Pirates Recall Two For Weekend

Published on December 12, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Portland Pirates announced today that they have recalled left wing Mike Souza and defenseman Tim Branham and signed both players to professional tryout agreements. Both players are expected to be in the lineup when they Pirates start a three-game road trip tonight against the Lowell Lock Monsters. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

Souza began the season with the Florence Pride of the ECHL where he scored eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 17 games. He also had 29 penalty minutes. The native of Wakefield, Massachusetts split time last year between the Norfolk Admirals and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. Prior to that, he played two full seasons in Norfolk, each season earning 31 points. Prior to turning pro, Souza spent four years at the University of New Hampshire. While at New Hampshire, Souza and the Wildcats made the NCAA Tournament all four years including a runner-up appearance to Maine in 1999. He was originally the Chicago Blackhawks' third pick, 67th overall, in 1997.

Branham comes to the Pirates from the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL. In 22 games, he had three goals and seven assists for ten points to lead all Texas defenseman in scoring. He also had 16 assists. The native of Eagle River, Wisconsin split last year between the Saint John Flames of the AHL and their ECHL affiliate, the Johnstown Chiefs. He was a teammate of current Pirate Darcy Verot while in Saint John. Prior to last season, Branham spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm and the Barrie Colts. During his first season in Barrie (1999-2000), he helped the Colts to a runner up finish to Rimouski in the Memorial Cup Finals. He was originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round, 93rd overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Following tonight's game in Lowell, the Pirates will visit the Springfield Falcons on Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. and the Hartford Wolf Pack on Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. All three games can be heard on the Pirates' Radio Network and on the Internet at portlandpirates.com.

The Pirates will return home on Friday, December 19th when they host the Springfield Falcons at 7:05 p.m. They'll be back on the ice of the Cumberland County Civic Center on Saturday, December 20th to host their old rivals, the Providence Bruins, at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for all home games are on sale at the Civic Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets may be ordered by phone at (207) 775-3458, (207) 775-3331 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com.

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