Sports stats

Capitals Sign Three For Pirates

July 30, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Portland Pirates announced today that the Washington Capitals, their National Hockey League affiliate, have signed defenseman Matt Libby, left wing Mel Angelstad and center Jason Ulmer to one-year contracts. The announcement was made by Pirates' General Manager Shawn Simpson. As per team policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

"We are very pleased that we were able to sign all three players," said Simpson. "All three have been good players for us in the last two seasons, and just as importantly, they have been active members in the franchise's on-going community efforts in greater Portland. They are all good hockey players and quality individuals."

"These three players further enhance the development of our team as we build on our return to the Calder Cup Playoffs last season," said Tim Army, the Pirates' head coach. "Matt Libby displayed positive growth in his game last season, and he will further strengthen our defensive corps. Mel Angelstad is a player who continues to improve and has been a tremendous leader both on and off the ice. With the signing of Jason Ulmer, we have added an intelligent, two-way center who will play an integral role on our team."

Libby played his first season for the Pirates last year, registering 12 assists in 44 games. He also had 27 penalty minutes and a plus/minus ratio of +6. Libby, who hails from Saco, Maine, became the first native son to skate for the Pirates since their inaugural season of 1993-1994. Prior to last year, Libby had split time between the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Syracuse Crunch and Saint John Flames of the AHL and the Trenton Titans of the ECHL in 2001-2002.

This will be Angelstad's third season with the Pirates. Last year, he had five goals and seven points in 57 games. He also led the team with 139 penalty minutes. It was the second straight year in which he led the team in that category. In two seasons, the native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has appeared in 110 games for the Pirates, scoring six goals and 15 points while adding 351 penalty minutes. Angelstad has been chosen the Players' Player Award winner in each of his two seasons in Portland. This will be his twelfth professional season.

Ulmer is making a return to Portland after a year in Europe. The native of Wilcox, Saskatchewan played for the Pirates during the 2001-2002 season, scoring 11 goals and 32 points in 73 games. That same year, he won the Unsung Hero Award as voted on by Pirates' fans. Last season, Ulmer played for Lukko Rauma of the Finnish Elite League. In 56 games, he had 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points, tying him for second in team scoring. He also had 34 penalty minutes.

Full season and partial season ticket packages for the 2003-2004 season are on sale now. Fans can receive more information by logging on to the Pirates' web site, portlandpirates.com, or by calling the Pirates at (207) 828-4665.



American Hockey League Stories from July 30, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Portland Pirates Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central