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Eric Weinrich Retires, Joins Pirates as Assistant Coach

August 7, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME- The Anaheim Ducks announced today that Eric Weinrich has been added to the Pirates coaching staff as an assistant coach. Weinrich comes to the Pirates after announcing his retirement today at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Weinrich finished his NHL career playing in 1,157 games with 388 points (70 goals, 318 assists). This will be the first coaching position for Weinrich in professional hockey.

"It was a childhood dream to play in the NHL and to play 18 years was unexpected and I have no regrets. I was fortunate in every year I played and extra fortunate to fall into my position with the Pirates and the timing couldn't have been any better," said Weinrich.

"First I'd like to congratulate Eric on a successful playing career," said Anaheim Ducks Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Bob Murray. "Now that he's decided to join the coaching ranks, we feel fortunate to have someone with such great character and leadership qualities join our organization."

Weinrich was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils (2nd round, 32nd overall) in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. The 39 year-old competed for 18 seasons at the NHL level with Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Montreal, New Jersey, Philadelphia, St. Louis and most recently with Vancouver. Before turning pro, he spent three seasons at the University of Maine (1985-1988) and has participated in nine World Championships for Team USA - the most of any American-born player.

"First, I want to acknowledge the terrific career that Eric had as a player for 18 seasons and now we are very pleased to have Eric join our staff. Someone with his experience will be a great asset for our young players," said Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen.

"We're excited that Eric and his family can return home and bring his passion and love of the sport to Portland Pirates hockey and to our fans. We also want to congratulate Eric on an outstanding playing career at the collegiate, international and NHL level, something every young hockey player can aspire to," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek, who was CEO with the Utica Devils (AHL affiliate of New Jersey Devils) when Eric first entered professional hockey in 1988.

During his NHL career, Weinrich was named to the All-Rookie Team in his first year with the New Jersey Devils in 1991. He spent the next two seasons in Hartford, before joining the Chicago Blackhawks for six seasons. While in Chicago, he advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 1994-95. From 1998-2001, he played for the Montreal Canadiens before being traded to the Boston Bruins. In July of 2001, Weinrich signed with Philadelphia where he spent three seasons with the Flyers. During the 2002-03 season, he played in his 1,000th NHL Game (March 31st vs. Pittsburgh), only 189 players before him had reached that milestone. Near the completion of the 2003-04 season, he was traded to St. Louis. After two seasons with the Blues, he was traded to Vancouver where he finished his NHL career.

Prior to his NHL career, Weinrich played in the AHL with the Utica Devils while being called up to New Jersey for portions of both the 1988 and 1989 seasons. During the 1989-90 season, he was named the winner of the Eddie Shore Trophy (AHL's Outstanding defenseman) and also was named an AHL First Team All-Star. At the University of Maine, Weinrich registered 69 points (16 goals, 54 assists) in 83 games over three seasons with the Black Bears. In 1987, he was named to the Hockey East First All-Star Team and also earned NCAA honors as a member of the NCAA East Second All-American Team. The following year he played on the US Olympic Team.

Previous to his college career, he spent two seasons at North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) in Yarmouth, Maine. From 1983-1985 , Weinrich played in 37 games, notching 29 goals and 54 assists during his time at NYA. In 1985, he led NYA to the school's first Class A State Hockey Championship. In June of 2003, NYA retired Weinrich's number making him one of just two players (the other being Travis Roy) to have his number retired at NYA.

Eric, his wife Tracy and two kids, Ben (12) and Emily (10), live on Cousins Island in Yarmouth.

Season ticket plans for the 2006-07 season are now on sale at the Pirates office, located at 94 Free Street in Portland. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Fans can also purchase tickets over the phone by calling (207) 828-4665 or by e-mailing tickets@portlandpirates.com. Ticket plans start at just $60. Individual tickets go on sale Saturday, September 30, 2006.



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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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