Jackalopes add to defensive corps
The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that they have signed rugged defensemen Joel Olszowka and Garrett Gruenke for the upcoming 2008-2009 Central Hockey League season.
Joel Olszowka (oh-SHOO-kah) joins the Jacks after playing hockey for two years at the University of Waterloo. In 56 career games at Waterloo, the Bonnyville, Alberta native recorded 38 points (nine goals, 29 assists).
"He's a tough kid who played at the University of Waterloo," said Jacks head coach Paul Gillis, "We heard a lot of great things from his head coach there and he plays with an edge out on the ice."
Before his time at Waterloo the 6'0", 195-pound defenseman played two seasons at Augustana University, scoring 31 points in 38 games (seven goals, 24 assists) and winning team Rookie of the Year honors in 2004-2005. He also played two years of junior hockey before attending Augustana.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Olszowka. "I'm excited for the next step to move up and trying to play hockey at the next level."
Garrett Gruenke (GREEN-key) comes to the Jacks after playing collegiate hockey at the NCAA Division-III level for St. Thomas University. A co-captain in his senior season, the 6'5", 210-pound defenseman scored a goal and three assists in 29 games while recording a +12 rating on the year.
"He's another big, solid kid," said Gillis. "He's 6'5" and a strong defenseman who can skate well."
The Geography major also played one year of junior hockey for the NAHL's Bozeman IceDogs in 2003-2004. That year he skated in 54 games, scored four goals, added four assists, and was named Rookie of the Year.
"I'm really excited about everything," added Gruenke. "I've heard good things about playing for (Paul Gillis). I played hockey in Texas a little during my junior career and can't wait to get there."
The Odessa Jackalopes are the Central Hockey League affiliate for the NHL's New York Islanders and the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The team will begin its 12th season on October 17th against the defending champion Arizona Sundogs. Season tickets, mini-plans, and single game tickets are available by calling (432) 552-PUCK or visiting jackalopes.org.
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Jackalopes add to defensive corps
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