McCarty signs autographs for fans at Perani Arena

FLINT -- The Flint Generals announced the signing of four more players Tuesday during "Meet the Team Night" at Perani Arena.

The most intriguing player of the group, at least in terms of local appeal, is forward Eric Sargent.

Sargent is a Fenton resident who grew up in the Flint area cheering on the same Generals team he will soon be suiting up for.

"I started out as a real youngster out here in Flint with the Icelanders.  I moved out to Detroit and played with the Detroit Honeybaked.  From there I was in Ann Arbor with the national development team, and then Sault Ste. Marie and then Pittsburgh after that," said Sargent.

"Anytime you can get a local player, especially at this level, its fantastic.  Eric is going to be given every opportunity to make this hockey team and the rest is up to him," added Generals head coach Peter South, who has now signed 19 players for the upcoming season.

One player who will likely not be in the Generals lineup this fall, Darren McCarty.

The fan favorite was back in Flint making a special appearance at Tuesday's event.

He is hoping to re-sign with Detroit prior to training camp in two weeks, and says he may spend this season alternating between the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Red Wings.

"The story was well documented and just sort of a whirlwind.  To be able to make it back to Detroit was huge.  Summer is always great around Michigan when you win the Stanley Cup.  Like I've always said, 'without this first step here in Flint, none of that would have happened,'"  said McCarty, who has now won four Stanley Cup titles with Detroit.