Miners address an area of need on Day 1 of CCHL Free Agency

Miners address an area of need on Day 1 of CCHL Free Agency

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):

While some will argue that the notion that the Sudbury Miners got a little bit faster and better defensively, there is no doubt that they definitely got older on the first day of CCHL free agent shopping.

Sudbury signed two veterans, on the back nine of their careers: centre Antoine Vermette from the Kehler Cup champion Calgary Chinook and centre Mike Fisher, formerly of the Georgetown Millers, both to one-year contracts.

Vermette, who turns 36 in July, notched just a pair of goals and added 3 assists in just 9 games with the Calgary Chinook last season. While Vermette has excellent two-way instincts, great wheels and tenacity, he has had trouble scoring consistently in the CCHL. Having said that, he is very effective on face-offs, he can play any role on a team, usually as a penalty killer and face-off specialist.

Fisher, who turns 38 in June, played in 75 games this past season with the Georgetown Millers scoring 21 goals and adding 15 assists. While capable of scoring, Fisher is not a top playmaker or a go-to guy on offense. His forte is his excellent two-way ability and leadership. He is very good on the forecheck and can kill penalties with his speed and rambunctious style but this has also has led to injuries over the course of his CCHL career.

“We do not have a salary problem,” General Manager Terry James said. “And we have plenty of room, but you don’t look at that because you have to spend money. Whenever we make additions, it has to be for a reason.”

“We’ve signed both Vermette and Fisher to add to our depth at centre. Vermette is coming off his Cup win and is someone we think can really help our young players here. Both him and Fisher are veterans and have had success in this league, no matter where they have been in terms of playing with offensive players. So, we feel both will come up into our line-up and serve a purpose” stated James.

While James would not comment on the record, it is widely speculated that Vermette and Fisher will battle for the fourth line spot in Sudbury this upcoming season.