Eurolanche

Lake Erie Final Roster

The Lake Erie Monsters released eight players today including goalies Kent Patterson and Kieran Millan. This leaves a 28 man roster ready for opening night. The Monsters will go with the goaltending tandem of Calvin Pickard and Sami Aittokallio to start the season.

Anchoring the blue line this year will be top prospects Tyson Barrie, Stefan Elliot and Cameron Gaunce. All three have spent time with the Avalanche over the past two years. When the lockout ends expect all three to make a push to be called up to the NHL.

The Forward line has added some exciting new faces this year. Coming off a national title win with Boston College Paul Carey made the cut. As well as the Avalanches first pick in the draft this year Mitchell Heard. Last year’s OHL leading scorer, Michael Sgarbossa has now officially made the jump from juniors to the pros. All three could have something to prove this year and hopefully look to cracking the Avalanche roster soon.

Some faces Avalanche fans will remember also made the team. Forwards Brad Malone, Mark Olver,  Mike Connolly and David  van der Gulik will all be back for Lake Erie this year. As well expect any of these guys to crack the Avalanche roster when the lockout ends to slide into fourth line spots.

The team looks to rebound from a disappointing season last year where the failed to make the playoffs after making them for the first time in the 2010-11 season. With the combination of new talent and old mainstays the Monsters look to kick off the season on a winning note come October 12^th.

Full Lake Erie Monster Roster 2012-13 could be found here. It also includes injured Joey Hishon, who missed last season due a concussion. He is still not ready to play, and it is uncertain, when he will be, if ever.