Monday, January 13, 2014

Patriots sign veteran forward Grose

Press Release

 The Toronto Patriots have signed forward Alex Grose away from the Potomac Patriots of the US-based USPHL Elite League.

Grose, 20, is a 6-foot-2 and 185-pound forward from Fairfax, VA that, according to Patriots general manager Mike Tarantino, brings an skillset that the club has been looking for.

“Well he adds an element of grit and toughness,” Tarantino said. “He’s a good grinder and a hard worker – all things we felt we needed a little more of and we’re looking forward to having him on board.”

The veteran is no stranger to Canadian junior hockey after he played 21 games with the Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks (Sturgeon Falls, ON) of the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League last two years ago.

Pats bench boss Jason Fortier became aware of the player through the summer hockey tournament he is apart of in Boston.

“He has some offence,” Tarantino added, “but most of his goals are going to be from inside the blue paint, which is kind of what we were looking for.”

Grose becomes the second American on the club as defenceman Corey Lauer hails from Tennessee.

The Patriots are next in action on Wednesday night when they host the Georgetown Raiders, puck drops at 8 p.m.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

No comments: