Bulls Announce Training Camp Roster

Press Release

AMARILLO, TX – When the defending 2011 South Division Champions, The Amarillo Bulls, hit the ice for their two exhibition games in a couple of weeks there will be some familiarity for fans. Fourteen players from last year’s outstanding Bulls’ team are back including eight forwards, five defensemen and one goaltender. There are also several new faces lacing up the skates as first-year members of the Bulls.

"I am very excited about our team," said Head Coach Dennis Williams. " I feel our scouting staff has done a great job identifying not only good hockey players, but young men with great character and a desire to give back to the community."

The returning players leading the way up front are Matt Johnson, Mike Erickson, TJ Sarcona, Joe Kozlak, Brooks Behling, Mitch Rogge, Ryan Taylor and Taylor Ward. Newcomers Mike Davis, Alex Cary, Clint Carlisle, John Gustafsson, Omar Mullan and Jude Warner join the veterans. Gustafsson hails from Sweden, while Carlisle is a native Texan.

A solid core of defenseman are back including, John Rey, Karl Beckman, Brandon Lubin, Luke Jenkins and Zane Popilock. They will have new help from Mike Zajac, Geoff Fortman, and Bryan Drazner. In goal, the Bulls welcome back Greg Gruehl, who arrived in Amarillo during the second half of last season. Eric Lipon and Mike Taffe join Gruehl for goaltending duties.

"Time will tell where we will be," Williams added. "However, at this point I am very pleased with the commitment and attention to detail that I have seen. I look forward to a great year of hockey in Amarillo."

The squad hales from all over America as eleven different States are represented on the Bulls’ roster. There are five players each from Minnesota and Michigan followed by three from Ohio and Illinois. There are two players each from Pennsylvania, and New York. Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin, Delaware, and Sweden also make up part of the group.

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