Lightning Sign Defense Prospect Doug O'Brien
September 1, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Tampa Bay, FL â The Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, National Hockey League affiliate of the Springfield Falcons, today announced that the club has signed 2003 draft choice Doug O'Brien to a standard three-year rookie contract. Lightning executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster made the announcement. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
O'Brien, 20, was the Lightning's sixth round selection (192nd overall) at the 2003 Entry Draft. He spent the past season with Gatineau (formerly Hull) of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he led the Olympiques to their second consecutive Memorial Cup Final and was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team for the second consecutive season. O'Brien ranked third among league defensemen in goals (17) and points (63) in 66 games this past season.
"Doug O'Brien had a tremendous season in Gatineau and followed it up with an incredible Memorial Cup performance," Feaster said. "We strongly believe it is time for him to start his pro career, and we believe our situation in Springfield is tailor made for him. We were pleased with Doug's play at our rookie tournament last year and at training camp, and we believe he has a bright future with our organization."
A 6-foot-1, 200-pound native of St. John's, Newfoundland, O'Brien led Hull defensemen with 10 goals, 34 assists and 44 points during the 2002-03 season and was invited to attend the Canadian National Junior Team Development Camp. He helped lead Hull to the Memorial Cup Final (losing vs. Kitchener) and was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team, the only player not from Kitchener to earn that honor.
Season ticket packages for the Falcons' 2004-05 season are on sale through the team office. 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.
American Hockey League Stories from September 1, 2004
- Konopka joins Anaheim - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Sound Tigers Looking For Ice Girls - Bridgeport Islanders
- Wolves Open Training Camp on September 27 - Chicago Wolves
- Syracuse Signs Left Wing Michael Tessier - Syracuse Crunch
- Lightning Sign Defense Prospect Doug O'Brien - Springfield Falcons
- IceCats Renew Radio Pact - Worcester IceCats
- River Rats to Offer Blood Donors Incentive over Labor Day Weekend - Albany River Rats
- Admirals Announce Exhibition Schedule - Milwaukee Admirals
- Admirals individual game tickets on sale September 14 - Norfolk Admirals
- Griffins announce preseason slate - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Aeros announce Chronicle in Education Day February 8 - Houston Aeros
- Hershey Bears choose national anthem singers - Hershey Bears
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.
