Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League
VooDoo Training Camp to Commence March 1
The New Orleans VooDoo will start its 2013 training camp on Friday, March1.
The team will report for physicals on March 1, and then go through a three-day acclimation period before working out in full pads for the first time on Monday, March 4. After only 5 days together, the VooDoo will travel to San Antonio to face off against the Talons for their only preseason game of the 2013 season.
"I am looking forward to getting our guys into camp and getting them ready for our season," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "There will be a lot of heated competition at every position, which will bring out the best in these guys we bring to camp."
The VooDoo has its 35 training camp roster spots filled. All training camp practices are set to be held at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park, unless otherwise specified and are open to the public.
Training Camp practice set for Saturday, March 2 will be held at Pan American Stadium from 9:30 am -12:30 pm.
Philadelphia Soul Begin Training Camp
The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, began the 2013 training camp today. The excitement is in the air for the upcoming season, as Soul players report between noon and 6 p.m. today, and move into their rooming assignments for camp.
The 2012 American Conference champions will be assembling together as a team for the first time. There are several returning players from last season's team, but most players are new to the organization. The players will be battling it out for the next two weeks to claim their spots on the 2013 roster.
Tomorrow, the team will conduct physicals on the players in preparation for the practices to take place the rest of camp.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: LB JOE GOOSBY (6'1, 230, Tulane): Played for Dallas Vigilantes (2011) and Philadelphia Soul (2012), recording 147 career tackles (60 assisted) - Places No.2 in the Philadelphia Soul record book for the most tackles in a season (96) - Led the Soul in tackles (96) and was third in interceptions (3) during the 2012 season.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I'm very excited about today," said Soul head coach, Clint Dolezel. "It's a great situation for the team to be in when you have both old and new players coming in for camp. We have 11 or 12 players returning from last season, which means we're going to be putting another 12 or more new guys on the field. It's a great opportunity for us to put together a winning product for the city of Philadelphia."
THIRD TIME IS A CHARM: OL Christian Johnson, FB Derrick Ross, QB Dan Raudabaugh, WR Tiger Jones, LB Joe Goosby, and head coach Clint Dolezel have been together since 2011 when the players played for the Dallas Vigilantes. Dolezel, who was the head coach in Dallas in 2011, spent last season as the assistant head coach for the Soul and was named head coach during the offseason.
The head coach and these five players are 26-10 with two playoff appearances and one ArenaBowl appearance together. With the start of training camp, the group look to get into the groove again as they enter their third season with Dolezel in the coaching staff.
The past two seasons, this core group of players led their respective teams to the playoffs. As the saying goes, the third time is the charm.
TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Friday, March 1: Physicals - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 2: Non-padded Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 3: Non-padded Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, March 4: Non-padded Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 5: First day of Padded Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 6: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 7: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, March 8: First Cuts Practice - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 9: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 10: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, March 11: Practice - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 12: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 13: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 14: Practice - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, March 15: Practice - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 16: Final Cuts
Scrimmage against Pittsburgh Power - 8:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m.
END OF TRAINING CAMP
Change of Date For War on I4
The Orlando Predators have announced a change in date for its Friday, April 19 home game against the Tampa Bay Storm .
The game will now take place at Amway Center on Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 PM ET at the Amway Center.
Barnstormers Add Speedster to WR Corps
Less than 48 hours before the start of training camp, Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Football Operations Mike Hohensee is still busy making additions to the team's pre-season roster. Wednesday evening Hohensee announced that WR Marcus Harris has been assigned to the Barnstormers for the 2013 season. The Barnstormers now have 31 players listed on their pre-season roster.
Harris (6-2, 194) most recently spent time in training camp with the Detroit Lions in 2011. The speedster was clocked at 4.46 in the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. Prior to that he was a four-year standout at Murray State University where he is the school's all-time leader in career receptions (214) and receiving yards (2,471). His 21 career touchdown receptions are good for second all-time in school history. A native of St. Louis, MO. Harris played High School football for the Kirkwood Pioneers, where he was a star quarterback and led the team to a 29-4 record in three seasons as a starter.
The Iowa Barnstormers report for training camp on March 1, 2013.
Orlando Predators Games to be Broadcast on WKMG
When the Orlando Predators kick off their 22nd season on March 24, 2013, more Central Floridians will have the opportunity to watch all the action! WKMG Local 6 and the Orlando Predators are kicking off an exclusive year long partnership to televise their games both on WKMG 6.1 and on their digital channel 6.2. In addition to televising the games on Local 6 and on 6.2, WKMG will also stream the games on their web site, clickorlando.com.
WKMG, Local 6 will televise seven Predators' games this year, beginning with their match up with Tampa Bay on April 20th . During the games, fans will get an inside look at the Predators, as Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore provides play-by-play.
"The Predators' organization is extremely excited to partner with WKMG," Predators' General Manager Brett Bouchy said. "Local broadcasts are essential to our corporate partners and our fans, and we look forward to making our brand part of the Local 6 family."
