Sabres sign pair

The Fort Frances Jr. Sabres continue to build towards the 2008-09 season, and have signed a pair of players to bolster their revamped lineup.
Defenceman Riley Ferster, 20, comes to the team from Quesnel, B.C., where he spent last season in the Jr. ‘B’ Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. He finished the season with the Princeton Posse, tallying nine points in 12 games.
“We believe Riley will be one of the top defenceman in the league next season,” Sabres coach Wayne Strachan said. “He brings leadership, solid defence and great offensive skill.
“Riley will be a big part of our team next season and we are looking forward to getting him here and seeing what he can do,” he added.
The Sabres also signed returning goaltender David Novak, who saw action in 19 regular season games and part of one playoff game. He finished the year with a 4.25 goals against average and a .887 save percentage while compiling a 5-6-2 record.
“Dave had a great attitude and wants to assume the No. 1 goaltending position for the team this year,” Strachan noted. “We are confident Dave can build on last season and be a leader for us in between the pipes.
“He brings experience and when [starting goalie Ryan] Faragher was hurt last season, Dave did a great job for the team. He was a little frustrated with his playing time last season but never complained or became a cancer so to speak in the dressing room. He waited for his chance and when it came he performed well for us.”