| Geldart among players released by the Tiger Sharks October 12, 1998 |
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| Geldart among players released by the Tiger Sharks October 12, 1998 |
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By Jack Corcoran
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
The cut is a surprise to Greg Geldart, who has played for the Tiger Sharks franchise for five years.
Greg Geldart is leaving, and he is taking a piece of history with him.
The Tallahassee Tiger Sharks released the 30-year-old center over the weekend, removing the franchise's final link to its days in Huntsville, Ala.
Geldart, who is second in franchise history with 219 points and third in goals (69) and games played (256), said he didn't see this coming.
"It really was a bit of a surprise, especially since we've only had three exhibition games," said Geldart, who played 58 games with Huntsville in 1993-94 and then followed the team to Florida. "But the organization wants to go in one direction, and I totally stand behind their decision."
Former Ohio State defenseman Ryan Root and Swedish goaltender Olie Sundstrom were also released Saturday night by the Tiger Sharks, who open the season Saturday in Biloxi, Miss., against the Mississippi Sea Wolves.
Tiger Sharks general manager Joe Sloboda said the decision to release Geldart was difficult because of his five years with the franchise.
"We're obviously friends," Sloboda said. "It is a move that, from a personal side, you hate to make. But from a business side, we have the veteran status and salary-cap issues to deal with. And we have a lot of depth at center. But it's not easy."
Geldart had 12 goals and 21 assists in 62 games last season. He'll now have to decide what's next.
He was claimed off the ECHL's waiver wire by the Mobile Mysticks. The Alexandria Warthogs of the Western Professional Hockey League have also expressed interest in the Edmonton, Alberta, native.
"It would be hard playing anywhere else in this league," Geldart said. "But I have to look at my other options."
One of those options may be staying put in Tallahassee.
Geldart and Sloboda were scheduled to have lunch Monday afternoon to discuss the possibility of Geldart joining the front office.
The Tiger Sharks are expected to make their final preseason roster moves today, cutting from 23 players down to 18. Tallahassee can also place two players on injured reserve.
First-year coach Jeff Brubaker said those who survive the last cut will have earned their spot.
"Everyone that is on our opening roster is here because they played their way onto the team, not because of what they have done before in the league," Brubaker said. "Nobody made this team because of their reputation. We approached camp with the idea that we didn't like any of them. We were like, `Hey, do you want to play for us? Show us you belong.' And they did exactly that."
Sloboda said the casualties of camp are a testament to the improvement Tallahassee has made since finishing 24-44-2 and in the cellar of the Southeast Division last season.
"Every guy we've let go has been picked up (by another team) within the hour," Sloboda said. "So that says something about our camp. That says something about the level of competition here."
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