| Subject: Chapman on the Gladiators |
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PuckDaddy
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Date Posted: 06/23/03 12:14pm
Notice near the bottom re former Mysticks players...
HOCKEY: Ideal Gladiator a young, hungry chaser of dreams
Larry Hartstein - Staff
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
When the Gwinnett Gladiators begin signing players, possibly next month, they'll do so with an overriding philosophy.
The county's AA hockey franchise primarily will seek players out of college "who are working hard and chasing the dream," general manager Steve Chapman said. "We want those kids who are striving, trying to get to the best level they can get to."
In other words, expect a few Gladiators to leave the team mid-season for the American Hockey League, one step below the National Hockey League.
Chapman said he'll follow the same plan he used in Mobile, where the franchise played until last year. In seven years, 36 players left Mobile for the AHL, and seven eventually reached the NHL.
"We've been real strong about pushing kids up the system," Chapman said. "That might hurt you in the middle of the season, but it will help you in the long run because you gain a reputation as an organization that helps players along.
"You almost have to get to the mind-set where we're enjoying these kids while they're here," he added.
The Gladiators play their first game Oct. 24 against the Augusta Lynx at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Training camp starts Oct. 1.
Season and group tickets are available by calling 770-497-5100.
Chapman and coach Jeff Pyle have talked to several players about signing with the Gladiators, but no deals can be made until the ECHL reaches a collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.
The roster won't be just college players.
"We want to have one or two solid core guys, the ones who can provide leadership on the ice and in the locker room, and a few guys who have some experience in the pro game," Chapman said. "But by the nature of our league, a lot of our guys are young kids out of college."
The Gladiators likely will have an affiliation with an AHL and NHL team. If that materializes, the AHL team would assign one or two players to Gwinnett. Two or three former Mobile Mysticks also could play for the Gladiators, Chapman said.
As with any sports team, turnover is inevitable.
"We're a developmental league," Chapman said. "Every year we need to replenish and get some more kids who are trying to work their way up the hockey ladder."
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