LONDON, Ont. – After an exceptionally successful 2008-09 season, earning the Queen’s Cup title and claiming silver medals at the National Championships, Western said goodbye to eight vital players. Fortunately, head coach Clarke Singer found six skillful players to add to the Mustangs roster. 

London native Scott Aarsen and goaltender Anthony Grieco (Brampton, ON) have been deemed key rookies for the upcoming season.

Western finished the preseason at 2-1-0 with 12 goals for and 9 goals against.

Aarssen secured one goal and four assists in three exhibition games, earning himself a starting defense position in the final preseason game against Michigan State, and he will be paired with sophomore Geoff Killing (Embro, ON). Aarssen has played the past four seasons in the OHL for the London Knights and will continue to please London fans as a Mustang. Aarssen is currently in his second year at King's College.

Rookie netminder Anthony Grieco (Brampton, ON) has demonstrated solid play in the two preseason games he has faced. Greico came up strong in the final minutes of play against the Queen’s Gaels as he made two outstanding saves back-to-back on the penalty kill, allowing no goals during his ice time. In the 5-2 loss against the Michigan State Spartans, Greico allowed only two goals in 20 shots during 30 minutes of play.

Both rookies have proven throughout their preseason play to be essential assets to the Mustang roster. The Mustangs begin their regular season play in an away game against the Waterloo Warriors on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. 

Other new players to watch include defencemen Trevor Koverko (Toronto, ON) (former Calgary Dino) and Kevin Mole (Mississauga, ON), and rookie forwards Ryan McDonough (Toronto, ON) (played semi-pro hockey in Austria for Salzburg in 2008-09) and Patrick Lee (Sharon, ON).

For the full 2009-10 season schedule visit www.westernmustangs.ca