NHL Veteran Curtis Brown signs with Gulls

Published on November 15, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Gulls have agreed to terms with NHL veteran Curtis Brown, head coach Martin St. Amour announced on Monday. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Brown, who began skating with the team Monday, could be available to play Wednesday night against the Bakersfield Condors.

Brown signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in July as a free agent, but became available to the Gulls as a result of the on-going NHL lockout. If the lockout ends, he will return to play for the Blackhawks.

"My decision to play here is really two-fold," Brown said. "I want to stay in shape and be ready if the lockout ends. But I also want to help the Gulls win and fit in with the team and community, which is the most important thing."

The 28-year-old center from Unity, Saskatchewan has notched 256 points (111g, 145a) in 554 career NHL games, most of which has come with the Buffalo Sabres. He's also recorded 27 points (14g, 13a) in 69 career playoff games in the NHL. Brown, whose wife is from Orange County, received offers to play in Europe but decided San Diego was his best fit.

"I'm very excited to be in San Diego and play for the Gulls," Brown said. "I wanted to play somewhere and after looking at all my options, San Diego was best for me and my family. And the ECHL is probably the most competitive as it's ever been, so I can't think of a better place to play right now, for me and my family."

Brown was Buffalo's second round selection (43rd overall) in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft and played with the Sabres until he was traded to the San Jose Sharks last March. Last season, the 6-foot, 190-pounder finished with 25 points (11g, 14a) with Buffalo and San Jose in the regular season and notched two points in 17 playoff games for the Sharks.

"I'm extremely happy and excited to say the least that we were able to acquire Curtis," St. Amour said. "He will definitely fill a hole in the middle, which is something we really needed. Along with his NHL experience, Curtis also brings leadership, which is another thing we're looking for. He's a stand-up guy and I think he will fit in nicely here."

Brown's career year came in 1999-00 when he posted 22 goals and 51 points for the Sabres. He also won the Punch Imlach Award for dedication and leadership to the organization. A year prior (1998-99), Brown notched a career-high 31 assists and played in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings.

Among other Gulls transactions, Billy Tibbetts was released and Chris Lynch was acquired from the Reading Royals.

Lynch played last season with the Greenville Grrrowl before being traded to Reading for former Gull Nick Lent. He's also played for the Trenton Titans and two AHL Clubs. The 5-foot-11-inch, 210-pound native of Duxbury, Mass. represented Greenville at last season's ECHL All-Star Game.

The Gulls and Condors meet for the third straight time Wednesday at the Sports Arena, with game time set for 7:05 p.m. It will be the second "Wacky Wednesday" of the season and the first "Pooch Party." THAT MEANS ALL FANS IN ATTENDANCE ARE INVITED TO BRING THEIR DOG TO THE GAME! San Diego goes back on the road to face the Fresno Falcons Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. before opening a nine-game homestand.

All games can be heard live on KLSD 1360AM and www.sandiegogulls.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. All home games and many road games can be viewed on the Gulls' web site, courtesy of B2 Networks. Click the B2 Networks link on the home page for a list of the upcoming telecasted games. To view pictures from this season, visit www.sdgullsphotos.com and www.zerodogentertainment.com.

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