Lynx make deal with Charlotte, give and get with Albany

Published on March 19, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


The Augusta Lynx were busy overnight, making a deal with the Charlotte Checkers while also working the transaction wire with the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats.

Firstly, Augusta sent defenseman Regan Darby and the rights to defenseman Chris Hajt to the Checkers in exchange for rookie defenseman Brian Escobedo and future considerations. Escobedo has six goals and 18 points in 38 games along with a +6 rating for three teams this season. He has also skated for Peoria and Mississippi this year. The 6-0, 170 lb. defenseman turned pro last season after three years at Bowling Green, playing in eight games for Cincinnati of the ECHL, recording three assists.

Darby, meanwhile, spent just 11 games in a Lynx uniform after coming over in a deal with Las Vegas with forward Doug Wright. Darby's biggest game came when he had a goal and an assist to help the Lynx to an overtime win over the Columbia Inferno on March 4th in South Carolina. Darby totaled a goal and five points in his stay with the Lynx.

"Brian gives us another solid presence on the blue line," said Lynx Head Coach Stan Drulia. "He's a young player, someone who has a future in this league. I think he not only helps this team now, but down the road as well."

Charlotte also gets the rights to defenseman Chris Hajt, who has not played with the team since being recalled to the AHL's Portland Pirates on November 25th. Hajt had a goal and five points along with a +5 rating in 13 games with Augusta.

The Lynx will also receive future considerations to be determined after the season has ended.

Also today, the Lynx saw defenseman Phil Cole recalled to Albany, but were sent forward Brett Clouthier from the River Rats. In 44 games Clouthier has four assists and 168 minutes in penalties with the Rats. Standing 6-5 and weighing in at 225 lbs., Clouthier has been touted as not only a tough winger, but also having the potential to score goals at the ECHL level.

Cole will head back to Albany for the remainder of the weekend, but is expected back next week in time for Thursday's game against Columbia.

Augusta is back in action tonight on Dodge Team Sales Event Photo Night against the Pensacola Ice Pilots at 7:35 pm. All fans coming to the game can pick up a free 2004-05 Dodge team photo in the Lynx Den. Pre-game show starting one half-hour before game time on your Home for Lynx Hockey, NEWSTALKSPORTS 1630. Tickets are on sale now for all remaining home games through the Lynx office at (706) 724-4ICE, all TicketMaster locations, and on line at www.TicketMaster.com.

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ECHL Stories from March 19, 2005


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