Brahmas sign rookie wing Ryan Rivard to contract
July 2, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release
Fort Worth â The influx of new faces on the Ft. Worth Brahmas roster continued this morning with the signing of rookie left wing Ryan Rivard to a contract for the upcoming 2002-2003 CHL season.
At 6'2", 210, Rivard gives the Brahmas what seemingly all hockey teams are looking for this off season-a big, strong, rugged power forward capable of causing havoc in front of the net and scoring the opportunistic goal.
Rivard comes to the Brahmas after playing last season for the Petrolia Jets of the Ontario Hockey Association. In 47 games with the Jets, Rivard scored 22 goals and assisted on 15 more for 37 points. He also totaled 75 penalty minutes.
A native of West Lorne, Ontario, Rivard played three seasons of junior hockey in Ontario before playing for Petrolia last year. He spent the 1997-1998 season with the Owen Sound Platers (OHL). After playing the first 5 games of his 1998-1999 campaign with Owen Sound, he finished the year with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL). His 1999-2000 season began in Kingston before he moved on to the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Hockey Association. After sitting out the 2000-2001 playing season because of personal reasons, Rivard returned to the ice last year with Petrolia.
Brahmas head coach Todd Lalonde believes he has found a diamond in the rough in Rivard.
"Ryan Rivard is going to surprise a lot of people. Although he has had kind of an up and down career in junior, he definitely has the talent and ability to be a very effective player. He's definitely a power forward, a physical player that uses his size and strength to cause problems for the people he's playing against. I'm excited to have him on our team for next season, he's another young player that should bring a lot to the table for us," stated Lalonde.
Rivard, who played with fellow Brahma Chad Woollard in Owen Sound, is ready for his chance in Ft. Worth.
"Obviously I think the Brahmas are the right team for me to begin my pro career with. I've known Todd Lalonde since his days in the OHL, and I know he's going to put together a good team. Plus Ft. Worth is a great city and the CHL is an improving league. I'm ready to get down there and get started," said Rivard.
Rivard joins the aforementioned Woollard and defensemen Adam Davis and Brant Somerville as players signed to contracts for the Brahmas 2002-2003 season. Rivard and Somerville will fill two of the three CHL mandated three roster spots for rookies with less than 25 pro games pro experience.
The Brahmas will begin their sixth season, and their second in the CHL, in mid October of 2002. Season ticket and advertising packages remain on sale now.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 2, 2002
- Chris Richards inked for 2002-2003 season - New Mexico Scorpions
- Outlaws Sign Kent - San Angelo Saints
- Brahmas sign rookie wing Ryan Rivard to contract - Fort Worth Brahmas
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