Paul Arriola chosen as Retention Player.

 

Efrain Álvarez selected as Retention Player.

Gunners retain the services of Jamiro Monteiro.

With business complete, Gunners prep for draft.

After wheeling and dealing in one of the busiest off seasons in league history, the Gunners have five players that will make up the core of this year's squad. "Diego (Valeri) and David (Villa) were automatic selections, they're the cornerstones of this club," General Manager Michael Miller told reporters. "Bill (Hamid) was another easy decision, one of the top goal keepers in the league. The injury gave us concern but we always intended to start the season with two in net anyway.

"Hector (Villalba) is a young, exciting talent that we're eager to get a look at. We signed him last year with the full intent of him being our 3rd DP (Designated Player) this season," Miller continued. "Acquiring Kaká was not in our original plans, but seeing an opportunity to bring in player of his quality for a decent price was too hard to pass up."

With the core now in place, next up is the draft. In the draft the club will gather the equally important accompanying pieces that will hopefully have the club lifting trophies at the end of the year.

Bill Hamid announced as Retention Player.

Kwadwo Poku returning as Retention Player.

Capital District has announced that the club's Retention Player will be Kwadwo Poku. The potential he showed last season is what enticed management to retain the player for the upcoming season. Signed at midseason last year, Poku was solid in limited playing time.

Gunners sign Ishizaki as Retention Player

As Capital District is preparing for the upcoming draft, the team as announced that Stefan Ishizaki will return as the club's Retention Player. While the only player eligible for selection, there was no guarantee that the Gunners were going to take advantage of the Retention Player slot.

"Stefan had solid season for us last year. With a year under his belt, and perhaps a more advantageous situation, we're excited to see him build off last season," General Manager Michael Miller said. "At the cost of our last draft pick, it was a fairly easy decision to make."

Gunners choose Retention Player

On January 1st, the Gunners began the year with the announcement that Álvaro Saborío and Diego Valeri were returning as Designated Players. Now with the draft under a month away, another piece to the puzzle as been revealed. Announced this afternoon, Capital District is using it's new Retention Player spot on Frederic Piquionne.

"We choose Piquionne not just because he was the only option, but because we think he can contribute to our team and the price was right," General Manager Michael Miller explained at the press conference. "He had a rough first year in the league, but in that rough patch, he had moments of greatness. We think with a year under his belt, he could be solid piece to what we hope to be another championship run."