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Moving To The Head Of The Class

September 15, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies News Release


ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL, a proud affiliate of the New York Islanders, have agreed to terms on contracts with rookie forwards Derek Edwardson, Paul Caponigri, Rob McFeeters, and Derrick McIver for the 2004-05 season.

The signings are highlighted by Edwardson, 23, who was a finalist in 2003-04 for the Hobey Baker Award given to the top player in college hockey after finishing tied for 10th in the nation in scoring with 17 goals and 48 points in just 41 games at the University of Miami (OH). The Morton Grove, IL native earned player of the year honors last season in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, and was named an NCAA Second Team All-American after leading the RedHawks to a 23-14-4 mark and their first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 1996-97.

Caponigri, 25, comes to Atlantic City following a stellar four-year collegiate career at the Ohio State University where he posted 53 goals and 132 points in 154 games. A native of Oak Park, IL, Caponigri was the MVP of the CCHA tournament last season as he guided the Buckeyes to the title, and finished the regular season with a career-best 17 goals and 39 points. Following the completion of his season at Ohio State, Caponigri tallied 1 goal in 3 games with the San Diego Gulls.

"Derek Edwardson and Paul Caponigri are going to be dynamic players in this league," said Bullies Head Coach Matt Thomas. "They are both excellent playmakers with tremendous scoring ability who will make their teammates better players."

McFeeters, 25, and McIver, 25, will also make their professional debuts in Atlantic City this upcoming season. A native of Woodville, ON, McFeeters served as co-captain of a Clarkson University team that reached the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship game in 2003-04. A solid two-way player, McFeeters finished fourth on the Golden Knights in scoring last year with 6 goals and 23 points in 39 games. He played three seasons at Clarkson with current Bullies defenseman Dave Reid

McIver captained Ferris State University in 2003-04 and finished sixth on the Bulldogs in scoring with 10 goals and 20 points. The Thunder Bay, ON native is reunited with his former college teammate Brett Smith who signed with the Bullies earlier this summer.

"Today we signed four players that we expect to make significant contributions," continued Thomas. "With three weeks to go until the start of training camp, we have a solid mix of veteran and young players. It should make for an interesting and competitive camp."

With today's signings, the Bullies have 21 players under contract for the 2004-05 season with 22 days remaining until the opening of training camp.

The Bullies second annual "Pick-Your-Seat Day" presented by Mix 97.3 FM, Cat Country 107.3 FM, and Lite Rock 96.9 FM will be held from 12PM-5PM on Sunday, September 26 at Historic Boardwalk Hall. Come see why buying season tickets has never before been so much fun! For more information call (609) 348-PUCK.

For more information on the Bullies latest transactions, contact Dan Weiss at (609) 348-7809. For more information on South Jersey's only professional hockey team, visit www.boardwalkbullies.com.

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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.

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