AHL Peoria Rivermen

Defenseman Later Signed to Two-Way, AHL/ECHL Deal

Published on August 31, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


Peoria, IL (August 31, 2006) - Peoria Rivermen General Manager of Hockey Operations Kevin McDonald announced today that defenseman Steven Later has been signed to a two-way, American Hockey League (AHL)/ECHL contract with the Rivermen and their ECHL affiliate and 2006 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces.

Later has been invited to join the St. Louis Blues, Peoria's NHL parent club, at the annual NHL Prospects Tournament, set to begin on September 8 in Traverse City, Michigan, that expands this year to feature eight NHL teams: Detroit (host), St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Columbus, Dallas, Atlanta, Minnesota and the New York Rangers.

Later, who will turn 22 on September 6, spent much of his rookie season with the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots, registering 21 points (7g, 14a) and 176 penalty minutes (PIM) in 40 games. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was called up to the AHL's Toronto Marlies for 11 games, in which he collected an assist and six (6) PIM.

Before turning professional, Later posted a career year in 2004-05 in the Major Junior "A" Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings, recording 63 points (14g, 49a) and 220 PIM in 70 regular-season games. In Brandon's march to the WHL President's Cup Final, a 4-1 series defeat at the hands of the Kelowna Rockets, he posted 21 points (6g, 15a) in 23 contests over four playoff series with 84 PIM.

In his first full season (2003-04) in the WHL, Later spent time with three different teams (Saskatoon Blades, Prince George Cougars & Brandon), amassing 146 PIM in 40 games with 10 points (3g, 7a). After opening the 2002-03 season at NCAA Division I Ferris State University for 13 contests, he joined Saskatoon for 19 games, adding 60 PIM and three points (1g, 2a).

The Rivermen host the Chicago Wolves in preseason action on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Carver Arena in the front end of a home-and-home set between the clubs. And on Tuesday, September 26, Peoria faces off against the Iowa Stars at 7:00 p.m. at Carver Arena in the opening salvo of a home-and-home affair.

Rivermen season ticket plans are on sale now with 1) a Full Season package (40 games), 2) the 25th Anniversary package (25 games), 3) a 12-game package, 4) a seven-game package and 5) undated voucher books (denominations of 20 vouchers). Packages start at just $75 per seat.

For more information, please contact Director of Ticket Operations Jim Small at 309-676-1040 x 106 or via e-mail at tickets@rivermen.net.

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American Hockey League Stories from August 31, 2006


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