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'Dogs Ink Veteran Defenseman, Two-Time CHL All-Star Tyler Butler

July 22, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Arizona Sundogs Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro announced today the team has come to terms with veteran defenseman and two-time Central Hockey League All-Star Tyler Butler for the upcoming 2010-11 season.

Butler, 31, comes to the Sundogs having amassed 186 points (55g/131a) in 309 CHL regular season contests.

"Tyler is a smart defenseman that will add leadership to our team both on the ice and in our dressing room," said Pietroniro. "We're very familiar with his ability and level of play and we're extremely pleased to have him on board for the upcoming season."

During the 2007-08 season while with the Rocky Mountain Rage, Butler recorded career-bests in goals (16), assists (36) and points (52), earning a trip to the 2008 CHL All-Star Game, his second career all-star appearance. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound blue-liner was a mainstay on Rocky Mountain's power play that season, finishing second on the team with 19 power-play assists and third overall with 28 points with the man advantage.

The Kanata, Ontario, native most recently skated for the Tulsa Oilers during the 2009-10 season, captaining the squad and collecting 10 goals, 23 assists and a career-high 92 penalty minutes (PIM) in 63 regular season contests. Butler led the Oilers in special teams scoring with 22 power-play points (8g/14a).

During his rookie season with the Amarillo Gorillas in 2003-04, Butler led all first-year defensemen in scoring with 35 points (12g/23a) and was named a finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year.

The veteran of nearly 400 games has appeared in 24 postseason contests during his eight-year pro career tallying four goals, seven assists, 18 PIM and a plus-1 rating.

Prior to turning pro, Butler played for four years at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (NCAA) registering 21 goals, 60 assists and 170 PIM in 130 career games.

Butler becomes Arizona's first newcomer signed for the 2010-11 season, joining returning players Doug Groenestege, Joey Sides and Adam Smyth.

The Sundogs will celebrate their fifth season in the Central Hockey League beginning this October at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Season ticket packages are available for as low as $295. For more information call (928) 759-6600 or visit www.arizonasundogs.com.

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