Panthers Assign Three to Pirates

Published on September 30, 2015 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Florida Panthers, NHL affiliate of the Portland Pirates, today announced that forward Shane Harper and defensemen Michael Matheson and MacKenzie Weegar have all been assigned to the Portland Pirates. They will join Pirates Training Camp tomorrow.

Harper, a 5-foot-11, 193 pound right wing from Valencia, California, was the leading scorer for the AHL's Chicago Wolves in 2014-15 with 32 goals, 18 assists, and 50 points in 75 games. He also contributed four assists in five Calder Cup Playoff games for the Wolves last season.

The 26 year-old, who is entering his sixth professional season, joined the Wolves in 2013-14 after playing three seasons with the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms. He has also spent portions of two seasons with the ECHL's Greenville Road Warriors and Trenton Titans.

An undrafted free agent, Harper played five seasons with the WHL's Everett Silvertips before turning pro.

Matheson, a 6-foot-2, 189 pound defenseman from Pointe-Claire, Quebec embarks on his pro career full-time this season after making his pro debut at the end of the 2014-15 season with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage. The 21 year-old picked up two assists in five games with the Rampage last season.

The Panthers' First Round (23rd Overall) selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Matheson turns pro after playing three seasons of NCAA Division I Men's Hockey for the Boston College Eagles. He was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team in 2012-13, as well as a Hockey East First Team All-Star and Second Team All-American in 2013-14.

Weegar, The 6-foot, 207 pound defenseman from Ottawa, Ontario begins his second pro season. Last year, Weegar split his time between the AHL's San Antonio Rampage, where he played 31 games, scoring two goals and eight assists for 10 points, and the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones, where he skated in 21 games with one goal and 12 assists for 13 points.

Drafted by Florida in the Seventh Round (206th Overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the 21 year-old played two seasons with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads, including the 2013 QMJHL President's Cup and Memorial Cup Championship team.

The Pirates play their preseason opener against the Providence Bruins tonight at 7:05 p.m. at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

The Portland Pirates host Pirates Youth Hockey Night tomorrow at the OA Sports Center in Saco, taking on the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds in the Pirates only home exhibition game before the 2015-16 season. The game will be played at 7:00 p.m.

Admission to the game will be free, but limited to the first 500 fans because of seating capacity, so get there early! Youth Hockey players are invited to wear their jerseys and participate in raffles for Pirates Flex Packs and other great Pirates prizes. Pirates' Mascot Salty Pete will be on hand to help celebrate!

It will also be Pirates fans' first opportunity to purchase the team's new replica jerseys, including the throwback alternate sweater.

Portland's regular season opener will be at the Dunkin Donuts Center on Sunday, October 11 against the Providence Bruins at 3:05 p.m.

The Portland Pirates begin their first season as the top affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers in 2015-16! The Pirates 23rd AHL home opener is set for Saturday, October 17 at Cross Insurance Arena against the Hershey Bears! Game time is 7:00 p.m. Home opening weekend continues with another game against Hershey on Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 p.m. Full-Season, Half-Season and 10 Game Season Ticket plans are on sale right now! Log onto portlandpirates.com or call 207-PIRATES to lock in your seats today!

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American Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2015


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