Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Bulls Make Moves At Trade Deadline

Press Release

AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls, proud members of the North American Hockey League, announced several roster moves today (Tuesday) following the conclusion of the league’s Trade Deadline.

The Bulls have acquired defenseman, Alex Wiese, from the Traverse City Stars in exchange for goaltender Steve Bolton. Wiese, a 1992 defenseman from White Lake Michigan, notched two goals and six assists for eight points in 31 games. He also had a plus six rating. Bolton had a 4-3-1 record with a 2.90 Goals Against Average and a .904 save percentage.

The Bulls also sent forward Ricky DeRosa and defenseman, Travis Hill, to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons. In 25 games for the Bulls, DeRosa, a native of Aston, PA, picked up seven goals and three assists for 10 points and had a plus one rating. Hill, a native of Davison, Michigan, had two goals and an assist for three points in 20 games and had a plus 11 rating.

“At the trade deadline we made some tough decisions, and we felt that Ricky (DeRosa) Travis (Hill) and Steve (Bolton) deserved more ice time and opportunities to show case their skills to Division I programs,” said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. “We wish them, nothing but success and their hard work and commitment are a big part of the reason where we are as a first year franchise and it won’t be forgotten.”

“Alex is a very highly skilled defenseman and I expect him to play on our power play and add more depth defensively,” added Williams.”He also possesses a very hard shot. Alex is a young player who will help us down the stretch and in the future.”

The Bulls have also added forward, Eric Millisor, from the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. Millisor, a 1990 power forward from Ecorse, Michigan, had a terrific season a year ago with the Motor City Metal Jackets. In 24, games he had 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points and 49 penalty minutes. Millisor saw limited action with the Tri City Storm of the USHL this season where he had an assist in 10 games.

“Eric is a big strong power forward who can score goals and bring a no non-sense physical element to our game,” Williams commented; “I felt we were lacking that physical style of play in the last 10 to 12 games.”

The Bulls also announced the addition of goaltender Gregg Gruehl to the roster. Gruehl, a native of Mayfield Heights, Ohio put up some excellent numbers over the last two seasons with the Pembroke Ontario Lumberkings of the Central Ontario Tier 1 Hockey League. In 30 games over the combined two seasons, he posted a 24-4 record with a goals against average of less than three per game. Williams said he has watched Gruehl the past couple of seasons, while recruiting at Bowling Green.

"I am very excited to have Gregg here,” added Williams. “He will not only be able to push Nikifor for the number one spot but as a 1991 birth year, I expect him to take over the reins and be our number one season. Gregg is a smaller goaltender but is very quick and flexible.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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