GREENVILLE, S.C. – After moving the franchise from Johnstown, Neil Smith and the Greenville Road Warriors are ready for the 2010-2011 season. After going 1-2 in the pre-season, Greenville looks to start off regular season play on October 21 against the Florida Everblades. “We have built a solid team and look forward to the regular season,” said Head Coach Dean Stork.
COACHING STAFF– The Greenville Road Warriors are coached by a pair of former players, Head Coach Dean Stork and Assistant Coach Jason Spence. Stork comes to Greenville after spending the four seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones, helping to guide the team to a pair of Kelly Cup Championships in 2008 and last season as well. Jason Spence comes to Greenville after entering the coaching ranks last season as an assistant with Johnstown.
FORWARDS – The Road Warriors have a solid set of lines to head into the 2010-2011 season. Justin Bowers joins the team after spending a majority of the 2009-2010 in the CHL with the Allen Americans, along with brief stints in the AHL with several clubs. Sean Berkstresser and Connor Shields, who both spent last season in Johnstown, have moved with the franchise to Greenville. Andrew Carroll, Matt Shepke both spent last season in Charlotte, while Igor Gongalsky was on Stockton Thunder’s roster for the past two season. Brendan Connolly rounds out the veterans on the front line with two successful seasons in Elmira. Anton Kharin will also be suiting up with Greenville, after being acquired in a trade from Kalamazoo in exchange for future considerations. Mark Voakes played several games last season in the ECHL will begin his first full-season in the league, while Chris Chappell, Shane Harper, Tyler Ruegsegger, and Marc-Olivier Vallerand all make their ECHL debut with the Road Warriors this year.
DEFENSEMEN – Greenville’s defensive side will start the season with several ECHL veterans. Julien Brouillette, T.J. Reynolds remain in the south after hitting the ice for the Charlotte Checkers last season and Wes Cunningham moves east to Greenville, after suiting with the Elmira Jackals. After a successful four years at Mercyhurst College, Cullen Eddy suited up with Cincinnati at the tail end of last year and will hit the ice for Greenville this season. The remaining defensemen, Brad Cole, Trevor Glass, Sam Klassen, Blake Partlett, and Dan Ringwald will all be making their own ECHL debuts this season in Greenville.
GOALTENDERS – The Road Warriors look to Dov Grumet-Morris and Nic Ropel to provide solid goaltending between the pipes this season. After spending two seasons in Europe, Grumet-Morris returns to the ECHL this season for Greenville. Grumet-Morris is no stranger to the league, as he was in goal for Cincinnati during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. Nic Riopel makes his ECHL debut, joining the Road Warriors after spending the majority of the last five seasons with Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL.
CONCLUSION – With a variety of players, The Road Warriors look to have a first year in Greenville, and hope to have many more years in the city in the future.
Contact author at ryan.kouvolo@prohockeynews.com
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