gorillas’ ironmen from last season has re-signed for his third season of hockey in the city.
John Dean, who is characterized for his great speed and hard-work ethic, will dawn the Gorillas’ black, red, white and grey for a second season. Dean, who appeared in all of the Gorillas’ 64 regular season games and four playoff games, had 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points and 56 penalty minutes. In the post season, the Don Mills, Ontario native potted two goals and three assists for five points.
“I am really pleased to get John back in a Gorillas jersey,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operation and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “Deaner is an excellent skater and plays with so much passion and heart that makes him such a vital part of our line up.”
John Dean said he is happy to be back in Amarillo for another exciting season.
“Amarillo is like a second home to me, having played here for two years under coach Joe Ferras,” Dean said from his Don Mill, Ontario home. “We have made great strides with some of the signings Joe has made defensively and up front. We did so well last year in making the playoffs, and that was one of the main reasons for coming back.”
Dean bursted upon the scene with Amarillo of the Central Hockey League in 2001-2002 where he appeared in 63 of 64 games, netting 17 goals and pitching in 16 assists for 33 points and 62 penalty minutes.
Dean’s excellent rookie debut helped to gain him attention of scouts and prior to last season, he attended the training camp of the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League.
“Amarillo gave me a chance and Joe believed in my abilities,” Dean said. “I want a shot at winning a championship and Amarillo deserves that chance, too.”
“I am looking for John to build on last year’s performance, especially his great play in the last part of the season and playoffs,” said Coach Ferras. “He is a quality person who comes from a great family, and brings a lot of character to our dressing room.”
John Dean is the 11th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 season in the Central Hockey League.
The Amarillo Gorillas will open up their season on Saturday, Oct. 18 when they travel to Lubbock to face the Cotton Kings at 7 p.m. at Lubbock Municipal Coliseum.
The home opener for the Gorillas is set for Friday, Oct. 24 when they entertain the expansion Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at 7 p.m.
Re: Ratts is Back
RATTS RETURNS FOR FIFTH SEASON OF HOCKEY IN AMARILLO
AMARILLO TX – Amarillo professional hockey’s all time penalty minute and games played leader is back in the Panhandle for a fifth season.
A press conference was held today at the Media Room in the Amarillo Civic Center (Thursday, Aug. 14) to announce the signing of forward Dave Rattray.
The fan favorite of both young and old alike from Edmonton, Alberta had a great 2002-2003 season and was a big part of the Gorillas drive to the Central Hockey League playoffs. Rattray appeared in 63 games last season and had nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points and 163 penalty minutes. During the post season, Rattray chipped in two goals and an assist for three points and six penalty minutes.
“We are very excited to have Dave back in a Gorillas’ uniform this season,” said Gorillas Head Coach/Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “ Ratts plays hard every night and with his experience, shows great leadership on the ice and in the dressing room.” Rattray said he is looking forward to another great year in Amarillo.
“I am excited with the core players that are returning from last year’s team along with the rookies that Joe has signed,” said Rattray. “We had an amazing year making the playoffs, but I would like to go a little further this year.”
In 244 career games in Amarillo, the 5 ft 11 inch, 200-pound forward, has compiled an incredible 946 penalty minutes along with 42 goals and 65 assists for 107 points. Rattray will approach a milestone this season when he hits 1,000 penalty minutes in an Amarillo uniform.
AMARILLO, TX – One of the Amarillo Gorillas key ingredients to advancing to last season’s Central Hockey League playoffs is back for another season.
The Gorillas announced today that they have re-signed standout goaltender Shawn Degagne. The North Bay Ontario, native won games in bunches for the Gorillas last season, including five in a row early in the season and then eight of his last nine starts to close the year and get his club to the playoffs.
Overall, Degagne was 19-10-0 with a 2.52 Goals Against Average in 32 games. He was 4-0 in shootouts and allowed just five shootout goals against in those games and had three shutouts. In week 14 of the season, Degagne was selected as the CHL Goaltender-of-the-Week and was selected as the CHL Goaltender-of-the-Month.
“I am very happy that we were able to get Shawn back in an Amarillo uniform,” said Gorillas Head Coach Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “We had a very unique situation last season with two incredible goalies in Shawn and Steve DeBus and this season I have given Shawn the opportunity to play a ton of games as our number one.” In his three professional seasons, Degagne has lowered his Goals Against Average significantly from 3.30 GAA to 2.52. Degagne spent the 2001-2002 season with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL where he racked up a similar record of 17-10-5 and a 2.67 Goals Against Average in 32 games.
