Stars Welcome Back Dan Antoniuk, Elliot Fauske

TACOMA, Wash. -- Forward Dan Antoniuk and defender Elliot Fauske have signed contracts to return to the Tacoma Stars for the 2016-17 Major Arena Soccer League season, the club announced today.

Antoniuk, 35, led the Stars offense with 17 goals last season while also tallying four assists and ranking third on the club with 21 total points. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native boasts a plethora of indoor experience, including three seasons and over 25 games with the division rival San Diego Sockers.

“Dan was an important player during our first year in the MASL,” Stars Head Coach and General Manager Darren Sawatzky said. “He scored some important goals and mentored young players on the nuances of the indoor game. We welcome him back to our team and will look to him for points and leadership again this season.”

Over time with the Stars and the Sockers, Antoniuk has recorded time in three playoff matches, and has accumulated 36 regular season points with three game-winning goals.

Fauske, 35, logged time in 18 games with the Stars during the 2015-16 season, ranked tied for third on the team with 10 blocks, and recorded three assists.

“Every team has players the public remembers because they reach out and interact with the community both on and off the field - Elliot is one of those guys,” Sawatzky said. “Elliot has his own persona, and Stars fans can relate to the team through that connection. Having him back on the roster gives our group familiarity and yet another veteran player to work towards a championship.”

A native of Spokane, Washington, Fauske has seen time in five playoff games between his time in the MASL with Tacoma and the Rochester Lancers.

Antoniuk, Fauske, and the rest of the Stars open their 2016-17 season at home against Soles De Sonora on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6:04 p.m. PT at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington.

Single game tickets, season ticket packages, group outings, family packs, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2016-17 season are available now. To purchase, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online at www.tacomastars.com. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Stars can be found by following the Stars on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook.