Storm adds Menzul, subtracts McMahon
10/16/2002The Toledo Storm yesterday released defenseman Mark McMahon and added Curtis Menzul, a backliner who was acquired from Greenville last weekend for future considerations.
“Mark's a loyal, quality player that's very popular here with his hard playing style,” said coach Claude Noel of the second-year Storm player. “Because of a broad range of reasons, we need to go in another direction.”
McMahon had no points in Toledo's two East Coast Hockey League games last weekend. The 6-1, 215 pounder is not known for his offense, but for banging bodies. Many times though, he would be caught out of position at the wrong moment trying to make the big hit.
Another likely reason for the move is money. Beginning his fifth pro season, McMahon, 24, is believed to be one of the more expensive contracts on Toledo's roster. His release opens up room on the weekly $10,000 per team salary cap.
The Storm claimed three of four points over the weekend, but lost defenseman Miroslav Durak. A Nashville pro, Durak was placed on the 30-day disabled list after suffering a broken thumb in Friday's win over Peoria. Noel originally said that it was the right thumb that Durak injured, but now says it's the left.
Last season with Ashville of the United Hockey League, Menzul, 26, had eight goals, 31 assists and 156 penalty minutes in 73 games.
“He comes very highly recommended,” Noel said. “He's a big guy, plays hard, can skate, can be a second power-play guy and he has a good thought process. He'll also protect his teammates. We're trying to upgrade our situation where we get elements on the back end that we need and can get better with.”