Pirates Announce Newest Addition to the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame presented by Bank of America

Published on December 1, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME – The Portland Pirates announced today the winner of the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame voting for the 2004-05 season. This year, Forward Ryan Mulhern becomes the eighth member of the Pirates' Hall of Fame, winning an on-line vote by Pirates' fans conducted this summer. Ryan Mulhern had the highest total number of votes among the three other candidates, Forward Mike Boback, Defenseman Todd Nelson and Head Coach Barry Trotz. Muhern will be inducted to the Pirates Hall of Fame with a ceremony on Saturday, March 26 during the Pirates game at 7:05 p.m. versus the Manchester Monarchs.

"The contributions that Ryan has made to this organization make him a perfect fit for the Pirates Hall of Fame presented by Bank of America. We are very pleased to welcome Ryan to the group of other talented members of our Hall of Fame. We are looking forward to his night on March 26th," said Brian Petrovek Pirates Managing Owner/CEO.

"I just want to say what a great honor it is to be selected as a member of the Pirates Hall of Fame, with some of the great players in the history of the Pirates. I had an amazing experience during my time in Portland and the fans were always amazing to me. They made me feel very welcome and really reached out to me. It is such a great honor and the pinnacle of my career and probably as high as I could have reached. I look back on it with really fond memories of the whole city of Portland and especially my experience with the Pirates organization. I want to say thank you very much to all the fans and all the people out there who voted for me to win such a great honor. Thanks again, I appreciate it," said Ryan Mulhern.

Ryan Mulhern was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 8th round as the 174th pick overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. At the beginning of Mulhern's career, he spent 40 games with the Hampton-Roads Admirals in the ECHL. For the second half of the ‘95-‘96 season Mulhern joined the Pirates for 38 games and scored 19 goals, 15 assists for 34 points. Mulhern helped the Pirates in the push for the playoffs and the post-season with a goal and an assist in five playoff games.

The next season, the Havertown, PA native returned to Portland to put up more strong numbers. In 71 games during the '97-'98 campaign Mulhern averaged nearly a point per game. Mulhern scored 25 goals along with 40 assists for 65 points. He was called up for three games with Washington during the season, before being sent back to Portland for the Calder Cup playoffs. At the end of the season, Mulhern was named as an AHL First Team All-Star and the Pirates Most Valuable Player.

After two years in the IHL, he returned to the Pirates for the 1999-00 season. The left winger played in 73 games, scoring 20 goals and registering 16 assists for a total of 36 points in his final season with the Pirates. His accomplishments over three years with the organization have undoubtedly left an imprint on the Pirates record book.

When Mulhern left the Pirates, he ranked 9th all-time for most goals (64) and ranked 12th all-time for power play goals (16). While with the Pirates he became tied for 12th all-time for most points (135) as well as ranking 14th all-time for most assists (71). Mulhern also had a special flare for the dramatic in his career, scoring 12 game winning goals which ties him for 4th all-time in that category.

To be eligible for induction into the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame a player or coach must have participated in at least 40 games with the Pirates and be at least one year removed from playing with the team. This is a change to the voting criteria, effective this year. Previously an individual must have participated in only 25 games with the Pirates and could still be an active player.

Mulhern joins an elite list of seven other players who have also made significant contributions to the Pirates and have been inducted into the Hall of Fame which was established in 1999. Left wing Andrew Brunette and goalies Byron Dafoe and Olaf Kolzig were selected as charter members of the Hall in 1999. Right wing Kevin Kaminski followed them in 2000. Defenseman Steve Poapst was inducted in 2001. An original Pirate and former Captain, Kent Hulst was inducted in 2002. Last year's inductee to the Hall of Fame was goaltender, Martin Brochu.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2004


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