Nov. 30, 2007

Erie, Pa - The Men's club hockey team added 3 returning players to its roster over thanksgiving break. The trio of Jason Kilijanski, Walter Ozanick and Korey O'Connor will definitely help the team in its pursuit of an ECHL regular season title and playoff championship.

Jason Kilijanski, a senior from Buffalo, NY rejoins the hockey team after completing a practical work experience with the Buffalo Sabers as part of their strength and conditioning staff. Kilijanski was one of the captains on last year's team. In the past two seasons he has played in 52 games and has scored 24 goals while adding 35 assists for 59 points. "Jason's return to our hockey club is going to help tremendously. He possesses a strong skill set and plays well at both ends of the ice. Killer is one of the elite players within the ACHA" commented McKinnon.

Walter Ozanick, a native of Pittsburgh, PA has also decided to return to the hockey team after an extensive academic term. Ozanick, a penalty killing specialist accumulated 6 points in 15 games as a first year player on last years team. Coach McKinnon is excited to welcome Walt back to the team stating, "Walt's presence on the ice was noticeable the first minute he began his collegiate career. Walt will once again make an immediate impact and is one of the best defensive power forwards in the program's history."

In addition to the above two players, Korey O'Connor, a junior from West Hartford, CT will also be rejoining the hockey team after an extensive leave for personal reasons. O'Connor has played in 37 games accumulating 9 points over the past two seasons. "Korey is a hard-nosed forward capable of fulfilling any on-ice role the coaching staff needs him to perform. His agitating on-ice presence and ability to shut down opposing players will be a welcome addition to our hockey club," stated McKinnon who is pleased to have the trio of players return to the team.

The Lakers next home game stand begins this weekend as they host the University of Rochester and the University of Pittsburgh this coming Saturday and Sunday with both games beginning at 1pm.