CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers announced today that goalie Alex Westlund and forward Mike Ouellette were released from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League and assigned to the Checkers. The Checkers also invited several players to attend training camp after they were released from AHL camps.
Westlund helped lead the Checkers to the American Conference Finals during the 2005 Kelly Cup Playoffs. A former Yale University Eli and a veteran of seven professional seasons, Westlund played last season in Russia's Vysshaya Liga compiling a 2.09 goals-against average in 41 games. The 30-year-old Flemington, N.J. native spent the 2004-05 campaign the Checkers. In 51 ECHL games that season, Westlund went 27-15-5 with a 2.72 goals-against average, a 91.2% save percentage and one shutout. The 5-9, 180-pound backstop finished tied for fifth in the league in wins and ranked fifth in minutes-played (2,932) and saves (1,372). Following that season, he helped represent the United States at the IIHF World Championships, appearing in one game.
Ouellette is 24-year-old who enters his first full professional season. Ouellette played in three games last season with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL after finishing his four-year career at Dartmouth College. The 6-foot-1-inch, 187 pound native of Kamloops, British Columbia, racked up 138 points (58g, 80a) in 136 games at Dartmouth.
The Checkers also invited Kenny Smith (D), Ren Fauci (D), Adam Nightingale (F), Daymen Rycroft (F), Dan Murphy (F) and Cole Byers (D) to attend training camp after they were released by the Wolf Pack. Nathan Gillies (F) was also invited to camp with the Checkers after being released by the Albany River Rats of the AHL.
The Checkers will open training camp Saturday, October 7 at Extreme Ice Center. The Checkers will face the Columbia Inferno in an exhibition game on Thursday, October 12 in Columbia and then host the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday, October 14 at 1:30 pm at Extreme Ice Center. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the Checkers front office at (704) 342-4-ICE.
Stanley Cup champ Hurricanes send three players to Everblades
Taking a cue from the Florida Everblades' other NHL affiliate, the Florida Panthers, the Carolina Hurricanes sent their first batch of players down to the ECHL this weekend.
A trip to cover the Victoria Salmon Kings last ECHL hockey season brought me to Toledo. While its Ohio big brother, Cleveland, has been famously derided as the Mistake by the Lake, Toledo is maybe the Little Mistake by the Lake.
Okay, that's a little unfair. I was impressed by the many plucky efforts to revitalize the downtown area and Victoria could do well to take note. The ECHL Toledo Storm's home rink, however, is what is charitably described in these instances as reeking with character. Not even the big Red Wings logo on the wall (the Storm is the ECHL farm team of the nearby Detroit NHL club) could cover it up. Think of a cross between the creaky Civic in Nanaimo and Queens Park in New Westminster and you get the picture.
Goaltender Ryan Munce Assigned To Reading For Training Camp
Reading, PA - The Reading Royals of the ECHL, affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League and the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, today announced that goaltender, Ryan Munce (pronounced as in "once"), has been re-assigned to the Royals for training camp. In his rookie season last year, Munce (6'2"/185 lbs.), who hails from Mississauga, Ontario, set a Bakersfield Condors' team record for a rookie goaltender by racking up thirty wins (30 - 18 - 5, 2.78/.919). That was one of twelve Condor team records set or tied last year by Munce (6'2"/185 lbs), who was selected by the Kings in the third round (82nd overall) of the NHL's Entry Draft in 2003.
Munce, who turned twenty-one last April, sprang onto the goaltending prospect lists during his 2002-03 season with the Sarnia Sting, when he won the F.W. 'Dinty' Moore Trophy, which is awarded to the Ontario Hockey League's first year goaltender with the best goals against average (2.64). At the conclusion of that season, Munce was selected to the OHL's All-Rookie First Team, as well as the All-Rookie Team for the Canadian Hockey League. In April of 2003, Munce's stock value took another leap when he led Team Canada's Under 18 team to a Gold Medal in the World Junior Championships. In 2003-04, Munce was a part of the first team in Sarnia Sting history to win the Bumbacco Trophy, which is awarded to the West Division Champions in the OHL. In July of 2005, Munce signed a three year deal with the Kings and prior to the start of last season was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL. During the regular season, Munce paced the Condors to a second place finish in the Pacific Division (40 - 26 - 6 = 86), playing in 55 regular season games. The team records set by Munce last season include saves in a single game (63 in a 2-1 overtime win against the Long Beach Ice Dogs on January 6, 2006), saves in a single season (1705), and save percentage for a rookie goaltender (.919)-which tied the marked established by Yutaka ***ufuji in 2004-05. Eight of Munce's twelve Condor team records were actually set during the playoffs last year (including single season and career playoff starts-11-and wins-5), which saw the Condors defeat the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the first round before succumbing in the Pacific Division Finals to the Fresno Falcons in seven games.
