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Calder Cup Playoffs Have 172 ECHL Players, 14 Coaches

Published on May 3, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL) News Release


PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL is represented in the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs by 172 players, seven head coaches and seven assistant coaches. Each of the 16 teams in the American Hockey League playoffs have at least six players on their roster led by Hartford with 16 players and Syracuse with 15 players.

Current ECHL referees David Banfield, Chris Ciamaga and Jamie Koharski were all selected to work in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The trio joins former ECHL referees Chris Brown, Terry Koharski, Brian Pochmara and Justin St. Pierre and 14 linesmen who have ECHL experience.

For the 16th consecutive season in 2004-05, the ECHL was represented on the AHL winner as the Philadelphia Phantoms had former Trenton Titans assistant coach Kjell Samuelsson and eight players with ECHL experience.

Dany Sabourin became the eighth former ECHL goaltender to win the AHL Goaltender of the Year award in 2006, joining Jason LaBarbera (2004), Marc Lamothe (2003), Martin Brochu (2000), Martin Biron (1999), Scott Langkow (1998), Manny Legace (1996) and Frederic Chabot (1994).

Former Greensboro and current Manitoba goaltender Wade Flaherty, former Charlotte and current Hartford defenseman Thomas Pock, and former Florida and current Lowell center Keith Aucoin were all selected Second Team All-AHL. Former Greenville and current Norfolk center Martin St. Pierre and former Charlotte and current Hartford defenseman Daniel Girardi were both selected to the AHL All-Rookie Team.

Former ECHL players have won the CCM Vector/AHL Player of the Week award nine times in 2005-06 with Aucoin (Florida and Lowell), Mike Ayers (Dayton and Syracuse), Zdenek Blatny (Greenville and Springfield), Brian Finley (Toledo and Milwaukee), Jamie Holden (Fresno and Cleveland), Jani Hurme (Columbia and Portland), Brent Krahn (Las Vegas and Omaha), Lawrence Nycholat (Jackson and Hershey) and Nathan Robinson (Toledo and Providence).

In 2005-06, the ECHL was represented by eight head coaches, 13 assistant coaches and countless other personnel on the 27 teams in the AHL, including Mike Haviland, who won the Kelly Cup with Atlantic City in 2002-03 and Trenton in 2004-05 and moved up to the AHL as head coach of Norfolk. Other former ECHL coaches who are now head coaches in the AHL are Claude Noel of Milwaukee, Roy Sommer of Cleveland, Greg Ireland of Grand Rapids, Dave Allison of Iowa, Scott Gordon of Providence, Bruce Boudreau of Hershey and David Baseggio of Bridgeport.

For each of the past four seasons, the ECHL has had more players called up to the AHL than all other professional leagues combined, including 2004-05 when over 200 players were involved in 355 call ups, accounting for almost 80 percent of the AHL roster additions. The ECHL had 425 call ups involving 234 players in 2003-04 and 450 call ups in 2002-03.

The AHL Most Valuable Player Award has been won four times by former ECHL players, most recently by former Charlotte goaltender Jason LaBarbera in 2003-04. Other former ECHL players who were named as MVP of the AHL are Eric Boguniecki in 2001-02, Martin Brochu in 1999-2000 and Brad Smyth in 1995-96.

The AHL Coach of the Year award was won by ECHL coaches four years in a row from 2001-04 with Claude Noel (2004), who won the Calder Cup with Milwaukee in 2004, Geoff Ward (2003), Bruce Cassidy (2002) and Don Granato (2001) while current Carolina Hurricanes and former Wheeling coach Peter Laviolette was the first ECHL coach to capture the award in 1999.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers - Luciano Aquino (Trenton, 2005-06), Head coach Dave Baseggio (Assistant coach, Charlotte, 2000-01), Assistant coach Pat Bingham (Head Coach, Wheeling, 2003-05 and Assistant coach, Wheeling, 2001-02), Frederic Cloutier (Louisiana, 2001-04 and Pensacola, 2004-06), Paul Flache (Greenville, 2002-03 and Gwinnett, 2003-05), David Masse (Reading, 2003-05), Harlan Pratt (Toledo, 1998-99; Florida, 1999-2002 and Pensacola, 2001-03) and Chris Thompson (Augusta, 1998-2001; Greensboro, 2000-01; Dayton, 2000-03; Augusta, 2002-03; Florida, 2003-04; Louisiana, 2004-05 and Trenton, 2005-06).

