Rovers Ink Markov, Gerber, Hall to extensions

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

With the deadline for RHL contract extensions looming at midnight tonight, June 10th, the Baffin Island Rovers submitted their list of decisions to the league office for official approval. The Rovers announced that they are re-signing trade deadline acquisition Danny Markov to a new contract. Terms were not disclosed, however he is the second would-have-been-UFA rearguard retained by the club, who earlier in the week announced a long-term contract extension for fellow blueliner Robyn Regehr. Markov, acquired from the Waterloo Roadkill in exchange for Cale Hulse and Jeff Tambellini, played 30 games for Baffin, registering 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points while posting a +10 rating.

Also signing new contracts tonight were goaltender Martin Gerber and forward Adam Hall. Gerber, acquired during the preseason for Mike Knuble and Anton Babchuk, had a tremendous first season with the Rovers, posting a 26-12-7 record in 46 games, with a 1.94 GAA, .919 sv pct and 3 shutouts. Hall, a second round draft pick of the club from RHL11, played his first full season with the club this year. Appearing in 62 games, he scored 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points with a +7 rating.

Not being resigned by the team are forwards Mark Recchi, Cory Stillman and Jeff Halpern, along with defensemen Sean Hill and Steve Montador. Recchi and Stillman were not unexpected as both were hired guns near the trade deadline. Sean Hill, the club's first captain and only Rover remaining from the team's RHL11 expansion draft, simply made too large a contract demand. Halpern's case is the more controversial one, and the club is expected to make every effort to retain the forward by going through the free agency process. "It's going to be an off-season of change for everyone", Stringer said of the decisions. "With expansion on the horizon, every team are going to lose some good players. We expect a few of these players to be selected in the expansion process, but any that aren't will be receiving offers from us in free agency".