Blast re-signs Ronson, Troy h

After watching seven players from last season's roster leave the club in the last few weeks, the Blast has announced the signing of midfielder Billy Ronson and forward Rusty Troy to contracts for the coming season.

Terms for Ronson, 34, the Blast's third-leading scorer and co-Most Valuable Player with a career-high 35 goals and 33 assists last season, and Troy, 24, who had 28 goals and 16 assists, were not disclosed.

In recent weeks, the Blast had declined to offer contracts to goalkeeper Scott Manning, defender Tim Wittman and midfielder Richard Chinapoo, as well as forwards Chris Haywood and Chris Simon.

In addition, defender Bruce Savage retired and forward Dale Mitchell was released by the team.