Killer Bees Add Experience with Burton and Campbell

Published on September 14, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that forward Tyler Burton and defenseman Darcy Campbell have signed with the team for the 2010-11 hockey season. Both Burton and Campbell have accepted American Hockey League tryout invitations and will join the Killer Bees if they do not make AHL rosters.

Burton, 25, was a standout at NCAA Division 1 Colgate University (2004-08) and averaged almost a point-per-game, collecting 155 (82-73-155) points in 158 contests. Following his senior season, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound forward signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Lowell Devils of the American Hockey League. He appeared in six games for the primary affiliate of the NHL's New Jersey Devils and posted a goal and an assist (1-1-2). In 2008-09, he split his first full pro season between the Trenton Devils of the ECHL and Lowell, skating in 27 combined games while scoring 19 points (10-9-10) and adding 18 penalty minutes (PIM).

"Tyler's professional experience will be invaluable to our team," Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. "He has scored at every level he has played at from junior hockey, throughout college and as a pro. He is a talented offensive player who will add skill and depth to our team. It is a compliment to our organization that he will be attending Houston's AHL training camp."

A Langley, British Columbia native, Burton ranked first on Colgate's all-time list for games played (158), sixth in goals (82) and tied for 16th in points (155) with current St. Louis Blues forward Andy McDonald. Burton led the team in scoring three of his four seasons. As a senior, he served as an alternate captain and led the ECAC conference with a career-high 41 points (23-18-41) while also leading Colgate with 23 goals.

"I'm excited to be part of the Killer Bees organization," Burton said. "I've had some great talks with Coach Brooks and it seems like a great fit. I have a chance to play well in Houston and see where that leads but I'm looking forward to playing in the Valley."

Campbell, 26, is a 6-foot-0, 200-pound defender who has 156 games of pro experience in the AHL, NHL and Europe. Campbell played 110 games from 2007-09 in the AHL with Syracuse and Lake Erie. He also played one game with Columbus in the NHL after signing with the Blue Jackets as a free agent out of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Campbell earned the Alaska-Fairbanks Best Defenseman Award during the 2006-07 season.

"Darcy is a top-end defenseman who has played at the highest level of the pro game," Brooks said. "We expect that he will be a cornerstone on our blue line and will help set the competitive bar high for his teammates."

The Airdrie, Alberta, signed in Finland as a free agent last season and played in 33 games with TPS before moving over to HC Slavia Praha of the Czech League in January.

"I know a bunch of guys on the team and it looks like a good group of guys," Campbell said. "I like to lead by example on the ice and can't wait to get the season going."

The Killer Bees begin their eighth season of play at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo on October 15, 2010. Season tickets and corporate partnership opportunities are available now; call 956-843-7825 to find out more.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from September 14, 2010


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.

OurSports Central