“I believe a big key in a winning team is to be very strong from the back out, and Shawn is a big piece of that puzzle,” said Coach Ferras.
The 6 foot, one-inch 190 pound puck stopper began his professional career with the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the ECHL where he went 14-12-4 and a 3.30 goals against average.
“Gag’s is a proven goalie and has had a winning record every year since turning pro,” said Ferras. “ He is very competitive and understands what a great opportunity he has, and I know that he will be one of the elite goalies in the CHL this season.”
Degagne spent three of his four years as a junior with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League where he averaged 12 wins in two of those three years, before moving on to his hometown North Bay Centennials where he would have a 13-win season.
Shawn Degagne is the 13th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season.
The Amarillo Gorillas will be moving offices in the coming week. Gorillas fans can look for their new offices at 1934 Civic Circle in the Wolflin Village. The Gorillas Corporate phone and fax numbers will remain the same. There are just 66 days remaining until the Amarillo Gorillas home opener against the expansion Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center.
Full and Partial season tickets and various Corporate Advertising packages are available and for further information please call 242-7825.
For further information on goaltender Shawn Degagne, please call Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras at 654-7093.
Re: Gorillas add Tom Gomes
GORILLAS ADD SCORING AND GRIT WITH VETERAN SIGNING
AMARILLO TX – The Amarillo Gorillas have added depth and offensive firepower to its hockey club today with the acquisition and signing of forward Tom Gomes from the Wichita Thunder.
The Amarillo Gorillas acquired Gomes from the Wichita Thunder in exchange for future considerations. Gomes appeared in all 64 games for the Thunder in the 2002-2003 season and collected 28 goals and 38 assists for 66 points and 61 penalty minutes.
“I tried to acquire Tom Gomes last season to no avail,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “I have played with Tom Gomes and watched him at our level and I am confident he can be a premier player with all of his attributes.”
The sturdy 5 foot, 10 inch 210-pound right winger has been known for all of his professional career as a point-per game player and regarded as an ‘Elite Player’ at the ‘AA’ level.
The Harrow, Ontario native (near the border city of Windsor) is longtime friends with Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras.
“I think it is great to be coming back to Amarillo,” said Gomes from his home in Canada. “I have known Joe (Ferras) for a long time. He has a great personality and is a a good coach and a good person. I have also played with Ratts (Dave Rattray) and Andy (Eric Andersen) when I was in Amarillo before.”
Gomes, Coach Ferras and Assistant Coach Brian Pellerin were teammates with the Bracknell Bees of the British Super League. Gomes and Ferras combined for 84 points and both finished top four in team scoring.
“Tom is a great addition because he can play in all situations (penalty killing, power play and five on five),” said Ferras. “He doesn’t shy away from anything and is definitely a player willing to pay the price to put up numbers.”
Gomes is also no stranger to Amarillo Hockey fans as he was a member of the Rattlers during the 1999-2000 where he picked up 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points and 58 penalty minutes.
“Amarillo has a great rink and I have always put up good numbers there,” said Gomes about playing 32 games at The Jungle. “The fans are fantastic and I am looking forward to the season.”
Much of Gomes’ career was spent in old Central Hockey League where he played for five seasons with the Oklahoma City Blazers, and single seasons with the Topeka Scarecrows, Tulsa Oilers and the Border City Bandits. In 365 career games, Gomes had 154 goals and 157 assists for 311 points.
“With the loss of veteran players like (Dorian) Anneck and (Brandon) Carper, I will be looking for leadership on and off the ice from Tom,” said Coach Ferras.
Tom Gomes is the 13th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season.
GORILLAS SEND BROWN TO CORPUS CHRISTI
In other Amarillo Gorillas news today, the hockey club announced that defenseman Matt Brown was sent to the Corpus Christi Rayz for future considerations.
Brown heads to Corpus Christi for his second season in the Central Hockey League. Last season with Amarillo, Brown played in 62 of the team's 64 games, collecting two assists and 75 penalty minutes for the Gorillas.
