Sajtóközlemények

The Minnesota Frostbite reached the semifinals for the third year in a row, after matching a franchise-best second place regular season finish. The Frostbite also reached the third round of the National Cup for the third straight year. "We know it was a good finish, but it is tough to be happy when we were so close to reaching our first ever finals," said General Manager Joe, reflecting on a semifinal series that saw the Frostbite take a one-game lead before falling 2-1 in a shootout in the decisive game 3.

A variety of Frostbite players recorded career milestones. Vince Mott became the first player in franchise history to reach 800 points, Milton Morris and Clint Winters both recorded their 700th points, Douglas Franklin scored his 600th point, Ed Snow and Philip Cook both reached the 400 point mark, and Yusuf Pressley and Donovan Dailey recorded their 300th points. Clyde Li and Paul Arevalo both notched their 200th career assists. Patrick Black logged his 60th career shutout while Gene Stephens recorded his 50th career shutout.

The Frostbite drafted defenseman Thom Anderson. "He is a strong positional defenseman with some solid offensive upside," said Joe. To make room for Anderson, the Frostbite had to part ways with defenseman Morton Hynes. "Morty was a great piece on our blueline who added solid depth, we appreciate his contributions," Joe said of Hynes' who scored 32 goals, 94 assists, and 126 points in 261 career games with the Frostbite.

The Frostbite also promoted goalie Robert Turpin out of their sports academy. "Turp is an excellent young goalie with very impressive technique for his age," said Joe. The Frostbite had to part ways with center Leo Corrian to make room on the roster. "Leo will be missed, he was the consummate professional who learned a new position to fill a depth need at center," Joe said of Corrian, who scored 39 goals, 70 assists, and 109 points in 169 career games for the Frostbite.

The Frostbite also lost several key staff members to retirement. Former head lecturer Marc Dodge, head coach Benny Schmidt, assistant physician Charlie Seitz, head sporting director Michael Bartlett, and head physiotherapist Oswaldo Lynch all wrapped up long careers with the team. "We lost a great people to well-earned retirements," said Joe, "Marc was a tremendous resource to all staff, Benny helped coach up an entire generation of young players, Chuck was instrumental in helping banged up players heal, Mikey operated a sports academy that churned out excellent talent, and Waldo made sure our players were always well conditioned for practice."

In the international arena, GM Joe coached USA's U20 team for the 8th straight year, leading them to a berth in the qualification round at the Top Division of the World Championships for the second straight season.

The Frostbite continue to look ahead. "We are eager to give our fans a chance to see us contend for promotion and provide exciting hockey," said Joe.

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