Gulls Reach Working Agreement With Red Wings

The San Diego Gulls announced Thursday they have reached a partial working agreement with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, General Manager Don Waddell said.

Seven players have been supplied by the Red Wings, and next week they will join the 28 players who reported to training camp earlier this week at the San Diego Sports Arena.

According to Waddell, this is not a full working agreement, where San Diego would be obligated to use the players sent by Detroit.

“In this agreement, we have a choice,” he said. “The players they send us will have to make our roster.”

This is the second time Waddell, a Detroit native, has used his ties to Michigan to swing personnel deals. The first was when he hired former Red Wings defenseman Mike O’Connell as the Gulls coach.

“My relationship with the Detroit Red Wings has been very good over the years,” he said.

Goaltender Mark Reimer, defensemen Darin Banister, Greg Bignell, Bob Jones, Jody Praznik and Rob Schena, and left wing Mike Gober will report to San Diego next week.

After Thursday’s first day of practice on the ice, O’Connell said there is a lot of work to be done, but he is pleased with what he sees so far.

“They’re still getting their ice legs,” he said. “I’m happy with the first two practices.”

Waddell said their biggest concerns are to find a goalie, a natural center and a offensive defenseman.

The public is invited to watch the team scrimmage from 7 to 9 tonight at the Sports Arena. Admission and parking are free; doors open at 6:30. Ron Oakes, the radio voice of the Gulls, will introduce players, who will be available to sign autographs after the game.