ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Re-Sign Rycroft, Add Veteran Burt From Rival Idaho

Published on October 3, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah * The Utah Grizzlies, proud affiliate of the New York Islanders, announced today that the team has re-signed captain Travis Rycroft and veteran Scott Burt to contracts for the 2007-2008 season. The announcement was made by Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jason Christie. The two players will be present at a press conference this afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Huntsman Cancer Institute as the Grizzlies announce their plans for this year*s *Pink In The Rink* game for breast cancer awareness.

Rycroft enters his fourth professional season and third with Utah. He was named the Grizzlies team captain on December 29, 2006 and put up 9 goals and 17 assists during the 2006-2007 season. Last year, he was one of only two players (Andy Sertich re-signed August, 2007) to play in all 72 regular season games. He leads Utah in games played the past two seasons with 142.

*Travis is not only our fan favorite but also a favorite among his teammates,* said Christie. *His work ethic and passion for the game has drastically improved his game each year that he has played.* Rycroft began his professional career in 2004-2005 with Christie as a member of the Peoria Rivermen.

*Utah has become a home for me,* said Rycroft. *The support of the fans, coaches and management has been unbelievable.*

Burt joins Utah after seven seasons with the Idaho Steelheads, where he played in 403 regular season games and tallied 111 goals and 139 assists. Last year, as one of three captains for Idaho, he led the team to the ECHL*s Kelly Cup Championship * the second in four years captured by Idaho. Burt is one of only 15 players to have won the ECHL*s top trophy twice.

*It is extremely rare to have an opportunity to sign a player like Scott,* said Christie. *From the beginning, he was the face of professional hockey in Idaho and it is an honor to bring him here.*

*While I never expected to leave Idaho, I feel we have a tremendous opportunity here in Utah,* said Burt. *The organization here and the E-Center are among the best; no question.*

The Grizzlies open training camp at the Acord Ice Center this Sunday at 7 a.m. All practices are open to the public. Visit www.utahgrizzlies.com for a complete training camp schedule. The Grizzlies open the regular season Friday, October 19 at Phoenix. The team*s home opening weekend is Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 when they will host Idaho at the E-Center.

The Utah Grizzlies, of the ECHL, are owned and operated by the Elmore Sports Group and play at the E-Center of West Valley City; which hosted hockey during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Entering their 14th year as an organization, the Grizzlies have an all-time record of 499-435-98. Jason Christie enters his third season as the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the team who announced an affiliation with the NHL*s New York Islanders on May 22, 2007.

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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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