Full season tickets and total choice flex plans and individual game tickets for the 2006-07 season of Royals' hockey are currently on sale. For more information, contact the Royals' office at 610-898-7825 or visit the Royals website, www.royalshockey.com.
PENSACOLA, FL - The Pensacola Ice Pilots of the ECHL announced that their single game tickets for all 36 home games will go on sale tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10 am.
Fans will be able to purchase tickets at the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office from 10 am to 5 pm or charging by phone at (850) 434-7444. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $23 for glass seats, $16 for sides, $14 for goal seats and $10 upper level. Children 12 and under, as well as Military with a valid Military ID are as follows $12 for sides, $10 ends and $7 for upper level.
The Pensacola Ice Pilots have a terrific home schedule with twenty-three of the 36 home games being played on Friday (10) and Saturday (13) nights, while the remaining 13 will be contested on Tuesdays (9) and Sundays (4).
Full and partial Ice Pilots Season Tickets are still available giving fans the best way to enjoy the coolest game on the Gulf Coast. Ice Pilots Group Tickets are also a great method to enjoy the excitement of a game at the Civic Center. For further information on Season Ticket plans and Group Tickets, please call the Ice Pilots Corporate Office at (850) 432-PUCK.
The Ice Pilots home opener is set for Friday, Oct. 27 at 7:05 pm when they host the Texas Wildcatters at The Hanger. Fans will get a second opportunity to see the team on Sunday at 6 p.m. when the Ice Pilots entertain the Columbia Inferno at 6:05 p.m.
Salmon Kings size up centre slot with big league prospect
Victoria, BC- The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with 6-foot-6, 233-lb Centre, Kiel McLeod.
McLeod was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round (#53 overall) of the 2001 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft. In his professional career, the 23-year-old has logged 212 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and 10 games in the ECHL.
"Kiel is a big and strong Centre with great offensive abilities, who is motivated to help the Salmon Kings succeed," said Dan Belisle, Vice-President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. "We are very happy to have such a high calibre player join our club."
Prior to turning professional, the native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta played five seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1998-99 to 2003-04, and recorded 261 points (123 goals, 138 assists) and 467 penalty minutes in 288 regular season games. He was named to the WHL West Second All-Star Team following the 2002-03 season after posting 90 points (39 goals, 51 assists) and 163 penalty minutes in 68 regular season games. He added 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in eight playoff games as Kelowna won the 2003 WHL Championship and advanced to the Memorial Cup Finals.
He was signed as a free agent by the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) on June 9, 2003. Over three seasons in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons, Utah Grizzlies, and San Antonio Rampage, the Coyotes' AHL affiliate, McLeod registered 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 178 regular season games.
In December 2005, he was traded from the Coyotes to the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), and reported to the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms.
McLeod rounded out the 2005-06 season with the ECHL's Trenton Titans, posting 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists) in 8 regular season games.
"He has all the tools needed to be a great player and leader for us this season," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach. "We are looking forward to helping him excel and move up the ranks."
"A main reason for wanting to play for Victoria is because of Tony MacAulay," said McLeod. "Even in the short stint with Trenton last season, I could see Tony is a hard-working coach, and I will do my best to come in and contribute to the Salmon Kings."
"Because I had settled into Kelowna while playing for the Rockets, I am happy to be back in British Columbia again," he added.
McLeod is the 15th Forward added to the Salmon Kings roster, and wastes no time in preparing for the training camp, as he arrives in Victoria today for an informal skate.
Check out the Salmon Kings "Annual Blue and White game" during training camp at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Admission is free to the intra squad matchup which begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 11th.
Purchase the United Way Home Opener pack to help donate $6 to the United Way campaign. You get a ticket to each of the games of the Salmon Kings home opener series starting October 25th, for only $40! Call (250) 220-7777.
(Toledo, Ohio) The Toledo Storm, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, announced today that they have added defenseman Dan Watson for the 2006-2007 season.
