PITS LOCK UP STUDNICKA

Press Release

Calling it a difficult decision, Warren Rychel optioned rookie forward Sam Studnicka to the Junior B Chatham Maroons back on September 6th.

Less than two weeks later, Studnicka was back at the WFCU Centre: this time to sign a hockey and scholarship deal with the Spitfires General Manager.

"I'm real excited," Studnicka told windsorspitfires.com, following a loss to the Sarnia Sting. "Obviously, it was a little disappointing getting released right off the bat in camp. But, they signed other players. So I just kept working. I'll get my chance sooner or later."

Studnicka (6', 180lbs) was Windsor's fifth round pick, 86th overall, in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.

Back on draft day, Rychel was thrilled to get the Tecumseh native that late. He was no less pleased as he signed the 16-year-old centre.

“We’re happy to have him,” claimed Spitfires General Manager Warren Rychel after signing Studnicka. “Sam had a great training camp after showing a lot of promise at our mini-camp and working hard all summer. He’s a local kid with heart and he’ll play for this team.”

SMITH SENT DOWN

Rookie winger Hunter Smith was sent down to the Junior B Lasalle Vipers following Saturday night's loss.

Having just turned 16 back on September 11th, Smith fell victim to numbers.

"It's not an easy one," Rychel said. "Another nice kid that had a great camp. But he needs to go down there and get a lot of reps and play."

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