Sports stats



Knights To Recognize Bancroft

January 30, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Omaha, NE - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights announced today that they will honor veteran defenseman Steve Bancroft, who played in his 1,000th North American professional game last night in Iowa, with an on-ice ceremony prior to their game on Friday, February 3rd against the Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

"Steve has been a remarkably durable defenseman who has contributed significantly to each team he has played for," said Doug Soetaert, the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' President. "We want to recognize him not only for his play with the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights but also for his career accomplishments."

Bancroft is in his 16th professional season. He was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, 21st overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career during the 1990-91 season when he split time between the Maine Mariners and the Newmarket Saints, two former teams in the American Hockey League.

During his career, Bancroft has played for 22 teams in 20 different North American cities stretching from St. John's, Newfoundland to Los Angeles, California. The native of Toronto won a Calder Cup with the Providence Bruins during the 1998-99 season. He set career highs in 2000-01 while playing with the former Kentucky Thoroughblades of the AHL. Bancroft played in all 80 games that year, scoring 23 goals and 50 assists for 73 points. He was tenth in the league in scoring and the only defenseman in the top ten. He played in his 500th AHL game on December 17, 2005 against Iowa. Bancroft has played in six career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks, earning one assist and two penalty minutes. The 2004-05 season was the only season Bancroft has played outside North America. He had four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 33 games for the Augsburger Panthers of the German Elite League.

Click here to view Bancroft's bio and career stats.

The Knights return to action on Friday and Saturday, February 3rd and 4th when they host the Chicago Wolves. Both games start at 7:00 p.m. Friday's game is also Nebraska Lottery T-Shirt Night. The first 1,500 fans receive a Knights' t-shirt courtesy of Nebraska Lottery. On Saturday, the Knights are hosting Fremont Friends and Family Night. Following the game, fans are invited to join the Knights on the ice for a skate with the team. Children must have helmets for this event.

Tickets for all home games are available at the Civic Auditorium box office, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The box office is open through the opening face-off on game nights. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet, by phone at (402) 422-1212 or at Ticketmaster.com. Group tickets for the game may be purchased through the Knights office or by calling (402) 344-4625.

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 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.

Other Recent Abbotsford Heat Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central