"We are proud to broadcast Orlando Predators' games," WKMG Vice President and General Manager Skip Valet said. "At Local 6 we seek out ways to get involved in our community and partner with local organizations that will be beneficial to our viewers. Broadcasting these games will introduce the Orlando Predators to people who might not normally have the opportunity to attend their games at the arena. We look forward to welcoming their team into our team." The Orlando Predators are part of the Arena Football League and play their home games in the Amway Center.
The schedule of WKMG televised games are as follows:
The 2013 WKMG Broadcast Games selected are:
April 20th Tampa Bay Storm at Orlando Predators
May 25th Jacksonville Sharks at Orlando Predators
D2 Broadcast Games selected are:
April 28th Orlando Predators at Arizona Rattlers
May 11th Orlando Predators at Spokane Shock
June 1st Chicago Rush at Orlando Predators
June 15th Cleveland Gladiators at Orlando Predators
June 22nd Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators
SaberCats Set to Open Training Camp on Saturday
The San Jose SaberCats announced today that the team will begin its 2013 training camp this coming weekend, three weeks prior to the team's regular season opener on March 23 at San Antonio against the defending Central Division Champion Talons.
The SaberCats will gather for team meetings and physicals tomorrow, Friday, March 1 before heading to the field for their first practice of the season on Saturday, March 2. The first practice in full pads for the SaberCats will take place on Monday, March 4.
Thursday, March 7 marks the first time San Jose will take to the field in a preseason event against the Chicago Rush at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. at 6 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for just $5 by heading to ticketmaster.com. This will provide the SaberCats coaching staff with their first live look at the 2013 edition of the team, with all of their new acquisitions; including quarterback Aaron Garcia, defensive lineman Justin Warren as well as defensive backs Clevan Thomas, Ken Fontenette, JC Neal, just to name a few.
Following the Stockton preseason event, the SaberCats will continue with their practices in preparation for the 2013 season with the final roster selection taking place on Saturday, March 16.
Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet and SaberCats players will be available to members of the media following the conclusion of practice. As a courtesy, media members who plan to attend practice are asked to notify the SaberCats in advance by contacting PR and Media Relations Manager Jordan Stepp at j.stepp@thesanjosesabercats.com.
Please see below for a list of key dates leading up to the start of the 2013 season.
Date Event
Fri., March 1 Players report for physicals and team meetings
Sat., March 2 First day of training camp
Mon., March 4 First practice with pads
Wed., March 6 Joint practice at Santa Teresa high school in San Jose with the Chicago Rush
Thurs., March 7 Preseason Event vs. Chicago Rush at 6 p.m. at the Stockton Arena
Sat., March 9 First roster cuts (28 players)
Sat., March 16 Final roster cuts (24 players)
Fri., March 22 Travel to San Antonio
Sat., March 23 San Jose SaberCats @ San Antonio Talons at 5:30 p.m. PT at the AlamoDome
BMO Harris Bank Center to Host Two Chicago Rush Games
After finalizing a deal with the Allstate Arena and BMO Harris Bank Center on Tuesday, the Chicago Rush are set to enter the 2013 AFL season with a new owner, Chicago native David Staral Jr. In the three weeks since Staral Jr. has acquired control of the largest market in the Arena Football League, he has finalized the team's front office, coaching staff and schedule for the 2013 season.
"The Allstate Arena has been the home of the Chicago Rush since the team's inception," Staral Jr. said, "We hope to continue to build on the legacy of this historic team but give fans an experience they have never seen before. This is the new regime, it's a whole new ball game."
The Rush will kick off the new vision of the franchise March 23 against the Iowa Barnstormers in Chicago. The team will make their national television debut on CBS Sports Network at the Allstate Arena on May 4 against the Philadelphia Soul. CBS Sports Network will also feature the Rush on the road on April 20 and May 25.
Due to scheduling issues at the Allstate Arena, two home games will be played at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, Ill. (June 8 vs. Utah and June 15 vs. San Antonio). The arena was home to the AFL's "test game" between the Chicago Politicians and Rockford Metros in 1986. The Rush plan to pay tribute to the history of the AFL and the Chicago franchise against the Utah Blaze. They will also offer free parking to season ticket holders and host an official tailgate party for both games in Rockford. Players report for team meetings and physicals on Friday. Training camp begins Saturday in Palatine, Ill.
Rave and BMO Harris Bank officials are excited about the two games being played in Rockford. Individual tickets for the two games in June; will go on-sale, March 15, 2013. For information please check out the BMO Harris Bank Center's website at www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Partners with Tampa Bay Storm
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, the Health & Wellness Center Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, and Florida Hospital Physician Care have teamed up with the Tampa Bay Storm to become the team's official Health and Wellness Partner.
"Our organization is committed to providing high quality health care through a continuum of health and wellness services. We are proud to be associated with this championship organization," said Brian Adams, President & CEO of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will provide pre-season physicals on March 1st at the hospital's health and wellness center. Dr. Jonathan Phillips, the official family practice and sports medicine physician for the Tampa Bay Storm, will conduct the physicals including imPACT concussion testing, a neurocognitive assessment tool used for baseline and concussion testing that is available to the community in his practice.
