Lynx say their goodbyes
Augusta's former players receive interest from prospective teams
By Billy Byler| Staff Writer
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Reporter Billy Byler hosts the final episode of In The Penalty Box. The Augusta Lynx hockey team folded Tuesday, so we take one last look at the players and fans of the abbreviated 2008 hockey season in Augusta.

The Augusta Lynx made one last trip to James Brown Arena on Wednesday morning.

A day after the Lynx ownership announced the team was folding, there were still lockers to clean out, equipment to turn in and bags to pack. But, more importantly, the question of "What now?" needed answering.

"It's just a waiting game. Everything's still up in the air," rookie Joel Hanson said.

The players underwent exit physicals, then patiently waited outside coach John Marks' office for final one-on-one meetings. Marks said the phone started ringing at 6:30 a.m. and rarely stopped, as agents, coaches and general managers from different hockey leagues tried to get their hands on the suddenly available talent.

"My cell phone tells me I've had 67 calls," Marks said just after 4 p.m. "And that doesn't include calls to my office.

"Obviously, there's a group of guys here who are more pursued than others, but I've been fielding calls all day, and I hope that they all land on their feet somewhere."

Forward Patrick Bordeleau said he took calls from eight different teams Wednesday morning and was weighing multiple offers, including ones from Las Vegas, Utah, Idaho, Gwinnett and South Carolina.

Forward Matt Auffrey also received calls. The 22-year-old Cincinnati native has played 90 games for Augusta over the past 14 months and said he'll definitely miss the Lynx.

"I really liked it. I felt comfortable playing here so it's a huge disappointment for me," he said. "The fans were always good. They like to see a good physical game here in the South, and that's what I like."

Goaltender Mike Brodeur heard from some American Hockey League teams and received interest from an agent looking to fill a goalie position in the Swiss National League.

John Sellars, who served as the Lynx's equipment manager for the past two seasons, collected sticks, jerseys and pads. He stopped briefly to field a job offer of his own.

Sellars said he'll start as early as next week in a similar position with the Dayton Bombers.

Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.

From the Thursday, December 04, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
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