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Chiefs bolster blue line, acquire Zarb from Gladiators
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The Johnstown Chiefs acquired defenseman Chris Zarb from the Gwinnett Gladiators Thursday for future considerations.
“Chris brings a steady and experienced presence to the Chiefs. He will be counted on to play in all situations, and as a left-handed shot he will help us balance out our right-handed shooting defensemen,” said Vice President and General Manager Bill Bredin.
Through six games with Gwinnett this season, the 6-4, 200-pound blue-liner has compiled three assists, four penalty minutes and is a plus-one. Zarb began his professional career with the Mississippi Sea Wolves last season, recording 16 points (5G, 11A), 59 penalty minutes and a -2 rating in 37 games. A standout player at Ferris State, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fifth round (#144 overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and turned pro after his junior year. As a member of the Flyers, Zarb skated with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate the Philadelphia Phantoms, recording four penalty minutes in four games.
Zarb is considered a well-rounded defenseman that can jam the crease with his size while possessing the skills to contribute to the team offensively. With his large frame his speed can be deceiving, allowing him to jump up on the rush or lead the charge on the power play. While he does need to improve his ability to use his size to control the corners, he is a solid passer who can make crisp outlet passes to help the team during breakouts. More importantly, Zarb’s arrival in Johnstown comes just in time as the Chiefs look to fill the void left by the injury to captain Mike Knight.
Knight was hit from behind by Reading forward Olivier Labelle during Wednesday’s 6-4 win over the Royals and was taken off the ice on a stretcher. While there is still no word on Knight’s condition, he did appear to signal the Chiefs trainers before being removed from the ice.
Zarb is expected to join the Chiefs in Johnstown for Friday’s game against Wheeling.
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