CLG sign Link and Xmithie; to attend IEM Cologne with a sub

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Following a long period of trials, today, Counter Logic Gaming announced the final two additions to their roster. On mid, Austin 'Link' Shin will return to the starter position after stepping down from the team. Despite his exit, Shin was allowed to go through the trial process along with other candidates. A new face, however, will be seen in the jungle as Jake 'Xmithie' Puchero joins CLG. Puchero rose to prominence during his rather successful stay in the LCS bearing the Vulcun/XDG banner and attending the Season 3 World Finals in Los Angeles.

Team coach, William 'scarra' Li, released a statement with regards to the additions to the CLG team:

We spent a long time going through a variety of mid laners and junglers for our roster. I’m pleased to announce that Link will be returning as starting mid laner for our team and that our jungle role will be filled by Xmithie. Both of these players have shown nothing but dedication and motivation to improving themselves and the players around them. I understand that a lot of people will be skeptical about our choices, but I believe that they are the best players we could have in these positions. I will soon release a vlog with a more detailed explanatios about tryouts as well as our preperation for IEM Cologne.

A video introduction of the two signings and the CLG roster for the 2015 Season can be found below:

• Darshan 'ZionSpartan' Upadhyaya - Top
• Jake 'Xmithie' Puchero - Jungle
• Austin 'Link' Shin - Mid
• Yiliang 'DoubleLift' Peng - AD Carry
• Zaqueri 'Aphromoo' Black - Support
• Tony 'Zikz' Gray - Analyst
• William 'Scarra' Li - Coach

Due to passport issues, however, Xmithie will be missing IEM Cologne. In his place, CLG will bring known solo queue jungler Thomas 'Thinkcard' Slotkin who has already subbed for the team in the past.

IEM Cologne will commence on the 18th December and features Counter Logic Gaming, Team Dignitas, Moscow 5, Gambit Gaming, Team ROCCAT and Aces High eSports Club from Turkey.

Source: Counter Logic Gaming

Images courtesy of esportspedia and clgaming.net