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Eric Weinrich Returns to Hockey, Joins Pirates Roster

January 25, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Anaheim Ducks Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and Portland Pirates General Manager Bob Murray announced that the team has signed defenseman Eric Weinrich to a professional tryout (PTO) agreement, effective Thursday, January 25th.

Weinrich joins the Pirates roster just 181 days after announcing his retirement at a press conference at the Cumberland County Civic Center. At the time, he had finished his NHL career playing in 1,157 games with 388 points (70 goals, 318 assists).

"The Anaheim organization gave me the opportunity to stay in hockey and stay in Maine this summer as a coach. It was a great chance for me to stay in the game I love and settle the family in Maine," said Weinrich. "Now, Kevin Dineen and the Anaheim Ducks presented me with the scenario of becoming a player again. To live at home, not change the daily routine much and still have the same home with my family has made the decision almost a no-brainer. I still have the desire to compete and I would love to win in Portland."

"Eric has brought a vast array of experience and knowledge to our organization," said Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen. "He will now be able to share these attributes on the ice as a teammate. We look forward to the second half of the season."

Weinrich was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils (2nd round, 32nd overall) in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. The 40 year-old competed for 18 seasons in the NHL with Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Montreal, New Jersey, Philadelphia, St. Louis and most recently with Vancouver. 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.

"We are very excited about Eric's decision to help our hockey team and get back on the ice. His career has made many stops, but for him to be able to play here in his home state will be a boost for our team and will be great for our organization and fans," 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.

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. 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. 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.

The Pirates return to action on Friday, January 26th at the Cumberland County Civic Center against the Providence Bruins 7:05 p.m. On Friday, students from Casco Bay High School will present the "coolest" game of the season. This opportunity is part of the Junior Achievement of Maine's "Company Program". This year, the Junior Achievement's Company Program will continue to serve as the model around which the Pirates and the students from Casco Bay High School will generate to gain an understanding about running a business. The program is sponsored by UnumProvident and Maine Bank & Trust. As part of the game, there will be a pre-game skate starting at 5:00 p.m., plus a Pirates costume contest. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.portlandpirates.com/cbhs. With every ticket sold online, $2.00 from every ticket sold in advance of the game through will go directly back to Casco Bay High School for their library and technology needs.

Every Friday is Amato's Future Stars Friday. The Pirates are proud to offer all MSHA, Middle School and High School hockey players who present your Amato's Future Stars ID card at the ticket window the day of the game or in advance will receive one (1) FREE reserved seat. For more information on how to get your Amato's Future Stars ID card, call the Pirates at (207) 828-4665.



American Hockey League Stories from January 25, 2007


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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