The Amarillo Gorillas will entertain the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in their home opener on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. The opening weekend will also feature a game against the Northern Conference rival Wichita Thunder on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Partial and full season ticket packages as well as Corporate Sponsorships are available by calling 242-7825.
For further information on the Gorillas signing of Tom Gomes, please contact Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras at 242-0099.
Re: Curry makes 14
GORILLAS BRING BACK SMOOTH SKATING CURRY FOR SECOND SEASON
AMARILLO, TX – Another one of the Amarillo Gorillas’ top rookies from last season will be back for another year.
The Gorillas announced today that they have re-signed smooth skating defenseman Darren Curry for the 2003-2004 season. The Manotick, Ontario (near Ottawa) native arrived in Amarillo five games into the 2002-2003 and made an immediate impact by scoring some key goals both on defense and contributing from time-to-time as a forward.
“Darren was a great addition for us last season,” said Head Coach Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “He has that offensive instinct that you can’t teach players and has great intensity that you love to see as a coach.”
In 59 games with the Gorillas, Curry had 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points and 30 penalty minutes. Curry earned two power play goals and also notched a very important game winner on an incredible rush up the ice that thrilled the home crowd at the Jungle.
Curry appeared in the four Amarillo playoff games and contributed two assists. He began last season with the Fort Worth Brahmas and notched a goal in his only game that he suited up.
The 5-foot, 11-inch 190-pound defenseman put up some great collegiate numbers at the University of Alabama Huntsville. In three seasons and 78 games with the Division I Chargers, Curry netted 29 goals and 31 assists for 60 points.
“ With a solid year of experience in the pro game under his belt, I will be looking for Darren to be a big part of this hockey club and, in particular, our power play,” said Coach Ferras
Darren Curry joins a talented defense corps that includes Mark DeSantis, Ryan Shannon, Mario Cormier and Eric Andersen. Curry is the 14th player inked to a contract by the Amarillo Gorillas.
Partial and full season ticket packages as well as corporate partnerships are available for the upcoming season. To get involved with the Central Hockey League’s Most Improved Franchise of the Year please call 806-242-7825
Re: Gorillas re-sign CHL Rookie of the Year
CHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR RETURNS TO AMARILLO FOR SECOND SEASON
AMARILLO TX – The 2002-2003 Central Hockey League’s rookie of the year is coming back to the Amarillo Gorillas for his second season.
The Amarillo Gorillas announced at a press conference today at Joe’s Crabshack that they have signed center Derek Hahn to a contract. Before going to the Gorillas training camp, Hahn will head to Salt Lake City to participate in the Utah Grizzles training Camp. The Grizzlies are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Dallas Stars.
“This is a great signing for this hockey club,” said Gorillas Head Coach Director of Hockey Operations/ Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “ Derek had an outstanding year for us last season, he has great offensive instincts and a great passion for the game.”
In 46 games with the Gorillas, Hahn netted 25 goals and added 27 assists for 52 points and 14 penalty minutes. Hahn jumped onto the scene during an early season road trip to Austin where the Gorillas began to hit their stride with back-to-back wins over the Ice Bats. The following weekend, Hahn scored the game winner to lead Amarillo to a big win over the El Paso Buzzards.
“My teammates really helped me to get adjusted when I arrived last season and that helped me a lot,” said Derek Hahn. “I like playing in Amarillo and I am looking forward to a great year.”
Hahn’s was chosen as the CHL’s player of the week in early January and his solid play was being taken note of by the Central Hockey League and by season’s end was being considered for the Rookie-of-Year Award. The Rochester institute of Technology (RIT) graduate would be the second consecutive player from that program to take the prestigious award following Peter Bournazakis’ success with the Indianapolis Ice.
“Although it will only be Derek’s second season as a pro, he will be counted on to be a leader for this team,” said Ferras. “ With the rule changes and the size of our rink, I feel that Derek is the type of player that will benefit and create even more chances.”
Hahn spent three years at RIT where he appeared in 78 games and had 37 goals and 72 assists for 104 points. The six-foot-tall, 185-pound centerman was an intrical part of the RIT success over those years.
“I like the city of Amarillo, the organization and Joe and that is the reason why I decided to come back for another year,” Hahn said. “It will be fun to play with my former RIT teammates Mike Bournazakis and Sam Hill.”
Derek Hahn is the 15th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 season. He will join other RIT products and former teammates Sam Hill and Mike Bournazakis who are already signed by the Gorillas.
