Sports stats

Former BCHL captain called to blueline for Salmon Kings

October 3, 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 21-year old, Justin Coutu (pron: kuh-too). Coutu is the ninth defenseman added to the Salmon Kings roster.

The 6-foot, 210-lb Defenseman joins the Salmon Kings after his first pro season in the Central Hockey League (CHL) with the Fort Worth Brahmas, wherein he tallied 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) and 73 penalty minutes in 43 games.

"Justin is a solid defenseman who has the skills to contribute effectively at this level," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach. "He brings the skills required to help our club as well as a hard working approach which will add to our team's success."

A native of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Coutu was team captain and won the Top Defenseman award with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in 2004-05. In 51 games with the Vees, Coutu scored 48 points (10 goals, 48 assists) and finished third overall in team scoring.

He started his career in 2000 with the Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) and earned 12 points (1 goal, 11 assists) in 54 games. He stayed with Capitals the following season, and spent 2002-03 with the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL). He played the following season for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks (NCAA), the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

"I am really excited to have an opportunity to show how I can contribute," said Coutu. "It is as if the Salmon Kings organization has done a complete three-sixty. This is a second chance for me to get to the next level."

Coutu has family on Vancouver Island and has arrived in Victoria to join in the informal skates at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The Salmon Kings regular season begins on Friday October 20th in Anchorage, AK against the Aces. Their first home game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is on Wednesday October 25th against the Idaho Steelheads.

Salmon Kings ticket Mini-Packs start at only $99. Call today (250) 220-7888. We're ready for hockey. How about you?

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 October 3, 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.

Other Recent Victoria Salmon Kings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central