Defenseman Babin joins River Rats

Published on March 27, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release

ALBANY, NY - The Albany River Rats today announced that defenseman Noah Babin has joined the American Hockey League team for the remainder of the 2006-07 season after completing his four-year collegiate career at Notre Dame.

Babin, 23, who was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes to a two-year contract that begins with the 2007-08 season, had two goals and 20 assists during his senior season with the Fighting Irish, helping Notre Dame earn the No. 1 ranking in college hockey for most of the 2006-07 season. A teammate of the Hurricanes' 2005 draft pick Kyle Lawson at Notre Dame, the 6-foot, 190-pound Palm Beach Gardens, FL, native finished his college career with 49 points (10 goals, 39 assists) and 106 penalty minutes in 144 games. The Fighting Irish were eliminated 2-1 by Michigan State in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night.

Prior to beginning his college career, Babin played one season in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers, registering three goals and 11 assists and 54 penalty minutes. He also spent two years in Ann Arbor, MI, playing for the United States national under-17 and under-18 teams.

"Noah has exceptional skating ability, which is extremely important in the game today," said Jason Karmanos, vice president and assistant general manager for the Hurricanes. "That, combined with his strong work ethic, gives him a solid foundation to start his pro career."

Babin is expected to be available to make his professional hockey debut Wednesday, March 28, when the River Rats host the Syracuse Crunch at 7 p.m. at Times Union Center to begin a three-game home stand. Tickets for all River Rats home games are available at the Times Union Center Box Office, by calling 1-800-30-EVENT or online at www.timesunioncenter-albany.com . For information on River Rats ticket packages, please call (518) 487-2244 or visit www.albanyriverrats.com.

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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.

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