Grand Rapids Griffins - Greg Amadio (Columbia, 2003-05), Darryl Bootland (Toledo, 2002-03), Matt Ellis (Toledo, 2002-03), Head coach Greg Ireland (Head coach, Dayton, 1998-2003), Eric Manlow (Columbus, 1996-97 and Florida, 1998-2000), Kent McDonell (Dayton, 2000-01), Joey MacDonald (Toledo, 2001-02 and 2005-06), Alfie Michaud (Reading, 2001-02; Peoria, 2002-03 and 2004-05 and Utah, 2005-06) and Terry Virtue (Roanoke Valley, 1991-92; Louisville, 1991-93 and Wheeling, 1992-94 and 2005-06).

Hartford Wolf Pack - Lee Falardeau (Charlotte, 2004-06), Robert Gherson (Columbia, 2005-06), Daniel Girardi (Charlotte, 2005-06), Bruce Graham (Charlotte, 2005-06), Martin Grenier (Charlotte, 2004-05), Dwight Helminen (Charlotte, 2004-05), Chris Holt (Charlotte, 2005-06), Hugh Jessiman (Charlotte, 2005-06), Rick Kozak (Charlotte, 2005-06), David Liffiton (Charlotte, 2004-05), Al Montoya (Charlotte, 2005-06), Dale Purinton (Charlotte, 1997-98 and Victoria, 2004-05), Brad Smyth (Birmingham, 1993-95), Daniel Sparre (Charlotte, 2005-06), Jake Taylor (Charlotte, 2004-05) and Craig Weller (Charlotte, 2002-03).

Hershey Bears - Dean Arsene (Charlotte, 2001-02 and Reading, 2003-04), Head coach Bruce Boudreau (Head coach, Mississippi, 1996-99), Kirk Daubenspeck (Jacksonville, 1997-99; Chesapeake, 1998-99 and South Carolina, 1999-2006), Deryk Engelland (Las Vegas, 2003-05), J.F. Fortin (Hampton Roads, 1999-2000 and Richmond, 2001-02), Jonas Johansson (South Carolina, 2004-06), Boyd Kane (Charlotte, 1998-2001), Graham Mink (Richmond, 2001-02), Lawrence Nycholat (Jackson, 2000-01), Dave Steckel (Reading, 2004-05), Joey Tenute (South Carolina, 2004-05), Martin Wilde (Trenton, 2003-04 and Reading, 2004-05) and Assistant coach Bob Woods (Head coach, Mississippi, 2001-05; Player assistant coach, Tallahassee, 1997-98 and Player assistant coach, Mississippi, 1998-2001).

Houston Aeros - Scott Ferguson (Wheeling, 1994-95), Bill Kinkel (Pensacola, 2004-05), Seamus Kotyk (Augusta, 2005-06), Josh Olson (Jackson, 2002-03), Colin Peters (Pensacola, 2005-06), Ryan Stokes (Pensacola, 2004-05) and Assistant coach Matt Shaw (Head coach, Mobile, 1997-98).

Iowa Stars - Head coach Dave Allison (Virginia, 1989-90 and Richmond, 1990-92), Krys Barch (Richmond, 2001-02 and Greenville, 2004-06), B.J. Crombeen (Idaho, 2005-06), Dan Ellis (Idaho, 2003-04), Brian Fahey (Atlantic City, 2003-05 and Idaho, 2005-06), Mike Gabinet (Idaho, 2005-06), Dan Hacker (Idaho, 2005-06), Marius Holtet (Louisiana, 2004-05), Jamie Johnson (Louisiana, 2003-04 and Augusta, 2004-06), D'Arcy McConvey (Reading, 2004-05; Columbia, 2004-05 and Idaho, 2005-06), Mike Smith (Lexington, 2002-03) and Janos Vas (Idaho, 2005-06).

