Hounds ready for Friday's season opener

After three weeks in training camp, the Soo Greyhounds are ready to play for keeps.

The locals open the 2004/05 Ontario Hockey League regular season on Friday night at Memorial Gardens at 7:30 p.m. against the Erie Otters. With opening ceremonies planned before the drop of the puck, fans are asked to be in their seats by 7:15 p.m.

The Greyhounds are facing an Erie team led by former Greyhound general manager Sherry Bassin. On the ice, the Otters will rely heavily on overage forward and former Greyhound Rob Hisey.

The Greyhounds enter the new season full of hope. With several rookies shining in camp, three veterans were cut from the roster. Although young, the Greyhounds, who missed the playoffs last season, look to ice an exciting and competitive team this season.

The opening homestand for the Hounds will conclude on Sunday afternoon at the Gardens beginning at 2 p.m. against the Ottawa 67's.

Single game tickets along with season tickets remain available at the Gardens box office, which can be contacted at 759-5251.

*** HOUNDS ROSTER:

Here is a look at the Greyhounds' opening night roster:

33. Jakub Cech 35. Kyle Gajewski

3. Brad Good 5. David Jarram 6. Joshua Day 7. Jeff Carter 8. Tyler Cuthbert 9. Chris Lawrence 11. Ryan McInerney 12. Brandon MacLean 14. Tyler Kennedy 15. Tyler McKinley 17. Jason Pitton 18. Jeff Larsh 20. Jordan Smith 21. Jacob King 22. Andrew Desjardins 23. Matt Puntureri 24. Matt Leszczynski 25. Blair Jarrett 26. Brad Staubitz 27. Martin Tuma 28. Jacob Lalonde 29. Reg Thomas

*** LOBBY DEALT:

The Greyhounds dealt defenseman Mike Looby to division rival Plymouth on Tuesday. In exchange for Looby, who recorded 10 assists in 43 games last season, the Whalers sent the Hounds a seventh round pick from the 2005 OHL draft and a conditional seventh round selection in 2006.

Looby was one of three veterans chopped from the roster on Monday. The other two, forwards Aaron Lewicki and Brett Connolly, remain at home while waiting for a trade.