The Winnipeg Goldeyes will open the 2008 Northern League season at home this week with a combination of seasoned veterans and fresh-faced rookies.

Manager Rick Forney announced his opening day roster today. The 22 players named to the club are evenly split between pitchers and position players and will work out for the next three days in preparation of the season opener on Thursday against the Kansas City T-Bones. Game time is 7 p.m.

To pare his training camp roster from 28 down to the league maximum of 22, Forney made six moves over the weekend. He released catcher Casey Haugen, infielder Jesse Gibson, outfielder Luke Hetherington and pitcher Billy Keppinger. He placed pitcher Aaron Jackson on the Disabled List and traded infielder Jeff Beachum to Washington of the Frontier League for a player to be named later.

Forney also made an addition to his roster, signing outfielder Colin Roberson, who had been in training camp but as a non-roster invitee.

Following their season-opening four-game set with Kansas City, Winnipeg hosts Fargo-Moorhead to conclude a seven-game homestand. Great seats are still available at any Ticketmaster location, including the Canwest Park box office, by calling 780-3333 or at ticketmaster.ca.