Cunningham Acquired From Pensacola; Rookie Agrees To Terms

March 7, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Gulls announced Tuesday the acquisition of veteran forward Bobby Cunningham from the Pensacola Ice Pilots in exchange for defenseman Doug MacIver. The Gulls also announced Tuesday that rookie forward Erik Johnson has agreed to terms.

The 30-year-old Cunningham recorded 16 points (6g, 10a) and 22 penalty minutes in 19 games for Pensacola this season. He began the year with the Laval Chiefs of the LNAH (Quebec pro league), registering 21 points (10g, 11a) and six penalty minutes in 13 games.

Cunningham, who began his career in 1995-96, has 618 points (289g, 329a) and 549 penalty minutes in 565 professional games. During his 11-year career, the 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound native of Delson, Quebec notched eight straight 20-goal seasons (1996-97 through 2003-04). He's eclipsed the 60-point mark six times and scored a career-high 82 points in 1996-97. Besides the ECHL and Quebec pro leagues (LNAH and QSPHL), Cunningham has also spent time playing in the Central Hockey League, West Coast Hockey League and United Hockey League.

Johnson, who will turn 25 in May, joins the Gulls after a three-year stint at Mercyhurst College. The 5-foot-9-inch, 170-pounder from Coon Rapids, Minn. recorded 52 points (24g, 28a) and 93 penalty minutes in 90 career games at Mercyhurst. Johnson also spent two seasons playing juniors (2000-01 and 2001-02).

The 25-year-old MacIver had three points (2g, 1a) and a team-high 154 penalty minutes in 27 games with San Diego this season. He also set an ECHL high this season with a 17-game penalty minute streak, which ended Saturday against Las Vegas.

The Gulls close out their four-game homestand Wednesday, as the Dayton Bombers make their first-ever trip to San Diego. Game-time is set for 7:05 p.m. San Diego will play in Fresno Friday and Long Beach Saturday before hosting Fresno Sunday. All games can be heard on KLSD 1360AM and www.sandiegogulls.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. Most games can also be viewed on the Gulls' web site, courtesy of B2 Networks. Click the B2 Networks (Watch the Game Live) link on the home page for a list of the upcoming viewable games. To view pictures from this season, visit www.zerodogentertainment.com.



ECHL Stories from March 7, 2006


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