Rochester Raging Rhinos General Manager Chris Economides announced today that the team has re-signed defender Craig Demmin and has signed former Rhino goalkeeper Scott Vallow.
Demmin will return to the Rhinos this year for his seventh season. The 6-2, 195-pound native of Arima, Trinidad, has brought consistency and leadership to the entire Rhinos organization. Last season, Demmin appeared in 26 regular season games for Rochester, collecting one assist. Last season, he won his fourth Rhinos Team Most Valuable Player award (1998-2000, 2004). He has been named to the First Team All-League three times (1998,1999 and 2000) and to the Second Team (2002) once. As one of the top defenders in club history, Demmin ranks third on the franchise’s all-time lists in games played (146), games started (141) and minutes played (13,066He spent the 2001 season with the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS) where he appeared in 19 matches.
"Craig has been a leader for many years for our team," Rhinos General Manager Chris Economides said. "It’s great to have him back to help solidify our defense."
Vallow returns to the Rhinos after a two-season stint in Major League Soccer with the Colorado Rapids. The 6-3, 195-pound goalkeeper from Modesto, California, also spent time with the Dallas Burn and the New England Revolution (2002) of MLS. Vallow was a valuable part of the Rhinos’ two consecutive USL First Division Championships in 2000 and 2001. During the 2000 season, Vallow posted a record of 12-6-1 and led the league with a 0.83 goals-against average. Vallow’s superior play earned him the 2000 USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year award. Overall in his Rhinos’ career, he has appeared in 45 games compiling a 27-13-3 record with 15 shutouts and a .093 goals-against average.
"Scott will be fighting for the starting spot this season," Economides said. "Our success starts in the back with our goalkeepers and having Scott back in the hunt can only add to our team on and off the field."
The Raging Rhinos will open their 2005 preseason training camp on Monday, March 28th at TSE. The squad will train for the following five weeks in preparation of their season opener on Saturday, April 30th in Vancouver against the Whitecaps.