Lynx make roster moves, get Cole back

Published on March 24, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


As the playoffs draw ever-closer for the first time in four seasons for the Augusta Lynx, the team saw their depth on the blue line increase with the return of defenseman Phil Cole from the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League. The team also announced they have signed forward Mike Erickson and released defenseman John Whitwell.

Cole, 23, returns to the Lynx after spending ten games with the Phantoms in which he did not record a point. The recall marked the fourth straight season Cole has appeared in the AHL, spending time over the previous three seasons with the Albany River Rats.

Originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, the 6-4, 197 lb. rearguard is in his second season with the Lynx. This year Cole has recorded a goal and eight points along with 70 minutes in penalties for the club in 40 games.

The club also announced they have signed right wing Mike Erickson out of Western Michigan University. The 22-year-old Elk River, Minn. native was a third round selection of the Minnesota Wild in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6-3 and weighing in at 200 lbs., Erickson has played both college hockey for Western Michigan and the University of Minnesota as well as junior hockey in the USHL where he was coached by current Lynx bench boss Bob Ferguson.

Over 90 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers as a junior, Erickson netted 49 goals and 91 points, while also potting a pair of goals and totaling seven points in 10 playoff games. This season with the Western Michigan Mustangs, Erickson scored 13 goals and added 11 assists for 24 points in 34 games.

To make room for Erickson, the club released defenseman John Whitwell. Whitwell, who entered the season on the books as Augusta's all-time leader in games played, came out of retirement this year to help the Lynx as they've needed dept at defense. In four different stints with the team this year, Whitwell has played in 11 games with one assist and a -5 rating.

Also, the team announced that they have placed right wing Dan Sullivan on the 7-Day Injured Reserve list, retroactive to Wednesday, March 22.

Playoff Update

The Lynx need any combination of seven total points between Augusta wins and Columbia losses to clinch a playoff spot. If Augusta wins both games outright, or wins one of the two in overtime or a shootout, they will clinch a playoff spot. The Lynx remain three points behind the Charlotte Checkers for the fifth playoff spot, with Charlotte hosting the Greenville Grrrowl tonight.

The Lynx will kick off a home-and-home series with the Inferno starting tonight in Columbia at 7:35 pm followed by a 7:35 pm rematch back in Augusta Saturday night. Sunday the Florida Everblades make their final appearance of the 2005-06 regular season for a 4:05 pm matinee. Tickets are on sale now through the Lynx office by calling (706) 724-4ICE, online at www.TicketMaster.com, and all TicketMaster locations. All games can be heard live on your Home for Lynx Hockey, NEWSTALKSPORTS 1630.

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