Generals Add Forward Justin DePretis, Generals PR 7/7

[i-pod]

FLINT, MI – Even though he was only with the team for a short amount of time forward Justin DePretis certainly made a huge impact in the offensive department for the Flint Generals.
The Generals are hoping for that spark again and today (Monday) announced that DePretis will be back for the 2008-2009 season. The Pittsburgh Pa, native arrived and notched 17 goals and 6 assists for 23 points in just 31 regular season games. He also collected one goal and two assists for three points during the Turner Cup Playoffs for the Generals of which he was only able to play in 3 games before an injury ended his season.





“I’m looking forward to have Justin playing a full season,” said Head Coach Peter South. “I think there is a lot of untapped potential. He knows he won't catch anyone by surprise this year, so he'll have to report to camp in top shape with his mind set ready to go from Game 1.”

“Justin is a young player with skill and size,” said Director of Hockey Operations Ron Sanko. “He brought a great attitude with him last year when he was called up and he is deserving of the opportunity to become an impact player with our organization.”
DePretis was signed by the Generals in mid-February from the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League where he was the MAHL’s top point getter with 93. In his first game as a General, He set up the game winner in an overtime win over the Fort Wayne Komets.



“I am really excited to be coming back,” he said. “I had a terrific time last season when I got called up. I am happy with the group of guys we have coming back and excited about winning a title this season.”



DePretis picked up seven of his 17 goals on the power play and three were first goals. At one point the power forward had three first goals in five straight games. DePretis played collegiate hockey at Penn State University in the ACHA where in four seasons he had 54 goals and 40 assists for 94 points in 65 games. He turned pro during the 2006-2007 season where he played 36 games for the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers scoring three goals and adding 23 penalty minutes.







“Playing in Flint totally over exceeded my expectations when I went there last season,” said DePretis. “I got a chance to shoot the puck a lot where in the season prior in Wheeling I wasn’t able to do it. I know in my mind I could produce numbers and score goals and Flint gave me that opportunity.”



The Flint Generals are preparing for their 39th year of professional hockey in the Mid-Michigan region. Season Tickets and Corporate Marketing opportunities are currently available for the 2008-2009 season. A $100 deposit is required to hold your seats and they must be paid off by October 1st. For further information on the Flint Generals, please contact the Corporate office at (810) 742-9422 or email them at info@flintgenerals.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on the Flint Generals, please contact Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting Denis J. Puska at 1-810-742-9422 or email him at djpuska@flintgenerals.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

[GENERAL MAYHEM]

Welcome Back Big Man!

[ThunderFan24]

I like this signing. I was really hoping we could pick him up last year when the MAHL folded. He could be a 50 point guy in this league no problem.