RiverHawks Re-Sign Former Viper Jon Olthuis:

The SPHL Augusta RiverHawks have re-signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Jon Olthuis. Olthuis who recently was released by the CHL Tulsa Oilers is with his second stint with the RiverHawks. Olthuis played two seasons in Vernon (2004-2006) going (45-16-2) in 67 regular season games with the Vipers. Olthuis played last season with the RiverHawks & the CHL Dayton Gems.

Jon Olthuis Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=84007

This is posted on the RiverHawks website:

Date: Nov 21, 2011

RiverHawks Re-Sign Netminder Olthuis

The Augusta RiverHawks announced Monday that they have signed 2010-11 starting goaltender Jon Olthuis, and he will once again wear a RiverHawks jersey during this weekend’s games. To make room for Olthuis on the roster, the RiverHawks have traded goaltender David Wilson to the Mississippi RiverKings in exchange for cash considerations.

Olthuis comes to the RiverHawks after starting the season with the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League where he appeared in just one game.

“We are excited to have Jon back,” said RiverHawks’ Head Coach Brad Ralph. “Jon is a professional, has a great work ethic and is always trying to perfect his craft. It is very rewarding that we have such a strong group of guys that want to return to Augusta and take another run at it this year”

During the 2010-11 campaign Olthuis established himself as one of the SPHL’s top goaltender. He appeared in 30 regular season games for the RiverHawks and led the entire League in wins with 19 compared to just 11 losses. He finished near the top of the League in nearly every statistical category with a goals-against-average of 2.78 and a save percentage of .917.

Olthuis continued his strong play for the RiverHawks into the playoffs on their run to the President’s Cup Finals, appearing in seven games and posting a goals-against-average of 2.96 and a save percentage of .924. Following the season Olthuis, was recognized by the League for his strong play as he was named a member of the All-SPHL Second Team and the SPHL All-Rookie Team.

Wilson departs the RiverHawks after a strong start to his season. He appeared in six games picking up four wins and just one loss. Additionally, he recorded a goals-against-average of 3.18 and a save percentage of .910.

In another transaction, the RiverHawks have allowed the three-game-tryout on Kory Helowka to expire resulting in his free agency status. In three games with the RiverHawks, Helowka posted six penalty minutes.

The RiverHawks play on the road in Fayetteville on Thanksgiving Day. Fans in Augusta can catch the games at the Official Live Watch Party at Somewhere in Augusta at 2820 Washington Rd. and enjoy a burger and beer for just $10. The RiverHawks are back in action on Phoenix Refrigeration Ice at the James Brown Arena Friday, November 25th as they play the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The puck drops at 7:35pm. Tickets for the game are available through the RiverHawks’ office and the James Brown Arena box office. Additional information on the Team, tickets, and schedule are available on the RiverHawks' home on the web, http://www.augustariverhawks.com/  or by calling 706-993-2645.