Manchester Monarchs - Barry Brust (Reading, 2004-06), Mark Ardelan (South Carolina, 2004-05), Assistant coach Derek Clancey (Player assistant coach, Chesapeake, 1997-98; Head coach, Jackson, 1999-2003 and Head coach, Reading, 2003-05), Brad Fast (Florida, 2004-05), Yutaka Fukufuji (Cincinnati, 2002-03, Bakersfield, 2004-05, and Reading, 2005-06), Jeff Giuliano (Reading, 2002-03), Adam Hauser (Jackson, 2002-03 and Reading, 2003-04), Greg Hogeboom (Reading, 2005-06), Connor James (Bakersfield, 2004-05), Doug Nolan (Dayton, 1999-2003 and Reading, 2003-04), Dany Roussin (Reading, 2005-06), Richard Seeley (Trenton, 2000-01), Eric Werner (Reading, 2005-06) and Marty Wilford (Columbus, 1997-98).

Manitoba Moose - Marc-Andre Bernier (Columbia, 2005-06), Alexandre Burrows (Greenville, 2002-03; Baton Rouge, 2002-03 and Columbia, 2003-05), James DeMone (Atlantic City, 2002-03 and Texas, 2004-05), Wade Flaherty (Greensboro, 1989-90), Maxime Fortunus (Louisiana, 2003-05), Jason Jaffray (Roanoke, 2002-03 and Wheeling, 2003-05) and Jesse Schultz (Columbia, 2003-04).

Milwaukee Admirals - Sheldon Brookbank (Mississippi, 2001-02), Paul Brown (Trenton, 2004-05), Chris Durno (Gwinnett, 2003-06), Brian Finley (Toledo, 2002-03), Simon Gamache (Greenville, 2001-02), Alex Kim (Reading, 2002-03; Peoria and Long Beach, 2003-04 and San Diego 2005-06), Steve Lingren (Dayton, 1994-97 and Victoria, 2005-06), Nathan Lutz (Reading, 2001-03 and Toledo, 2002-03), Scott May (Pensacola, 2004-05 and Trenton, 2005-06), Sean McAslan (Columbus, 2001-03 and Long Beach 2005-06), Jake Moreland (Atlantic City, 2003-05 and Stockton 2005-06), Head coach Claude Noel (Head coach, Roanoke Valley, 1990-91; Head coach, Dayton, 1991-93 and Head coach, Toledo, 2002-03), Rich Peverley (South Carolina, 2004-05 and Reading, 2005-06), T.J. Reynolds (Wheeling, 2002-05) and Kevin St. Pierre (Toledo, 1999-2000).

Norfolk Admirals - Carl Corazzini (Atlantic City, 2002-03), Head coach Mike Haviland (Head coach, Atlantic City, 2002-04 and Head coach, Trenton 2004-05), Assistant coach Rick Kowalsky (Hampton Roads, 1994-98 and 1999-2000; Roanoke, 2001-04 and Trenton, 2000-01 and 2004-05), Quintin Laing (Jackson, 2000-02), Brian Lee (Greenville, 2004-05), Jason Morgan (Mississippi, 1996-97 and Florida, 1999-2001), Steve Munn (Atlantic City, 2002-04; Augusta, 2004-05 and Trenton, 2004-05), Adam Munro (Gwinnett, 2003-04 and Atlantic City, 2004-05) and Martin St. Pierre (Greenville, 2004-05).

Peoria Rivermen - Chris Beckford-Tseu (Peoria, 2004-05 and Alaska, 2005-06), Brendan Brooks (Mississippi, 1997-98; Dayton, 2000-01; Reading, 2001-02; Macon; 2001-02; and Peoria, 2002-04), Trevor Byrne (Peoria, 2003-05 and Wheeling, 2005-06), Blake Evans (Peoria, 2001-02), Zack Fitzgerald (Alaska, 2005-06), Mike Glumac (Pee-Dee, 2002-03), Colin Hemingway (Peoria, 2003-05 and Alaska, 2005-06), Cam Keith (Pensacola, 2004-05 and Alaska, 2005-06), D.J. King (Alaska, 2005-06), Reed Low (Baton Rouge, 1997-98), Gregg Naumenko (Augusta, 2001-02 and 2003-04; Dayton, 2001-02; Cincinnati, 2002-03; Charlotte, 2003-04; and South Carolina, 2004-05), Ryan Ramsay (Peoria, 2004-05 and Alaska, 2005-06) and Mike Stuart (Peoria, 2002-03 and Alaska 2005-06).