"Watson is a steady, solid defenseman," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Nick Vitucci. "He's a well-traveled player that produces on the ice, but can also provide great leadership to our younger guys,"
The 2006-07 season will be Watson's 17th of his career, during which time he has skated for nine different hockey clubs including the ECHL's Dayton Bombers and the Long Beach Ice Dogs. The native of Glencoe, Ontario also spent six seasons in the American Hockey League with the Syracuse Crunch, Cleveland Barons, and the Providence Bruins. During his 16-year playing career, Watson has accumulated 123 regular season points (23 G, 100 A) while racking up nearly 400 minutes in penalties - 114 of which came during the 2004-2005 season with Long Beach. He has also appeared in 33 career playoff games, tallying 3 points (2 G, 1 A) in those games.
The 16th Season of Toledo Storm Hockey debuts on October 20th at the Toledo Sports Arena when the Storm take on the archrival Dayton Bombers at 7:35. Season Tickets are on sale for the 2006-07 season. Contact the Storm office at 419-691-0200 or visit www.toledostorm.com for more information. Toledo Storm Hockey...Great Team, Great Time!
Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons announced today that the team has signed defenseman Tyler Kindle to a contract for the 2006-07 season.
Kindle comes to Fresno with impressive offensive credentials. He has scored at least 32 points in each of his first three seasons, totaling 101 points in 195 games. He enjoyed his best statistical season with the Pee Dee Pride in 2004-05, leading the team with a +9 rating, and finishing tied for 17th among all ECHL defenseman with 34 points.
Prior to turning pro, Kindle played four years of college hockey at Wayne State University, and graduated as the school's all-time leader among defensemen in goals (29), assists (69) and points (98).
"With an expected increase in special-teams play this season, we needed another offensive-minded defenseman," Falcons Head Coach and General Manager Matt Thomas said. "Tyler's numbers speak for themselves and he should be a good compliment to the type of team-game we want to play this season."
Your Pacific Division Champion Fresno Falcons are back on home ice for the Carl's Jr. Opening Weekend Extravaganza, Friday, October 20 and Sunday, October 22 against the Las Vegas Wranglers at the Save Mart Center. The first 3,000 fans in attendance Friday will receive a mini Pacific Division Championship Banner. The first intermission features Darren and Sandee's wedding. The extravaganza continues on Sunday, October 22 with free magnet schedules and a post-game skate with the players.
Season tickets for the 2006-07 season are now available. Guarantee yourself great seats to all 36 action-packed Falcons' home games at Save Mart Center. Ticket packages start as low as $162. For more information on the Falcons' ticket packages, contact the Falcons' office at (559) 485-PUCK.
TRENTON, NJ (October 2, 2006) - The Trenton Titans announced on Monday that forward Mike Manley has accepted an invitation to training camp for the 2006-07 season.
Manley, 24, joins goaltender Joel Martin as the second member from the United Hockey League's Kalamazoo Wings - last year's Colonial Cup Champions - to head to Trenton. Now a third-year pro, the 5'11", 175-pound forward totaled 28 goals, 35 assists and 50 penalty minutes in 82 games over two seasons with the K-Wings.
"Mike adds a dimension of speed to the ice", said Titans' Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Rick Kowalsky. "He has the ability to put some pucks into the net and also brings some more championship experience to the locker room."
Hailing from London, Ontario, Manley skated with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the United States Hockey League before enrolling for one year at the University of Manitoba, where he notched 22 points (8g, 14a) in 32 games.
Manley becomes the seventeenth player to join the Titans' 2006-07 training camp, including forwards Scott Bertoli, Alex Goupil, Les Haggett, Jim Henkel, Gregg Johnson, Justin Maiser, Brian McConnell, Scott Selig, Scott Sheppard, Rob Sich and Peter Zingoni; defensemen Chris Cava, Jerramie Domish, Peter Tormey and Brian Yandle and goaltender Joel Martin.
The Trenton Titans open the 2006-07 season on Friday, October 20 at 7:30pm against the Reading Royals at the Sovereign Bank Arena. For tickets call a Titans Ticket Representative at (609) 599-9500.
TRENTON TITANS - The Buzz is Back!!! - Full and partial season tickets plans for the 2006-07 season are now available by calling a Titans Ticket Representative at (609) 599-9500.
The Trenton Titans are a member of the ECHL - North America's Premier "AA" Hockey League. The Trenton Titans are owned and operated by the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils.
ECHL news 10/01-10/03
ECHL news 10/01-10/03
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