Church to be Inducted into Pirates Hall of Fame

Published on February 28, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, Maine - The Portland Pirates today announced that Brad Church will be inducted into the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame, Presented by UNUM. Church beat out two other nominees, Patrick Boileau and Peter Ferraro, in fan voting completed over the last three weeks on the team's website. Church's induction ceremony will be March 10 at the Cumberland County Civic Center when the Pirates host the Manchester Monarchs at 7:00 p.m.

"It's a big honor to be inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame," Church said. "To be mentioned in the same group as the guys who are enshrined is very humbling. I'd like to thank the organization and fans for the opportunity to receive this honor."

"Brad is a wonderful choice for induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame, presented by UNUM," said Brian Petrovek, Pirates Managing Owner/CEO. "Brad's competitiveness, tenacity, and drive made him a fan favorite during his time here as a player. Brad has always been one of the most popular players to ever don a Pirates jersey, and his selection by the fans is yet another expression of Brad's bond with our fanbase."

Church, now the General Manager of the Portland Junior Pirates, decided to call the area home after his playing career ended. He says he grew a fondness for Portland the longer he stayed as a player.

"I had a tremendous experience playing for the Pirates," Church said. "As the years went on, I became more and more a part of the community. I started my family here. This has become my home, and I'm proud to be able to live in such a wonderful place."

Church played a total of six seasons in Portland as a hard-nosed winger who would never give up on a play. He endeared himself to Pirates fans with his never-say-die attitude. His total of 402 career penalty minutes ranks 9th all-time in Pirates history. An assistant captain for two seasons, Church's career total of 281 games played is the 6th most of any player in franchise history. He was voted by the team's fans as the Pirates Unsung Hero for the 1999-2000 season. Church was drafted 17th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He played two NHL games in his career, both for Washington, during the 1997-98 season.

After his playing career ended in 2006, Church spent parts of three seasons as the head coach of the ECHL's Phoenix Roadrunners from 2006-09. Church now resides in Cumberland with his wife Kristin and three sons, Lucas, 11, Dean, 9, and Weston, 4.

The Portland Pirates' Hall of Fame, Presented by UNUM, was founded in 1999, the year in which its three charter members were inducted: Andrew Brunette, Byron Dafoe, and Olaf Kolzig. The Hall of Fame was created to honor those individuals who have played a significant role in Pirates' history, both on and off the ice, and who have excelled in their careers in hockey.

In order for a player to be eligible, he must have skated in at least 40 Pirates' games and, at the time of his induction, have been at least one year removed from playing the game. There are a total of 15 former players, coaches, and team personnel currently enshrined.

Portland Pirates 20th Anniversary Season Tickets are now on sale! You can secure your seats for just $50! To get yours now or to find out more, call the Pirates Tickets Office at 828-4665, EXT 350 today!

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American Hockey League Stories from February 28, 2012


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