Lightning sign Craig Darby
July 19, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, MA â The Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, National Hockey League affiliate of the Springfield Falcons, today announced the signing of center Craig Darby. Lightning Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster made the announcement at a morning press conference held by the two affiliated clubs.
Darby, 31, ranked eighth in the American Hockey League (AHL) and led the Albany River Rats in scoring last season with 69 points (21g, 48a) in 77 games. His 48 assists were tied for fifth most in the AHL. The campaign marked the second straight season that Darby had paced Albany in goals, assists, and points. The Oneida, New York native registered 74 points (23g, 51a) in 2002-03 to tie for eighth in league scoring and garner AHL Second All-Star Team honors.
"Craig Darby is a consummate professional who continues to excel at the AHL level while also relishing a role helping young players grow and develop," Feaster said. "He provides our organization with excellent depth as well as veteran leadership in Springfield. The fact he is so highly thought of as a person and as a teammate, and the fact he is a person of great character, makes him the ideal fit for our organization."
Darby has recorded 56 points (21g, 35a) in 196 NHL games with Montreal, the New York Islanders, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. The 6'4", 205-pound forward tallied NHL career highs in points (28), goals (12), and assists (16) in 78 games with Montreal in 2000-01. He skated two games with New Jersey last season.
"We're thrilled about having the quality of player and person of Darby," said Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon. "He's not only a tremendous player, but a tremendous leader who will have an all-around positive impact on our team."
In 476 AHL games during his 11-year professional career, Darby has posted 534 points (194g, 340a) and 342 penalty minutes. He was named to the AHL First All-Star Team in 1997-98 after he tied for second in league goal scoring (42) and sixth in points (87) as a member of the Philadelphia Phantoms. Darby helped lead Philadelphia to a Calder Cup championship that season. He paced the AHL with 55 assists and tied for 10th in scoring with 71 points in 66 games with the Quebec Citadelles in 2001-02. Darby has also played for the Fredericton Canadiens and Worcester IceCats during his AHL career. He skated for the Milwaukee Admirals, then of the International Hockey League (IHL), in 1998-99.
Darby was selected in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal. He was named co-winner of the Hockey East Rookie of the Year after registering 41 points (17g, 24a) for Providence College in 1991-92.
Season ticket packages for the Falcons' 2004-05 season are currently on sale. Adult full season ticket prices for the 2004-05 campaign remain unchanged for the third straight season at $440 each. Youth (age 12 and under) full season tickets are available for $360. Adult and youth partial season ticket plans as well as flex packs are also on sale. To order or for more information, please contact the Falcons team office at (413) 739-3344.
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from July 19, 2004
- Falcons set for charity softball in Windsor Locks Tuesday - Springfield Falcons
- Three Monarchs Strike Gold In Germany - Manchester Monarchs
- Pirates Open Hockey Schools Today - Portland Pirates
- Crunch Extends Partnership With Rway Communications - Syracuse Crunch
- Lightning sign Craig Darby - Springfield Falcons
- Meloche moving, Chicago loads up - Hershey Bears
- Dirk Graham named head coach of Falcons - Springfield Falcons
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.
