IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli announced the signing of two rookies who are fresh out of college and looking to make their mark in professional hockey. Forward John Scorcia and goalie Matic Marinsek will join the team in October for training camp. The signings continue the trend of recruiting players from the northeast.
Wednesday's signings bring the preseason roster to 19 out of 30 players. The IceGators currently have 2 goalies, 5 centers, 7 wingers, and 5 defensemen.
Wednesday's signings bring the preseason roster to 19 out of 30 players. The IceGators currently have 2 goalies, 5 centers, 7 wingers, and 5 defensemen.
Scorcia comes to the IceGators from the Division III Salve Regina College in Rhode Island, where he recorded 105 points in 99 games during his four-year career there. The vast majority of those points - 65 of them - were assists. Scorcia joins a talented group of forwards, and will have to work hard to earn a spot on the opening day roster.
“I have seen John play and he has a very similar style to Stephen Buco,” Omicioli said. “He’s a guy who can come in and be an impact player immediately. He has excelled in each level that he has played including the NAHL and his collegiate career.
“I have seen John play and he has a very similar style to Stephen Buco,” Omicioli said. “He’s a guy who can come in and be an impact player immediately. He has excelled in each level that he has played including the NAHL and his collegiate career.
The IceGators’ goaltending staff has immediately improved with the acquisition of Matic Marinsek. Marinsek, a former member of Slovenia’s under-20 national team, won a gold medal at the U-18 World Championships in the 2009-10 season. In 14 games with HK Olimpija's U-20 squad, he recorded a 1.99 goals against average. The 6’3”, 206-pound Marinsek continued his success at Division III Norwich (Vt.) University. Marinsek appeared in 29 games for the Cadets, compiling a .905 save percentage and a 1.70 goals against average. Marincek has an excellent opportunity to be the backup to Adam Courchaine this season.
“(Marinsek) was 9-2 in his sophomore year and 8-2 in his junior year,” Omicioli said. During his senior year he played only three games because of an injury, but he’s fully healthy now. His goals against (average) 1.97 as a sophomore and 1.65 as a junior showcase how valuable he can be between the pipes. He’s a guy coming in who could make a difference.”
“(Marinsek) was 9-2 in his sophomore year and 8-2 in his junior year,” Omicioli said. During his senior year he played only three games because of an injury, but he’s fully healthy now. His goals against (average) 1.97 as a sophomore and 1.65 as a junior showcase how valuable he can be between the pipes. He’s a guy coming in who could make a difference.”