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ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies sign Forbes, Starling, Rycroft

September 28, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies announced today the signings of defensemen Chad Starling and Ian Forbes, and right wing Travis Rycroft. All three played for Grizzlies Head Coach Jason Christie last year in Peoria.

Forbes, a second round pick (51st overall) of the Flyers in 1998, enters his sixth pro season. He played eight games with Peoria last year after being acquired in a trade from San Diego. *I coached against Ian for years and he was always an impact player,* said Christie. *He has a great upside.* The Brampton, Ontario native skated under current Grizzlies Assistant Coach Chuck Weber during the 2001-2002 season in Trenton (ECHL). In 2004, the defenseman was a member of the Kelly Cup Champion Runner-up Florida Everblades. A veteran of 38 AHL games, Forbes has averaged 193 penalty minutes a season over the course of his career.

A 6-foot-6, 205-pound defenseman, Starling spent parts of four seasons playing under Christie in Peoria. The third pick of the St Louis Blues in the 1999 entry draft (114th overall) has also spent time in training camps with the Blues, and was named the ECHL's *Plus Performer of the Month* in January, 2002, finishing the month with a +11. *I've had Chad since he turned pro; he is a big kid, strong at the defensive end and a good penalty killer,* commented Christie.

Travis Rycroft enters his second year as a professional after tallying seven points (1 g) in 38 games during the 2004-2005 campaign in Peoria. He scored the first goal of his career February 1, 2005 versus Trenton. *Travis is a player that every team loves to have,* remarked Christie. *He is in your face and brings energy every night.* The 25 year old was raised in a hockey family; his brother Mark is a veteran of 80 games with the St Louis Blues, and his father Al played five years of pro hockey.

Yesterday, the Grizzlies announced they will open training camp October 9 at the Acord Ice Center. Practices are open to the public. For times please visit www.utahgrizzlies.com.

The Grizzlies open the 2005-2006 regular season Friday, October 21 at the E-Center when they host Las Vegas. Single game Luxury Suites are on sale by calling (801) 988-PUCK.

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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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