Bismarck -- It has been a wild off-season in goat country... an off-season which has welcomed back some familiar faces from championships past.
In his quest for a third cup, Ibex GM Matt Condon began the off-season by dealing away injured left wing Simon Gagne, along with promising youngsters Wojtek Wolski and Anton Volchenkov. In return, the Goats welcome back Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Pronger, and Mathieu Schneider, all key members of the dismantled 05/06 championship team. "It's great to have all three of these guys back in the fold... These are championship caliber players; they not only bring a great deal of talent, but also a wealth of experience." quoted GM Condon.
After smashing every North Dakota scoring record this past season, many were surprised by the departure of Gagne, but concussion problems were likely a motivating factor behind the trade. Injury issues also surround defenseman Volchenkov, and it is believed youngster Wolski had fallen out of favor with coach Lyndon Byers. Prospect defenseman Jakub Vojta, along with Portland's second round draft selection were also forwarded to the Sandblasters, a team obviously in the process of reloading.
Following the blockbuster trade with Hawaii, North Dakota also made a splash in free agency, agreeing to contracts with Mike Modano, a member of the 05/06 cup team, and Brendan Shanahan, who skated on the 03/04 championship squad. The Ibex also rolled the dice on the oft injured Steve Sullivan, as well as youngster Rich Peverley, both who signed on for three seasons at the league minimum. Modano and Shanahan are expected to anchor the team's third line and bring added experience to the locker room.
"We are thrilled with the signings. These guys have been valued members of this organization... it's great to have them back in the black and green." stated head coach Lyndon Byers. "Hopefully Sully can work through his back issue; he's a great addition... and our scouts really like this kid Peverley."
So far, it's been an exciting off-season for the Ibex. Hopefully there's more in store...
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The Lawmasters were overheard at their Sunday skate giggling like schoolgirls over some comments made by usually quiet center Daniel Briere. "I can't wait til we play the geriatrics of Linz! I wonder if they serve metamucil or gatorade at their arena."
Then Malkin correct Briere telling him it was the Ibex who were loading up on the grandpas and depends.
We're installing a small bingo hall in the locker room as well...
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