Not-so-Free agency sees Stillman as only Rover returnee

Stillman re-upped with the Rovers.

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

Free agency hasn't been kind to Baffin Island this year. Entering the auction, the Rovers had hoped to retain some key pieces of their run over the past three seasons, as well as some of their trade deadline acquisitions. However, more lucrative offers to Mark Recchi (Seattle), Jeff Halpern (Victoria), and Sean Hill (Lethbridge) left the Rovers on the outside looking in. The only player they were able to retain was Cory Stillman, who accepted a $2.2M contract offer from the club.. virtually the same salary he played for last season. "We really needed another top six winger, and one who could play the left side", GM Stringer said after the signing was confirmed. "Cory was the top available LW and was high on our priority list. We're very glad to have him back".

"I really was impressed with the organization from the minute I got here", Stillman said when reached at his home via phone. "I knew I wanted to re-sign, but I knew that the team would have some tough decisions to make. I'm looking forward to getting back at it with the guys".

After being acquired at mid-season from the Freeze, Stillman played in 34 regular season games, scoring 10 goals and adding 12 assists for 22 points while registering a +4 rating. He then posted a goal and 6 assists in 13 playoff games against Calgary and South Edmonton.

The Rovers also announced the signing of goaltender Jocelyn Thibault to a 1 yr contract at the league minimum. Thibault, a 15-yr veteran, has appeared in 585 RHL games with a career GAA of 2.88 and svpct of .902. "After losing Hedberg, we wanted another veteran to back up the duo of Gerber and Mason", Stringer explained. "Jocelyn is a veteran that's been around for a long time and knows the league and is willing to play the role we have for him here supporting our two starters".