Fury sign center Joe Day
Published on February 17, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
MUSKEGON, MI.--- With the first two-thirds of the 2003-04 United Hockey League season virtually completed and still 26-games remaining on their 76-games' schedule, the Muskegon Fury are beginning to take some of the steps that will reinforce their contending status for the balance of the regular season and beyond into the playoffs.
As they prepare for a crucial clash with reigning UHL champion and current league-leading Fort Wayne this Friday night at their home of Walker Arena, the Fury have announced today the arrival of a new acquisition expressly to elevate their lineup for the critical stretch drive.
Today Fury Team President and Governor Tony Lisman, in concert with Director of Hockey Operations / Head Coach Todd Nelson, have announced the signing of veteran center JOE DAY to a contract for the remainder of the current campaign. Adhering to club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
DAY, 35, comes onto the Fury scene after retiring from the pro game several seasons ago. The 6-0, 190lb left-hand-shooting centerman has had an outstanding pro career over the years following his selection with the ninth choice, 186th overall of the Hartford Whalers in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.
Leaving the campus of St. Lawrence U. of the highly-prestigious ECAC Division I Conference, the Chicago, Illinois native actually launched his distinguished pro career in the AHL with the Springfield Indians where in his rookie season of 1990-91, he engineered 53-points in 75-games on 24-goals, 29-assists with 82-PIM; followed by an 18(5-5-10) performance in the Calder Cup playoffs. In three seasons with Springfield, he was 158(72-74-146) with 292-PIM.
Muskegon's newest member also played parts of two seasons in Hartford; (1991-92 & 1992-93) before being signed as a free agent by the New York Islanders in August 1993. Day saw service with the Isles in 1993-94 before enjoying some top-drawer campaigns in the IHL with the Detroit Vipers (1994-95 & 1995-96) and the Las Vegas Thunder (1995-96, 1996-97 & 1997-98). In '97-98 with the Thunder, he registered 55-points in 82-games on 30-goals, 25-assists with 188-PIM.
Head Coach Nelson assessed and addressed the acquisition of his newest Fury forward. "Though Joe has been away from the game for awhile, he has kept himself in good, solid condition. His presence in our lineup will make our team much stronger up the middle where we felt an upgrade was needed. Joe possesses an excellent skill level and has good speed. He is a sharp guy, a smart player who has the savvy we are looking for on our club. We are very excited to have him as part of our team and our organization."
Day will also be working along side coach Nelson as he will be serving in the capacity of Player / Assistant Coach. Muskegon's "bench boss" likes the idea of having such long-time veteran experience with him on the bench. "Having Joe with us on the coaching staff will be a real asset for the Fury. He has a great knowledge of the game and sharp insights that will be a benefit to all of us."
Day will make his Fury premiere this Friday night when the Fury host the defending Tarry Cup and Colonial Cup Champions, the Fort Wayne Komets, in the continuing duel for first place in the Western Conference and overall UHL standings. Face-off is 7:30 pm on Muskegon's Walker Arena.
The Fury will cap their current three-game home stand Saturday night, also at 7:30 pm, when they collide with Eastern Conference rival Adirondack.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 17, 2004
- Flint wraps up long road swing - Flint Generals
- Quad City's Williams and Fort Wayne's St. Pierre earn weekly honors - IHL 2
- Big Trade Brings Prochazka To Port Huron - Port Huron Flags
- Jeff Williams Named UHL Player of the Week - Quad City Mallards
- St. Pierre nets Goaltender of the Week - Fort Wayne Komets
- Fury sign center Joe Day - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Family Skate with the Jackals - Elmira Jackals
- Captain Morgan's Hockey Hour - Elmira Jackals
- Mallards Add Scoring Threat Mike Thompson - Quad City Mallards
- Missouri's Troy Mann suspended for 10 games - IHL 2
- Jackals welcome Poirier in blockbuster trade - Elmira Jackals
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