Anchorage Daily News

The Alaska Wild unveiled their 2008 roster Thursday, a mix of familiar names and new faces.

Nick Mystrom, one of those familiar names, will be the starting quarterback when the Wild take the Sullivan Arena field next Thursday against the expansion Fairbanks Grizzlies.

Mao Tosi and Delvin Myles -- two more local products -- will be on the defensive side of the ball in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd.

"(Coaches) Hans (Deemer) and Abe (Hernandez) have done a fantastic job in the offseason recruiting," Wild owner Dave Weatherholt said at a news conference Thursday. "They have put together a team that I believe Anchorage is going to be very proud of."

Of the most visible positions -- quarterback, wide receiver and running back -- only veteran receiver Nian Taylor returns from last year's team that went 2-12, but did finish on a two-game winning streak.

"Payback," said Taylor on why he returned this season. "Just because we only won the last two games last year. I'd never been on a team that lost so many games and pulled it together at the end. I want to start off where I left off.

"Obviously we have more players in here that played arena football before. Last year we were really heavy on the rookies, the road trips were outrageous. This year everything is organized and we have a lot more veteran players. It should carry over onto the field."

Joining Taylor in the receiving corps are Keith Smith, Andre Velasquez, Lavone Nelson, Curtis Morrow and Elgin Hollins.

Gary Harris and Atonio Lolesio Jr. are the running backs.

"I would say the main thing is we'll be a little more diligent (on offense)," said Deemer, who doubles as the offensive coordinator. "Turnovers will be less. I try to put ourselves in position to make easier decisions. We'll probably be the least-penalized team in the league."

Among the names who didn't make the cut: Sean Tufaga, Anthony Shelton and Calvin Savage, all of whom saw playing time last year.

"We had to say goodbye to some people that were on the team last year and played their heart out, but didn't have the tools," Deemer said. "I take cut day personally, because you're canceling someone's dream. I don't enjoy it, but it is part of the business.

"When it comes to someone who hasn't prepared, that doesn't bother me. It's when someone you know has worked the best they can and they just don't have it."

Next week's opener could mark the first sellout in Wild history -- they came close in their debut last year -- and in any event will be the first home game broadcast live to Anchorage.

Mike Buzinski, the team's marketing director, said that season ticket sales are in line with last year's figure, but the demand for the two Fairbanks games (next week and April 10) is very high.

"Oh yes. Our sponsors want these games, (Fairbanks') sponsors want the games," he said.

The Wild get one more week of practice before the season begins, but Deemer said that already the players have bonded.

"This team is gelling already," the second-year coach said. "These guys have the same feeling, they all want to go the same direction."

Find Andrew Hinkelman online at adn.com/contact/ahinkelman or call 257-4335.

Alaska Wild 2008 roster

OFFENSE

No.NamePosition

7Nian TaylorWR

9Nick MystromQB/K

12Eddie EcholsQB

14Keith SmithWR

32Elgin HollinsWR

34Gary HarrisRB/LB

45Curtis MorrowWR/K

55George NogaOL/DL

60Lokeni Lokeni Jr.OL

70Dominique CorbettOL

72Siufaga TaufiOL

82Andre VelasquezWR/QB

88Lavone NelsonWR

DEFENSE

2Demarcus JamesDB

3Dawon GentryDB

5Joe SmallLB

20Delvin MylesDB

21James GriffinDB

23Donny DelaneyDB

24Andre MooreLB

51Atonio Lelesio Jr.LB/RB

56Alvin PaytonDL

95J.C. HobleyDL

99Mao TosiDL

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