Date:  Oct. 20, 2005
Headline: Rio is back, and this time they brought the heavy metal....

Press Release: For Immediate Release [Rio de Janeiro, Brasil]

Woe to you oh earth and sea,

For Rio de Janeiro sends the Rockers with wrath, because they know the time is short

Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the Rockers

For it is an HLS2 number, its number is Six Hundred and Sixty-Six.

GM Darren Hall is back for revenge...or at least to take another kick at the can.  The team in Rio has gone through a lot of changes (most of them good) since he left.  Gone is Jagr, Klatt and many of the great players that made them cup contenders.  This is a rebuilding team, but a rebuilding team that does have some potential.  There are few true stars on the team (Pilote, Dingman, Desjardins, Osgood and Muir), but they do have a descent future of young players with some potential.  Brad Stuart and Francis Bouillon are on the threshold of breaking through as great young defenseman, but for now are going to build up some conditioning in the farm.

At Centre, there are several somewhat acceptable players, led by the return of veteran Jason Allison.  McLean, Vyborny and Daigle all could impress if they play well this year.  At right wing, the talent drops off noticeably after superstar Eric Desjardins.  The high-flying Richard Park could however, pot a few goals here and there.  At left wing, the depth is a bit better.  Lundmark and Zetterburg are descent, Dandenault is a good penalty killer, and Kovalchuck will get a look or two if injuries and slumps become a factor.  At defense, there are a few good players in Muir, Pilote and Dingman.  Barney and Berard will likely round out the 5th and 6th positions for now.  In goal, back again is great goalie, Chris Osgood, who is at worst on par with the best of them in the league.  Rick DiPietro is a descent backup and may become quite useful and relied-upon when the time is right.

For now, the Rockers are going to get a few games under their belt to see how their team reacts to the new season before making any trades.  Once a "needs assessment" has been determined, we will be able to entertain offers for players, so in the meantime, please be patient while we get back up to speed.

Good luck to everyone this year, and try to avoid flying trout!

Darren Hall

GM, Rio Rockers