'Blades sign McAllister to deal
July 12, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Gerry Fleming announced today that forward Kyle McAllister has signed a contract for the 2007-08 season, becoming the fifth player to sign for the upcoming season.
McAllister joins the Everblades after splitting time between St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick and the Fort Wayne Komets of the United Hockey League in 2006-07. In his final season at St. Thomas, the 26-year-old team captain earned team MVP honors after finishing second on the Tommies in scoring with 35 points (15g, 20a) in 26 games. McAllister then made his professional debut on March 23, 2007 when Fort Wayne hosted Quad City. Overall, the native of Cornwall, Ontario skated in four games with the Komets last season.
"Kyle will be a welcome addition to our roster this season." Fleming said. "He's a big strong centerman who plays just as well defensively as he does in the offensive zone. Kyle's also very good on faceoffs and is strong with and without the puck."
McAllister played a total of five years with the Tommies finishing with 156 points (68g, 88a) in 131 career games. The 6-foot-2 centerman's best season came during his first year at St. Thomas in 2002-03 when he registered career high's in goals (20), assists (24) and points (44) in 28 games. Before playing at the collegiate level, McAllister played five seasons at the junior level in the Ontario Hockey League.
McAllister saw action with Ottawa, Toronto, and Owen Sound during his OHL tenure, and totaled 195 points (77g, 118a) in 261 games. His best season at the junior level came in 2000-01 when he tallied 28 goals and added 44 assists in 68 games with Owen Sound.
Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the Premier 'AA' Hockey League in 2007-08, the ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in three states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league that will have 25 teams in 17 states and British Columbia in 2007-08. The 25 teams includes the Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves, who return after missing two seasons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the expansion Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals.
Be a part of the Everblades 10th Anniversary season! The 2007-08 season begins on Friday, October 19 when the 'Blades host the Mississippi Sea Wolves at 7:30 p.m. from Germain Arena! Deposits are being taken now for 2007-08 Florida Everblades season tickets! For just $50 per/seat you can reserve your piece of the action for next season! Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.
ECHL Stories from July 12, 2007
- Salmon Kings net Bridges for next season - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Wildcatters Bring In Benedict For 2007-08 - Texas Wildcatters
- Royals Sign Defenseman Chad Allan - Reading Royals
- 'Blades sign McAllister to deal - Florida Everblades
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