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IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Trade for Scoring

January 9, 2004 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League announce the acquisition of forward Joe Ritson (RITZ-in) in a trade with the Missouri River Otters. In return for Ritson, the River Otters will receive forward Andrew Long and cash. Per team policy, the complete terms of the trade for Ritson will be undisclosed.

The acquisition of Ritson will reunite him with K-Wings Head Coach Mark Reeds. Ritson played for Reeds for two seasons, while Reeds was coaching the River Otters.

"Joe is a player that finds ways to produce," said Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Mark Reeds. "We feel he (Ritson) will help our team offensively, as well as improve the depth at the forward position."

Ritson's two best seasons as a professional were both under Reeds. During the 2000-01 campaign, Ritson produced a career best 77 point (31 goals, 46 assists) season. The following year, Joe continued his stellar play by chiming in 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists), as well as earning a call up to the Rochester (NY) Americans of the American Hockey League.

This season Ritson is off to a good start. In 32 games, Joe has produced 6 goals and 14 assists, which placed him fourth on the River Otters roster in scoring.

K-Wings fans may not have to wait long to see Ritson make his Kalamazoo debut. Ritson could be in the K-Wings lineup as soon as tonight, as the K-Wings host division rivals the Rockford IceHogs at Wings Stadium. Face-Off is set for 7:30 pm and tickets are still available by contacting the Wings Stadium Box Office at (269) 345-5101.

Tonight is also "Viva Las Vegas Night" sponsored by WOTV, WRKR, Spirit Airlines, and the Paris Hotel and Casino. A lucky fan will win a trip to Las Vegas during the first intermission of tonight's game

The River Otters will receive forward Andrew Long. The five-year pro, played in 17 games this season for the K-Wings and produced 10 points. Like, Ritson, Long could make his River Otters debut as soon as tonight, as Missouri plays at Muskegon.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 9, 2004


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