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Depth added to Salmon Kings Defence

August 24, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC- The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with Defenseman Neil McCann. The 27-year-old joins returning Salmon Kings Pat Sutton and Ryan Thrussell on the blueline.

McCann has played two professional seasons with the Reissersee SC of the German Oberliga (GerObL) and the Edinburgh Capitals of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). After 38 games in the GerObL in 2004-05, he scored 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists), and led the team in points for a defenseman. In 2005-06, McCann led the Capitals in goals as a defenseman (10) and tallied a total 21 points in 38 regular season games. He also added 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) in 6 playoff games.

"Neil has the reputation of being an intense and focused player," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach. "He is an experienced, balanced defenseman who can be a stay at home guy, or can turn it on offensively when needed."

"A former Victoria Cougar (Tony Hand) who coached and played with Neil last season, had high praise for him," said Mark Morrison, Salmon Kings Assistant Coach. "He said he is a great skater and puck mover, and has great endurance. We look forward to his contribution to our defensive core."

From 1999 to 2003, the 5'10", 175-lb native of Calgary, Alberta played four years with the Princeton University Tigers (NCAA, Div 1). In a total 107 games, he netted 22 points (4 goals, 18 assists). He was named an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Academic three times, and an Academic All-Ivy in his senior year.

"This is a great opportunity to further my hockey career," said McCann. "I have heard good things about the Salmon Kings and its staff and I believe it is an organization heading in the right direction."

Before his college career, McCann helped lead the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) to the 1999 Doyle Cup series, and earned the W.G. Scott Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the league's Outstanding Defenseman. In 61 regular season games in 1998-99, he tallied 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists). Among those goals, four were on the power play, one goal was scored short-handed, and three of them were game winners. During the run to the finals in the same season, he earned 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 9 games. As a headstrong defender, he helped the 1998-99 Canucks set a team best fewest goals allowed, and also earned himself an AJHL All-Star Game appearance.

Check out Salmon Hunt 2006, the Salmon Kings fishing derby, on August 26 and 27. Tickets can be purchased at Pedder Bay Marina, Island Outfitters, Sherwood Marine, and the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Gate #3), and proceeds through the Victoria Salmon Kings Foundation will be donated to the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society. The two-day derby is supported by the Times Colonist, 100.3 the Q, the Zone at 91.3, and CHTV.

Join the Salmon Kings for their first home game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Wednesday October 25th against the Idaho Steelheads. Take advantage of our Season Ticket Mini Packs: Half-Season Tickets, Flex Pak (12 vouchers you can use anytime!), Super Saturdays, and Crazy 8's. Prices start at just $99. Call (250) 220-7888.

Support your Salmon Kings through our Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities. Contact Tom Sponarski, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (250) 220-2605 or Dave Des Roches, Account Executive, at (250) 220-7890.



ECHL Stories from August 24, 2006


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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