Partial and Full season tickets are on sale for the 2003-2004 season for the Amarillo Gorillas and for further information you can call 242-7825 or drop by the new corporate offices located at 1934 Civic Circle.
For further information on the signing of Derek Hahn please contact Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras at 242-0099 or 242-7825.
Re: Gorillas sign playoff rookie
GORILLAS SIGN TALENTED ROOKIE DEFENSEMAN BACK FROM PLAYOFF TEAM
AMARILLO, TX – One of the hot young rookies the Amarillo Gorillas brought in for the Central Hockey League playoffs last season has signed a contract to be part of this season’s club.
Defenseman Tyler Butler has been signed to a contract by the Gorillas, but before coming to Amarillo’s training camp, he will head to Salt Lake City, Utah to participate in the American Hockey League’s Grizzlies camp.
Butler appeared in four playoff games and didn’t disappoint anyone with his spirited play by notching one goal and one assist for two points. The Kanata, Ontario, Canada native (near Ottawa) saw time on power play and when the team was full strength with his patience and hard slap shot from the blue line.
“Tyler will be a great addition to our defensive corps,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “He stepped into a tough situation last season with the Gorillas entering the playoffs and played extremely well, showing great poise and patience.”
Butler had a brilliant collegiate career at the University of Alabama-Huntsville where he played some of that time with current Gorillas defenseman Darren Curry.
In 130 games with the Chargers, the 6-foot, 2 inch, 205 pound defenseman had 21 goals and 60 assists for 81 points and 170 penalty minutes.
“Tyler will be a great asset to our power play as he possesses a great shot and passing skills,” said Ferras. “I am excited that Tyler is going to the Utah Grizzlies training camp and this experience will help him settle in for a full year of pro hockey.”
Tyler Butler is the 16th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 season joining two other previously signed rookies Sam Hill and Mike Bournazakis.
There are just 44 days until the Amarillo Gorillas home opener on Friday, October 24 against the expansion Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at 7 p.m. at the Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center.
Partial and full season tickets as well as corporate partnerships are available by calling 242-7825. Fans are also encouraged to inquire about this month’s season ticket special, group and birthday party prices.
Re: Gorillas acquire Goaltender Myers
GORILLAS ACQUIRE GOALTENDER MYERS FROM SCORPIONS AND SIGN TO CONTRACT
AMARILLO, TX The Amarillo Gorillas may once again have the top goaltending tandem in the Central Hockey League this season following the acquisition of Scott Myers from the New Mexico Scorpions.
The Gorillas announced today, Tuesday, September 30 that they picked up Myers from the I-40 rival Scorpions for future considerations, and signed him to a contract.
“Scott helps solidify our goaltending situation,” said Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operatons and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. “I fully expect Scott to be a huge part of our hockey club’s success this season.”
The former 4th round draft pick, 110th overall, of the Pittsburgh Penguins spent the past two seasons with the Scorpions where he compiled a record of 29-31-7 with a Goals Against Average near 3.30.
“I am pretty excited to be coming to Amarillo,” Myers said from his home in Canada. “I talked to Joe and I am looking forward to the season. I actually enjoyed playing in Amarillo and hope it will carry over as a member of Gorillas.”
The 2001-2002 campaign was the Stonewall, Manitoba native’s debut in the CHL and he posted a 23-19-4 record and a 3.00 Goals Against Average in 49 starts.
Myers then returned for his second season in the CHL one year ago where he had a 6-12-3 record and a 3.62 Goals Against Average in 23 starts.
The 5-foot, 10 inch 172 pound goaltender began his professional career with the Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League in the 2000-2001 season where he went 12-6-2 and had a GAA of 3.38. Later that season he moved on to the Muskegon Fury where he went 4-1-0 and had a 3.90 GAA.
“The Central Hockey League is a competitive league and it is getting stronger every year,” Myers said. “You have to battle for your job every night, and it will be fun sharing the duties with Shawn.”
Myers played his entire four-year junior career with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League. Two of his most memorable years of note were the 1997-1998 and 1999-2000 where he averaged 30 wins in 49 starts and a Goals Against Average of less than three goals a game.
Scott Myers is the 17th player signed by the Amarillo Gorillas for the 2003-2004 season. For further information please call, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras at 242-0099.
2003-04 Gorillas roster
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