The hospital will provide medical services during the season including physician care, MRI's, CT's, X-Ray's and other services. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will also provide on-site X-ray equipment and delivers on-site medical services during home games and training camp. "We are pleased to have Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel provide healthcare to the Tampa Bay Storm players," said Storm President Derrick Brooks. "As a new hospital, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is a state-of-the-art facility with world class physicians and services. We look forward to a strong partnership."
Backed by over 100 years of medical leadership from the Florida Hospital network, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is a brand new hospital offering the newest technology, expert physicians and medical staff in a healing environment. With a state of the art health and wellness center, the hospital provides services beyond acute medical care through an integrated approach.
Micheaux Robinson, Rashaad Duncan Return to Sharks
The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Thursday that defensive back Micheaux Robinson has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster on a two-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 29-year-old Robinson (5'9", 185) is set for his fourth season in Jacksonville and fifth year in the Arena Football League. Robinson actually began the 2012 season with the Philadelphia Soul before being acquired by the Sharks in a midseason trade. Robinson made an immediate impact after the trade, intercepting two passes in Week 11 against the Iowa Barnstormers, his first game back in a Shark uniform. With the Sharks, Robinson totaled 27.5 tackles (26 solo), five interceptions, 15 pass breakups and a fumble recovery. In his time with the Soul prior to the trade, Robinson made 37 tackles (33 solo), hauled in an interception, recovered three fumbles and forced another.
Robinson was a mainstay in the Jacksonville secondary during the franchise's first two seasons. During the Sharks' championship campaign in 2011, he led the AFL with 46 pass breakups and ranked tied for fourth in the league with 11 interceptions, a performance that earned him a spot on the All-Arena First Team that year. During the Sharks' three playoff games, Robinson racked up 14.5 total tackles, had two of the team's four interceptions and notched seven pass breakups, tying him with Terrance Smith for the team lead in that category.
Robinson also made an impact during the team's inaugural 2010 season, recording 70 tackles and seven interceptions en route to being selected as a All-Arena Second Team performer. Robinson is currently the Sharks' all-time leader in tackles (224.5) and interceptions (23).
Before heading to Jacksonville, Robinson began his AFL career with the Orlando Predators in 2007. He also played for two seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers of af2 and has spent time on the roster of the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. Robinson is a native of Fostoria, Ohio who played at Otterbein University before beginning his professional career.

Ultimate Indoor Football League
Lakeland Raiders Set to Open 2013 Season at Georgia
After completing two weeks of training camp, the Raiders have began a regular practice routine. The Raiders have a very stout 24-man roster entering the 2013 season. Some players are returning from last season and some have been brought in to ensure a championship for Lakeland in 2013.
"We had some tough decisions on many players. I wish we could have kept all of them because we had a ton of talent in training camp. It's part of the business to see players go and now we are focused on winning a championship. We told every guy we had to let go to stay ready because you never know if we may need to bring someone back for another shot," stated Coach Mink.
Now the Raiders are preparing to take the field on March 4th but not at the Lakeland Center. The Raiders open the season on the Road traveling to Dalton, Georgia to take on the Georgia Rampage. The Rampage beat the Georgia Panthers 25-21 thanks to a goal-line stop in the final minute at the trade center on Tuesday's pre-season contest.
"It's definitely a tough battle to open up on the road because you never know what to expect. Some teams play better at home but the great teams play great no matter where they play. We have great leaders on this team and I know they will keep everyone focused on the task at hand, beating the Rampage in Dalton, " commented Coach Mink.
The Raiders did not have a pre season game to tune up but feel they are prepared to contend for a championship in 2013.
"I'm taking it one game at a time. Some teams look too far ahead to other opponents or to where they should be and forget they still have a team ready to beat them each week. We had our ups and downs during camp and I am anxious to get back on the field," commented Raiders Quarterback Bj Hall.
The Raiders still have to decide who the 19 man playing roster will be for the upcoming game against Georgia. That decision will not be made until closer to game day.
"It's hard to say who we are going with in every position because we still have practice. You never know if someone shows a spark or if the unfortunate happens, someone gets injured. We don't want anyone hurt and want to put what we feel is the most competitive team to play against the Rampage," explained Coach Mink.
Bryan Houston and Tyrece Gaines are currently two players that are front-runners to play in the game on Monday night. Both of these players are from Georgia and reside in Georgia when not playing for the Raiders.
"It's going to be nice to play in front of my friends and family again. I am thankful for the opportunity the Raiders have given me and can't wait to suit up again," wide receiver Tyrece Gaines explained.
The Raiders are coming with a full arsenal of talent at every position. They have fixed some of the areas where they struggled in 2012 and have improved in every position with some new additions.
"Many of these players are here because they believe in what we are doing to help them get to the next level. Many of these men had offers to play in other places but decided to play in Lakeland instead. We have good chemistry and the leaders on this team will keep everyone together. We have become a family and are ready to start the 2013 season. It's been a long wait since June 2012 and now we get to show everyone the Raiders are here to win," stated General Manager Feddy Azofeifa.
The Raiders home opener will be against the Sarasota Thunder on Saturday March 9th. Season tickets with free parking are still currently available and individual game tickets are also on sale.