Virtue Returns to Tri-City
July 18, 2007 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans' general manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has hired Terry Virtue as their assistant coach for the upcoming 2007-08 season.
Virtue, a former Tri-City Americans defenseman during the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons, is a 16-year veteran of professional hockey as a player. He spent last season between the Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League (CHL) and the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL), totaling 10 goals and 38 points in 74 games. Virtue made his National Hockey League debut on January 16, 1999 for the Boston Bruins and appeared in five NHL games between Boston and the New York Rangers. For his career, Virtue has appeared in 1,153 games and collected 117 goals, 571 points and 2,499 penalty minutes.
"Terry was a very skilled offensive defenseman," noted Tory. "Everything he accomplished in hockey came from hard work, character and perseverance."
"With his experience, he will be a great example and tutor for our young defenseman," said Americans' head coach Don Nachbaur. "We are happy to have him on board."
Besides his outstanding playing career that includes two Calder Cup (AHL championship) trophies and being a five-time recipient of Top Defenseman awards, Virtue was also elected as a member of the Professional Hockey Players' Association Executive Committee and served as a player/assistant coach with the Wheeling Nailers during the 2005-06 season and the Austin Ice Bats during the 2006-07 season.
"This is a great opportunity for me and my family and I'd like to thank this organization for that opportunity," said Virtue. "I enjoyed my time (in Tri-Cities) and I'm happy to be back in the area. This is a new beginning in my career and I'm looking forward to it."
Virtue's duties will begin August 1, 2007.
Tri-City Americans season ticket plans are now available for the 2007-08 season. Season ticket plans can be purchased by using several, convenient monthly payment schedules after a one-time service charge. Call 509.736.0606, visit AmsHockey.com or drop by the Americans offices' at the bottom level of the Toyota Center for more information.
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Western Hockey League Stories from July 18, 2007
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- Virtue Returns to Tri-City - Tri-City Americans
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