PrairieThunder signs Ftorek
September 26, 2007 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
Sam Ftorek, the son of former National Hockey League Hall of Fame player and coach Robbie Ftorek, has signed with the Bloomington PrairieThunder for the 2007-08 International Hockey League season.
The 32-year-old right winger has signed a one-year contract with the PrairieThunder, head coach Derek Booth announced Wednesday.
"We are excited to have a player of Sam's caliber on the team," said Booth, whose squad begins preseason camp Oct. 8. "This is a case where Jarrod (new player-assistant coach Jarrod Skalde) knew Sam and through their friendship he was able to bring Sam aboard. This is the type of thing I felt Jarrod could bring to the team as a player-coach when he signed on with us."
Ftorek played with the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL last season, scoring 19 goals with 21 assists for 40 points in 56 games. He also scored 11 points in eight playoff games.
"Sam has a big shot," said Skalde. "He has played at all different levels and will bring offensive firepower to the team. He will complement the other scorers that we have. He should really help us on the power play."
The Wolfeboro, N.H. native began his professional career with the Augusta Lynx in the ECHL in 1998-99. He has played eight of his nine seasons in the ECHL with Augusta, Mobile, Greensboro, Gwinnett, Fresno and Cincinnati.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Ftorek, who shoots left-handed, has averaged nearly 40 points per season the last three years. His most productive season was in 2002-03 with Greensboro when he scored 33 goals and had 28 assists for 61 points.
During his 540-game professional career, Ftorek has scored 142 goals and added 183 assists for 758 points. He also has accumulated 758 minutes in penalties.
Ftorek's father, Robbie, played in 334 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, Quebec Nordiques and the New York Rangers. He also was the head coach in the NHL for six seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins.
"Obviously, Sam comes from a good pedigree," said Skalde. "His experience will definitely help our younger guys. We will look to him to provide strong leadership."
The PrairieThunder opens the regular season Oct. 20 at Flint. The home opener is Oct. 26 at 7:05 p.m. against Fort Wayne at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
Season-tickets for PrairieThunder home games are on sale and priced at $560 for the Club section; $460 for premium seats (rows A and B); $380 for general seating (rows C through V) and $325 for upper level (rows W, X, Y and Z, excluding the bar rail).
There are also various partial season-ticket packages, starting as low as $95, on sale. Individuals interested in purchasing season tickets should call 309-434-2664.
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