Salmon Kings Sign Veteran Derek Couture

Published on August 4, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that they have signed forward Derek Couture for the 2010-11 season.

The 26-year-old forward spent the majority of the 2009-10 campaign in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 67 games played in Hartford he tallied 20 points (11g-9a) while receiving 104 penalty minutes. Couture also dressed for four games last season with the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers where he recorded five assists and six minutes in penalties.

"Derek is a very important signing for us," General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. "He is an AHL calibre player who we will look to for production at both ends of the ice as well as in the locker room."

The Calgary, AB native began the 2008-09 season in Austria with Szekeshfehervar Alba Volan HC scoring three points (1g-2a) and recording 97 penalty minutes in 10 games. After returning to North America he joined the ECHL's Elmira Jackals and dressed in 21 games where he registered six goals and 14 assists for 20 points with 53 minutes in penalties. Couture also spent time in the AHL on call-up with the Binghamton Senators where he took part in 18 games notching five points (2g-3a) and 21 penalty minutes.

The 6-1, 205 lb. Couture spent the entire 2007-08 season with the Quad City Flames of the AHL. In 76 games played with the Flames he counted 10 goals with eight assists for 18 points while serving 129 penalty minutes.

Couture began his professional career with two seasons (2005-06 and 2006-07) in the AHL with the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights. In 112 combined contests he amassed 28 points (10g-18a) and 154 minutes in penalties.

For his five-year professional career, Couture has accrued 99 points (40g-59a) and 574 penalty minutes in 308 games.

During a five-year junior career the forward spent time with the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Saskatoon Blades and Seattle Thunderbirds. In 254 career WHL contests Couture tallied 106 points (48g-58a) while receiving 578 minutes in penalties. In 25 career junior playoff games he recorded four goals and eight assists for 12 points with 41 penalty minutes.

The Salmon Kings open the 2010-11 season on Friday, October 15th in Idaho with a two-game set versus the defending National Conference champion Steelheads. Victoria returns home to open up their schedule at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with a three-game set versus the Ontario Reign beginning Wednesday, October 27th. Season tickets for the Salmon Kings' 2010-11 season are now on sale. Call 250-220-7889 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com to purchase yours today!

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