Roster set for 2011-2012

Coach Killer Kaminski has assembled his team and they are now on their way to Fayetteville, North Carolina for their first game of the season, which is on Friday night. The team consists of 7 returning core players from last season, along with many new faces. Coach has raved about the relentless work ethic that the guys showed in training camp.

Here is a look at your 2011-2012 Louisiana IceGators (* indicates returning player):

On Offense:

*Shawn McNeil  (Center)- The 33 year old IceGators legend was a big signing in the offseason.  He puts up big numbers on the ice and is a great leader off of it. He is the first line center and his line showcased their skills at training camp.

*Jason Hill- (Left Wing)-  Hill came to the Gators in the middle of the season last year and provided instant offense. Hill will be flanked to the left of McNeil on the first line and should have a breakout season. He is not afraid to drop the gloves if the situation calls for it.

*Rob Short (Right Wing)- Short is another returning forward who made his way to the Gators via trade last season when we had 15 games left of the season. He brings a tough, hard nose style to the team and could see time on the penalty kill.

Nick Petriello (Forward) – Petriello is a newcomer to the league but finished his college career at Buffalo State as the all time leading scorer in school history. In 100 college games played, he scored 133 points. Hopefully he can keep up his scoring ways in the SPHL.

Brayden Metz (Center)- Metz comes highly recommended from the WHL and SJHL younger leagues in Canada.  He put up big numbers the last two seasons and also stays out of the penalty box. The sky is the limit for this youngster.

Willie Boyle (Forward)- Boyle is a smaller guy at 5’8”, which you would never guess by looking at his numbers. He has averaged well above a point a game in the Nor-Pac and the AAHL.

Todd Collins (Center) – Comes from Marian University. He played in 107 games and scored 87 points.

Kevin Beauregard (Forward)-  Big forward at 6’3” & 225 pounds. Played his college hockey at RPI.

Josh Duplantis (Forward)- Josh is from the Lafayette area and looking to make a name for himself in SPHL hockey.

Defense:

David Simoes – Will be a fan favorite because of his entertaining style of play and fighting ability. Simoes enters  the SPHL coming from the higher CHL where he won the “toughest player” award multiple times.

*Tobias Carlsson- The only player to have spent the last two full seasons with the Gators. Coach Kaminski has said that Carlsson vastly improved since last season.

*Tanner Hlookoff- Played in 20 games for the Gators last year after being traded from the Mississippi Surge. His second season in the SPHL should be his best season so far.

*Eric Tallent – Another returning defenseman for the Gators. Tallent adds a physical style of play to the blue line.

Clark Byczynski- Has spent last 4 seasons playing junior hockey in the SJHL and the MJHL.

Phil Crea – Crea also has junior hockey experience in the MHJL.

Sean Murray- Another player from Buffalo State. His 50 games of college experience should help him be ready for pro action.

Terry Watt- Newcomer, Watt played a few seasons in the FHL and the AAHL.

Goalies:

*Mike Brown – Maybe the best goalie in the league. Has experience in big leagues: AHL, ECHL, CHL. Brown puts the Gators in a position to win game in and game out.

Dan Earles – Played last year for the champions, the Mississippi Surge. Will be a great backup to Brown.

Hopefully Coach Killer has found the right players to buy into his system and have a successful season. Their first two games will be Friday and Saturday night in Fayetteville, NC against the Fayetteville FireAntz. We wish them the best of luck!