You would not believe how long it took me to think of that pun.
As our minds begin to turn to pre-season training camps and fixtures, rosters are just about being finalised and the 08/09 Elite League is beginning to take shape. Instead of unleashing post after post with every new signing, i’ll generally group them together like this:
The Cardiff Devils today announced the signing of American forward Jay Latulippe, completing their forward ranks in the process. Latulippe, 26 spent last season with the suddenly-omnipetent Corpus Christi Ice Rays of the CHL and went 12+30 for 42 points from 45 games. A nice, solid signing for their second line, he could even make the push to the top. His flexibility (can play centre or wing) will be a big plus point for the Devs.
Edinburgh Capitals announced Tuesday that they have completed the signing of 29 year old American born defenseman Joe Dustin. Dustin spent last season with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL and racked up 52 PIMS and 7+20 for 27 points in 58 games. The Caps seem to have a fairly balanced blue line this year, although it does seem to lack that necessary quality to lift them out of the bottom three. With all due respect to Dustin, this signing just yelps of mediocrity.
To round off the signings for today, the Hull Stingrays have followed up the signing of former-everyone Paul Moran by re-inking journeyman Pavel Gomenyuk. The 30 year old Ukranian defenseman has bounced around the north of England during his career, spending time with Solihull, Hull, Newcastle, back to Hull, back to Newcastle and back to Hull again! A decent signing if not spectacular, he will have to perform much better than he did in his previous season for the Stingrays during which he accrued 172 PIMS.
It seems that even the fans would probably be best wearing some padding during Ray games this year. What fun!
