Zemlicka brings in two new forwards with signing of Zach Demarce and Marko Potila

Wytheville VA - The Blue Ridge Bobcats have signed Zach Demarce and Marko Potila to a professional tryout.

Fresh out of college Demarce spent last season skating with Roosevelt University. Bringing an ability to play on all three zones of the ice, earning seven goals, six assists, and 13 points in 27 games.

Prior to the 22-year-old Menomonie Wisconsin native’s time with Roosevelt University. Demarce spent two seasons in the NA3HL skating for the Granite City Lumberjacks and the St. Louis Jr. Blues (2020-2021), and the Alexandria Blizzard (2021-2022). Earning his best season with the Blizzard in 47 games earning a stat line of 13 goals, 14 assists, and 27 points.

Demarce’s vision on the ice stood out to Bobcats Head Coach Vojtech Zemlicka during the FPHL Free Agent Camo this summer.

“Zach is another player who impressed me in the FPHL free-agent camp. Zach played college hockey for Roosevelt University in ACHA I prior to coming to us, so this will be his first year playing professional hockey but I believe he will make a quick transition to the PRO level. Zach’s vision all over the ice and ability to play well in all three zones is why I am bringing Zach to compete for a spot on the team,” Zemlicka said.

Potila comes to the Bobcats after playing part of a season with APV in the II Divisioona league in Finland. Earning five goals, three assists, and eight points in seven games.

Prior to last season, the 26-year-old Alavus Finland native played four seasons in the Finland pro leagues. Skating for S-Kiekko in Suomi-sarja (2019-2021), KuRy in II Divisioona (2020-2021), and S-Kiekko in Suomi-Sarja (2021-2023).

Having his best season in 2019-2020 where he earned five goals, five assists, and 10 points in 37 games.

Potila’s strong puck control and movement caught the eye of Zemlicka to add chances to the Bobcats forward line.

“This will be the first season for Marko playing outside of his country of Finland, where he spent all of his youth career and professional career. Marko is a playmaker, who reads the game very well. His strong passing and puck-handling skills allow him to create chances for himself or his teammates. I want my players to trust the systems that we’re going to be playing and not to take their creativity away, because I want my players to read the game and if the play is there, then make that next-level play all though they have to know when it’s the right time to,” Zemlicka said.

You can catch Zach Demarce, Marko Potila, and the rest of the Blue Ridge Bobcats for their home opener and the start of the inaugural season on Friday, October 20th at 7:30 p.m. inside the Apex Center. Don't miss any of the action this season and pick up your season tickets now here.

Also, be sure to follow the Blue Ridge Bobcats on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on all team news and updates