Local Sports & Recreation

Raymond first player to sign with Everblades for 2010-11

Submitted by KEVIN REITER

POSTED: July 28, 2010

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Only July 21, Florida Everblades president and general manager Craig Brush along with head coach Greg Poss announced that defenseman Bobby Raymond has signed a contract for the 2010-11 season, making him the first player signed by the Everblades for the upcoming season.

Raymond comes to the Everblades after spending the 2009-10 season in France with Strasbourg where he posted 10 points and 26 penalty minutes in 26 games. Prior to that Raymond, who turns 25 on Aug. 7, competed at the collegiate level for four years at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

"Bobby is a strong two-way defenseman." Poss said. "He's a real good skater and is very powerful. He'll be able to give our offense impulse with a good first pass and will jump up on the rush."

In his final season at R.I.T. in 2008-09, the Lucknow, Ontario native notched 15 points (6g, 9a) and 28 PIM in 38 games. Following his senior year Raymond was the recipient of R.I.T.'s Greg Moss Hard Hat Award and the Louis Spiotti Coach's Award. He also earned second-team honors on the All Atlantic Hockey Team.

Over his four years with the R.I.T. Tigers, Raymond played in all 144 games recording 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points. Raymond was also a 2007-08 All-Atlantic Hockey Association third team selection.

"I'm real excited about the opportunity to play for the Everblades and the style of play Coach Poss will be bringing to the team." Raymond added. "I'm looking forward getting back to the intensity of North American hockey. Plus, the ECHL is the number one feeder to the AHL and my goal is to make it to the next level."

The Everblades begin the 2010-11 season on Friday, Oct. 15 when they host the Gwinnett Gladiators at Germain Arena. Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming events.