Rookie goaltender Gerry Fest signed with the Laredo Bucks on Tuesday for the CHL's 2009-2010 season.
The Laredo Bucks announced they signed Gerry Festa today. The rookie goaltender has a winning record in his collegiate career, but the Bucks believe his value lies beyond his stats. Laredo Bucks president, general manager and head coach, Terry Ruskowski, says he is an “up and coming” goalie. Here is the press release from the team:
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have signed rookie goaltender Gerry Festa for the 2009-10 season. Festa spent the last four seasons playing college hockey at the University of British Columbia (CWUAA).
In four seasons with the Thunderbirds Festa (Pronounced FESS-tah) went 37-33-3 in 89 career games. Festa won a career-best 15 games in 2005-06.
“Gerry is an up and coming goaltender and we believe that he can be a big asset to us on the ice this season,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “Gerry is quick and plays the puck well.”
The 24-year-old Festa went 3-4-2 last season for the Thunderbirds, with a 2.62 G.A.A, and a .916 sv %, to go along with one shutout. Festa had a season-high 39 saves on September 26th in the Thunderbirds season-opening win over Calgary.
Festa, from Calgary, Alberta, finished 10-8 during in the 2007-08 campaign, with a 3.49 G.A.A, and a .892 sv. %.
The 5’10, 180 pound netminder was 9-8 in 2006-07, while posting a 2.80 G.A.A and a .913 sv. %.
In his freshman season in 2005-06 Festa won a career-best 15 games, to go along with a 2.88 G.A.A and a .907 sv. %. Festa posted two shutouts his freshman season.
Prior to his college days Festa played four seasons of junior hockey, splitting time in the WHL and AJHL. Festa’s junior career is highlighted by winning 24 games in 2003-04 with Calgaryand Spokane (WHL), and winning 22 games in 2004-05 with Red Deer (WHL).
Festa is the 10th Buck signed this offseason, including the second goaltender.
