Sundogs ink 5 players

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – The Arizona Sundogs Hockey Club, in preparation for its second season in the Central Hockey League, today announced the re-signing of four players from the 2006-07 roster and a new addition for the 2007-08 campaign. New addition Chris Cook joins familiar faces Chris Bartolone, Jon Landry, Karl Sellan and Ladislav Kouba.



Bartolone, 37, spent his entire professional career overseas prior to joining the Sundogs in 2006-07. Appearing in all 64 games during Arizona’s inaugural campaign, the Clinton Township, Michigan native totaled 66 points (13g/53a) to finish second in scoring for defensemen. Ten of his 13 goals came on the power play, good enough to co-lead the league among fellow d-men.



“I’m very happy to have Chris Bartolone with us for yet another season,” said Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro . “Chris was a veteran leader for us last year and having him back early will allow our younger players to look to him for guidance, both on and off the ice, which is something we strive for as an organization. His experience and talent is a great foundation upon which to build our team.”


Jon Landry, 24, skated full-time with the Sundogs during the 2006-07 campaign after a four-year stint with the Bowdoin College Polar Bears in Brunswick, Maine. In 41 regular season games the forward-turned-defenseman collected 14 points (7g/7a) and a plus-3 rating.



“Jon was one of our most versatile players last season,” noted Pietroniro. “When we were thin on defense part way through the season Jon made the switch from forward to defense and was effective. Very few players can make that switch and have the success he had.”



Karl Sellan, 21, like fellow teammate Jon Landry, also began his professional career with the Sundogs after a stellar junior career with the back-to-back-to-back North American Hockey League (NAHL) National Champion Texas Tornado. In 57 regular season games with Arizona, Sellan collected 23 goals and assisted on 20 more for 43 points placing him among the top rookies in the CHL.



“Karl was one of our top rookies this past season,” noted Pietroniro. “In his first year as a pro Karl evolved his game to adapt to the changes from junior hockey. He proved to be a tough, hard-nosed player with the ability to score any time he was on the ice. His talent and skill is only going to progress as he gains more experience.”



Also slated to return to the Arizona Sundogs for the 2007-08 season is forward Ladislav Kouba. The talented forward skated in 30 regular season and playoff games for Arizona tallying 14 points (7g/7a) and 10 penalty minutes after beginning the year with the Southeast Division Laredo Bucks.



“Ladislav came to us midway through the season after a successful stint with the Laredo Bucks,” added Pietroniro. “He joined our team and immediately found a role. His natural ability as a stick handler and style of play provided our club with opportunities to win during the second half of the season. We’re excited to have him back for a second season.”



Newcomer Chris Cook, 25, comes to the Arizona Sundogs after spending three seasons with St. Thomas University of the CIS tallying 61 points in 80 games. Prior to his time in the CIS, the Kingston, Ontario native skated in the Ontario Hockey League for five seasons, seeing time with both Brampton and Kingston.



“Chris has played hockey at a competitive level in both the junior and college circuits and is ready to make the move to the professional level,” said Pietroniro. “We’re happy to give him the opportunity to start his professional career and we expect his transition to be a positive one.”



Season tickets for the upcoming 2007-08 Arizona Sundogs season are available now. For more information or to reserve your seats contact the Arizona Sundogs Ticketing Department at (928) 772-5555 or visit www.arizonasundogs.com.

Go Sellan!
*Jt puts on his Texas Tornado hat*

Rachel puts on her sundogs sellan jersey.

Any word on how Talbot is doing?

He's gone. Long gone.

These signings apparently did the trick HUH??? Onward now to better things Sundogs.

Talbot is actually still here, see him at every home game. He got hurt in his only game as a sundog this year.

I don't get your excitement......why ink/sign players now????

more fun to not even have a coach to look for players. Then even better when the coach has to turn to all and say, "THERE ISN'T ANY QUALITY PLAYERS OUT THERE."

Sundog wrote:

Talbot is actually still here, see him at every home game. He got hurt in his only game as a sundog this year.

I hope they keep him on next season.

What makes you a IcePrincess? Keep Wishing!!!!