The Jersey Rockhoppers announced the signings of 3 forwards: Kyle Bozoian, Derek Porter and Drew Sanders for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.

 

Kyle Bozoian, a 25 year old from St. Louis, MO, comes to the Rockhoppers after a solid rookie season with the Indiana Ice Miners of the MAHL. As a rookie, the 6’2” 205lbs forward scored 62 points (24g-38a) in 32 games. Prior to turning pro, Bozoian played 4 years with NCAA D-III Suny-Fredonia, amassing 99 points (47g-52a) in 113 games. Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations, Brian Gratz, said “Kyle is a big strong forward with a natural scoring touch. He moves well and has a nose for the back of the net.”

 

Derek Porter, a 24 year old from Bozeman, MT, enters his 2^nd professional season after playing in both the MAHL and SPHL last year. As a member of the Indiana Ice Miners, Porter notched 46 points (13g-33a) in 32 games. He finished his 2007-2008 season as a member of the Jacksonville Barracudas of the SPHL, scoring 4 points (3g-1a) in 8 games. “Derek is a very solid 2 way player and a terrific penalty killer. He also has a tremendous amount of offensive potential, so I look for him to continue to do good things on both sides of the puck,” Coach Gratz stated of the 6’2” 190lbs centerman.

 

Drew Sanders, a 25 year old from Modesto, CA, joins the Rockhoppers’ offensive corps for the 2008-2009 season. The 5’8” 175lbs forward played his college career at NCAA D-I Sacred Heart University where he played in 129 games and scored 26 points (5g-21a) from 2003-2007. Last year, Drew played for the Wooster Warriors of the MAHL and in only 10 games amassed 19 points (7g-12a). Coach Gratz said that “Drew is a player that I have had my eye on since last year. He has a lot of offensive playmaking ability and should make waves in the EPHL this year.”

 

The signing of Bozoian, Porter and Sanders brings the Rockhoppers’ total to 9 players: 5 forwards, 3 defensemen and 1 goaltender. Coach Gratz feels that he has started to lay the foundation for a solid team and believes that these players will be instrumental in bringing a championship to West Orange, NJ.

 

The Jersey Rockhoppers begin their inaugural season in the EPHL on November 1^st. Watch out for more information and updates as the off season progress here at www.jerseyrockhoppers.com.