RIVER DRAGONS AND THUNDERBIRDS MAKE SIX PLAYER TRADE

RIVER DRAGONS AND THUNDERBIRDS MAKE SIX PLAYER TRADE

COLUMBUS ACQUIRES CROOP, PESTUKA, AND GUSTIN

The FPHL’s Columbus River Dragons announced that they have completed the franchise’s first ever trade. In a trade that featured six players, the River Dragons have sent Jiri Pargac, Dustin Henning, and Ondrej Misovic to the Carolina Thunderbirds in exchange for Jay Croop, Jiri Pestuka, and Seth Gustin.

Jay Croop is a 5’10 185-pound forward from Glen Allen, VA. Jay plays a grinding style of hockey and has no fear of working in the high traffic areas on the ice. He is a team-first guy, and always one of the first players to volunteer to get out in the community. Jay currently serves as the River Dragons’ Vice President of Corporation Partnerships. Last season Croop played 34 games for the Carolina Thunderbirds where he had 22 points on 9 goals and 13 assists.

Jiri Pestuka is a 6’1 192-pound forward form Prostejov, CZ. Jiri is a creative and highly skilled veteran player that has great speed and good hands. Versatility is a strong asset as Pestuka also plays defense at a high level. He has played the past four seasons in the FPHL and the last two seasons with the Carolina Thunderbirds. In his career Jiri has averaged a little more than a point a game. Last season he had 30 points that included 11 goals and 19 assists.

Seth Gustin is a 6’0 180-pound defenseman from Phoenix, AZ. Seth is the model of consistency when it comes to playing defense. He skates the puck well and has a great outlet pass that will help his team get out of the defensive zone quickly. Seth had 19 points for the Thunderbirds last season that included 1 goal and 18 assists. He finished the season with an impressive plus/minus rating of +22.

HOCKEY RETURNS to the Columbus Civic Center on Friday, November 1st at 7:35 PM when your River Dragons take on the Elmira Enforcers to open the home portion of their inaugural FPHL schedule. Visit www.rdragons.com for season ticket information and everything you need to know about the Columbus River Dragons.