Portland Pirates - Garett Bembridge (Las Vegas, 2003-04 and Idaho, 2005-06), J.B. Bittner (Dayton, 2004-05 and Johnstown, 2005-06), Simon Ferguson (Greenville, 2004-05), Trevor Gillies (Mississippi, 1999-00; Greensboro, 2000-01; Augusta, 2001-02; Richmond, 2001-03; and Peoria, 2002-03), Jani Hurme (Columbia, 2005-06), Dieter Kochan (Louisville, 1997-98), Zenon Konopka (Wheeling, 2002-03 and Idaho, 2003-04), Assistant coach Mike LaZazzera (Head coach, Jacksonville, 1996-97), Nathan Marsters (Louisiana, 2004-05 and Augusta, 2005-06), Pierre-Alexandr Parenteau (Augusta, 2005-06), Geoff Peters (Columbus, 2001-02; Trenton, 2001-02; and Reading, 2002-03), Igor Pohanka (San Diego, 2003-04), Ken Scuderi (Augusta, 2005-06) and Mike Wall (Augusta, 2005-06).

Providence Bruins - Sean Curry (Florida, 2002-03), Brian Eklund (Pensacola, 2002-04 and Johnstown, 2005-06), Scott Ford (Fresno, 2004-05 and Trenton, 2005-06), Ryan Gaucher (Louisiana, 1999-2000; Mississippi, 1999-2000; Toledo, 2000-01; Cincinnati, 2002-03; Florence, 2003-04; Las Vegas, 2004-05; and Alaska, 2004-06), Head coach Scott Gordon (Head coach, Roanoke, 1998-99), Ben Guite (Tallahassee, 2000-01), Derek Gustafson (Jackson, 2000-01, Louisiana, 2002-04), Eric Healey (Jackson, 2001-02), Jay Leach (Mississippi, 2001-02; Augusta, 2002-03; Long Beach, 2003-04; and Trenton, 2003-05), David Lundbohm (Florida, 2004-05), Jason MacDonald (Toledo, 1995-96), Pascal Pelletier (Louisiana, 2004-05 and Gwinnett, 2004-06), Nathan Robinson (Toledo, 2002-03) and Michael Schutte (Dayton, 2004-05 and Trenton, 2004-05).

Syracuse Crunch - Michael Ayers (Dayton, 2004-06), Andrew Canzanello (San Diego, 2004-05), Fedor Fedorov (Columbia, 2001-02), Mark Flood (Dayton, 2005-06), Steven Goertzen (Dayton, 2004-05), Tyler Kolarik (Dayton, 2004-06), Tim Konsorada (Dayton, 2005-06), Andrew Penner (Dayton, 2003-06), Geoff Platt (Atlantic City, 2004-05), Cam Severson (Louisiana and Peoria, 1999-2000), Brandon Sugden (Dayton, 1998-2000; Tallahassee, 2000-01 and Peoria, 2000-01), Jeff Szwez (Dayton, 2003-06, Florence and Pee Dee 2003-05), Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (Dayton, 2004-05), Darcy Verot (Wheeling, 1999-2000) and Dustin Wood (Trenton, 2002-03).

Toronto Marlies - Jean-Sebastien Aubin (Dayton, 1997-98), Bates Battaglia (Mississippi, 2004-05), Tyler Beechey (Trenton, 2002-03 and Pensacola, 2003-05), Steve Chabbert (Roanoke and Greensboro, 2001-02), Dominic D'Amour (Pensacola, 2004-05), Brett Engelhardt (Gwinnett 2004-05), Todd Ford (Pensacola, 2004-06), Mike Hoffman (Peoria, 2003-04), Tyson Marsh (Pensacola, 2004-05), Kris Newbury (Pensacola, 2004-05) and David Turon (Louisiana, 2004-05 and Pensacola, 2004-06).

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - Paul Bissonnette (Wheeling, 2005-06), Daniel Carcillo (Wheeling, 2005-06), Andy Chiodo (Wheeling 2003-06), Kenny Corupe (Birmingham, 1999-2000; Johnstown, 2000-01; Columbus, 2001-02; Louisiana, 2002-04 and Wheeling, 2004-05), Drew Fata (Wheeling, 2003-06), Kurtis McLean (Wheeling, 2005-06), Dany Sabourin (Johnstown, 2000-02; Las Vegas, 2003-04 and Wheeling, 2004-05), Andy Schneider (Wheeling, 2005-06) and Assistant coach Al Sims (Head coach, Reading, 2001-02).

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