Killer Bees sign D-man Carrigan, name Gillam assistant coach

Published on July 25, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (CHL) today announced the signing of defenseman Ryan Carrigan. In addition, defenseman Sean Gillam announced his retirement from the game and will remain with the organization as an assistant coach.

Carrigan, 25, joins the Bees from the Rockford IceHogs of the United Hockey League, where he posted 16 points (4-12-16) in 76 games last season. He was third among defensemen with a plus-21 rating. Carrigan is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound native of Burlington, Ontario, who split his college career between Niagara University and Northern Michigan University. He turned pro with the Hogs after the 2004-05 college season and appeared in 16 games, including 10 in Rockford's playoff run.

"Ryan is a competitive, agile and physical defenseman who will add some offensive punch," said Tony Martino, Killer Bees head coach. "He had a great rookie season and takes pride in the defensive game. He also wants to play more of an offensive role. He'll be a great addition and a top four d-man. He's a right-handed shot which will be big on the power play and I expect him to log a lot of minutes."

Gillam, 30, completed a 10-year playing career in 2005-06 with the Killer Bees. A third-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 1994, he appeared in 662 professional games in the AHL, ECHL, IHL, and CHL. He served as a player/assistant coach the last three seasons for Rio Grande Valley.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity that the Killer Bees organization and Tony Martino has given me to pursue a career in coaching," explained Gillam. "I look forward to learning from Tony and being a part of the team this coming season."

"Sean's experience as player a will help our six defensemen grow," said Martino. "He knows the position and is another person I can turn to for help winning hockey games. At the same time, he'd like to be a head coach someday and this is an important step. Sean knows the community, and it's important to have a recognizable face and key member of the team be a community asset."

The Killer Bees have announced six player signings thus far. The team will announce player signings every Tuesday over the course of the summer.

Opening weekend has been set for October 20 and 21, 2006. The complete CHL schedule is expected to be released in late July. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available now by calling (956) 843-PUCK. Stay tuned all summer to killerbeehockey.com for the latest news and transactions as they become official!

2006-07 Player Signings

Juha-Pekka Ketola, C

Jason Cirone, C

Emery Olauson, F

Bill Newson, F

Dennis Maxwell, F

Ryan Carrigan, D

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 25, 2006


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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