Lynx get Watson from Ice Pilots; Lang, Kuiper headed to AHL

Published on March 1, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


Augusta, GA - The Augusta Lynx were busy on the transaction wire today, announcing that they have acquired Pensacola forward Greg Watson as the future considerations for Derrick Byfuglien earlier this season. In addition, team captain Ryan Lang was recalled to the Providence Bruins and defenseman Nick Kuiper to the Portland Pirates, both of the American Hockey League.

Watson will celebrate his 25th birthday by suiting up for the Augusta Lynx on Friday night as they take on the Florida Everblades at 7:35 pm. The 6-0, 205-pound Calgary, Alberta native is a natural center but has been pressed into defensive duty with the Ice Pilots this year. Despite playing out of position for most of the season he has still managed nine goals and 31 points in 43 games with the club.

This is Watson's fourth pro season, and his first in the ECHL. After playing five years of Canadian major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League, Watson turned pro with the AHL's Binghamton Senators in 2003-04, playing three seasons there until heading to Pensacola this year. While with the Senators, he appeared in 154 games, scoring 13 goals and 30 points along with 167 minutes in penalties. Watson was drafted in the second round, #34 overall, by the Florida Panthers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

For Lang, it is his second career recall to the AHL, having played in one game with no points for the Portland Pirates last season. Already this season he has established career highs in goals (23), assists (42), and points (65), and sits fifth in the ECHL in assist and seventh in overall scoring. The Regina, Sask. native was chosen to represent the Lynx at this year's ECHL All-Star Game and received enough votes to earn a spot in the starting lineup for the American Conference.

"Ryan is having a tremendous season for us, and really deserves this chance," said Lynx head coach and director of hockey operations Bob Ferguson. "Not only has he put up solid numbers, but he's also been a great leader for this team as well."

Also recalled was defenseman Nick Kuiper, who dressed in 33 games for the Lynx with one goal and six points.

Augusta will face the Florida Everblades this Friday night and the Charlotte Checkers Saturday night at the James Brown Arena, with both games facing off at 7:35 pm. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Lynx office at (706) 724-4ICE, at all TicketMaster locations, and on line at www.TicketMaster.com. Seats are $11, $15, and $18, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel.

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