Phantoms sign Joe Sacco
January 2, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 2, 2003) - The Philadelphia Phantoms today announced the signing of veteran right wing Joe Sacco to an American Hockey League player tryout contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sacco, who has played in over 700 NHL games during his 12-year career, is expected to make his Phantoms debut on Friday when the team hosts the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at the First Union Spectrum.
Sacco has totaled 93 goals, 114 assists and 401 penalty minutes over 704 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, New York Islanders and Washington Capitals. His best season came in 1993-94 with Anaheim when he recorded career highs in goals (19), assists (18), points (37) and games played (84).
"Joe is a proven scorer at the NHL level and will add some punch to our lineup," said Philadelphia head coach John Stevens. "His goal is to get back to the NHL and we are giving him the opportunity to do that."
Originally from Medford, Mass., Sacco was selected in the fourth round (71st overall) of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the Maple Leafs, but opted to play collegiately at Boston University from 1987-90. He split his first three pro seasons (1990-93) between Newmarket and St. John's of the AHL and Toronto before being claimed by the Mighty Ducks in the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft.
The 33-year-old played for Anaheim from 1993-98 and joined the Islanders after being included in a six-player trade on Feb. 6, 1998. He signed with Washington as a free agent in August 1999 and played the last two seasons with the Capitals. Throughout his career, Sacco also played on the United States National Team, appearing in the 1992 Winter Olympics, five World Championships and the 1989 World Junior Championships.
Friday's Phantoms game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will be televised live on CN8. Wolverine, one of the most popular X-Men from the Marvel Comic, will be signing autographs and taking pictures with all his fans who bring a camera, and he and Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins will be dropping the opening puck together prior to the game.
Tickets to all Phantoms home games are $18, $17 and $13 for adults, and $8 for all children 14 and under, and are available now at the First Union Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations throughout the Delaware Valley. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling (215) 336-2000 or (856) 338-9000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Contact the Phantoms office at 215-465-4522 for information on group discounts, birthday packages and the Family Four Pack.
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2003
- Bulldogs Now Unbeaten in 14 Games - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Wolves Players Team Up to Promote Reading - Chicago Wolves
- The Canines are Coming - Chicago Wolves
- No Rest for Weary Griffins - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Schmidt Recalled By The Kings - Manchester Monarchs
- Penguins Reassign Koci to Wheeling - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Kraft Named to PlanetUSA AHL All-Star Team - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Former Griffin Named NHL Player of the Month - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Corvo, Zizka Named To PlanetUSA All-Star Squad - Manchester Monarchs
- Two Worcester IceCats Selected to AHL's PlanetUSA All-Star Team - Worcester IceCats
- Hedstrom named to AHL All-Star Classic - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Sauve Named AHL All-Star Game's Starting Goaltender - Hershey Bears
- Conklin and Komisarek Added to PlanetUSA All-Star Roster - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Rochester at San Antonio Tonight - Rochester Americans
- Rochester goaltender wins award after an 8-1-1 December - Rochester Americans
- Mowers Named to PlanetUSA All-Star Team - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Three P-Bruins named to PlanetUSA All-Star Team - Providence Bruins
- Peluso an All-Star - Norfolk Admirals
- AHL announces PlanetUSA All-Star roster - AHL
- Wolf Pack Home Twice This Weekend - Connecticut Whale
- Miller Named Rookie of the Month - AHL
- Blackhawks Recall Leighton, Assign Andersson to Norfolk - Norfolk Admirals
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Phantoms sign Joe Sacco - Adirondack Phantoms
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.
