Brett Angel in the fold
Published on February 14, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
MUSKEGON, MI.--- Having attained the United Hockey League's premiere record thus far through the 2006-07 season, the Eastern Division and UHL league-leading Muskegon Fury have taken a major step today in bolstering their blueline position where they have been riddled and ravaged with injuries and player recalls all season long.
On this date, the Fury Club President and Team Owner Tony Lisman, in concert with Director of Hockey Operations / Head Coach Bruce Ramsay, have announced that defenseman BRETT ANGEL has assented to terms and inked a pact for the remainder of the 2006-07 season with the club. Adhering to team policy, terms of the contract deal were not disclosed.
ANGEL, 25, is set to commence his second tour of duty in the Muskegon stable, having actually launched his first pro career year clad in the Fury coat of arms in the 2005-06 UHL campaign. The strapping 6-6, 240lb hulkster saw service in 46-games last season with the Fury collecting 6-assists, 6-points; 46(0-6-6), while accumulating 196-PIM and +9 rating. He also had a brief 4-games stint with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. At the trade deadline last season, March 14, 2006, the rugged, ruffian rearguard became part of a major three-player deal that saw the Fury send him along with right wing Anthony Blumer to the Elmira Jackals in exchange for goaltender Nick Boucher. In 9-games with Elmira, Angel scored his first professional goal and added 1-assist for 2-points.
The Kingston, Ontario native's composite numbers for last season were 59-games, 1-goal, 7-assists, 8-points with 288-PIM and +1 rating. His 288-PIM and 20-major penalties each ranked as third most in the UHL among rookies in those two respective departments.
The Fury re-acquired Angel in a late 2006 off-season trade in which they sent the rights to goaltender Kris Tebbs, obtained with their first choice in the summer 2006 UHL dispersal draft, to Elmira for the playing rights of Angel. Attending the AHL Grand Rapids training camp to begin the current 2006-07 season, Angel was felled by a knee injury on the first day of workouts. Following surgery, he has been cleared to return to action.
Coach Ramsay is elated to add the leviathan defenseman to his first place lineup. "We are very excited to have Brett in our lineup. He will add a great physical presence to our club, something that we may have lost with the departure of Dean Melanson. His presence on the ice will make everyone stronger and more fearless; that will be a real positive for us. In addition, he still maintains his status as a rookie and that is very valuable to us as well. Brett skates especially well and possesses a rocket for a shot. Combine those attributes with his physical play and he will be a big asset for us for the rest of this season."
Concerning his return for his first action of the season following major knee surgery, Ramsay stated, "We are closely monitoring his overall fitness and recovery. Brett will be a game time decision for this Friday's game."
The Fury will be hosting Elmira this weekend in a pair of home encounters this weekend; both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm at their home of Walker Arena.
Angel was a former third round choice, 72nd overall, of the Nashville Predators in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He played for a total of four years in the Canadian College ranks with Acadia U., in the Maritimes in the CIS conference. Prior to his collegiate stint, he performed for five years in the OHL Major Junior 'A' with North Bay, London, Mississauga and Windsor.
Muskegon originally signed Angel as a free agent on September 26, 2005. Under UHL rules, he is still classified as a rookie as he played in 59-games last season.
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