So, the new-look Sound Tigers, three in and three out, skated at Wonderland this morning. Newbies Jesse Root, Yale’s captain (amateur tryout), and Adam Brace were alongside John Persson. Riley Wetmore was with Brett Gallant and Chris Bruton, who remained non-contact. Andrey Pedan went non-contact but left early, not feeling well, Scott Pellerin said.
Matthew Pistilli was let go from his PTO. They’ve got 14 healthy forwards with Root in. “With everything happening here — I thought (Pistilli) did a very good job. He probably hadn’t played as well recently,” Pellerin said. It looked like he wasn’t going to play much, and his ECHL team is in a playoff race; “I wasn’t going to do that to Florida,” Pellerin said.
So welcome Jesse Root, NCAA champion. “I’m hoping to bring some energy,” Root said. Pellerin said he’s heard good reports of Root’s abilities on special teams. “I heard a lot of good things from Keith (Allain),” Pellerin said. “He’s a character kid. He plays both sides of the puck very well. He’s got tremendous work ethic. We’ll give him an opportunity here to play.”
Wetmore’s back, his confidence bolstered, he said. “It’s a good league,” Wetmore said. “The players are good. I just worked on my confidence and tried to get pucks on net. My last game I think I had seven shots on net. … I feel good. I’ve got to bring it every night. My consistency wasn’t there when I was here last time.”
Junior seasons are done; Hartford picked up centerman Nick Latta on an ATO; point-a-game with Sarnia (OHL) this year.
And with a hat tip to Elite Prospects, onetime Sacred Heart goalie (and Cincinnati Mighty Duck) Eddy Ferhi has retired after a long career in France.