PrairieThunder acquires UHL standout Rennette
October 5, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Bloomington PrairieThunder acquired one of the top players in the United Hockey League through a trade that sends defenseman Jeff Brown and a player-to-be-named-later to the Kalamazoo Wings, in exchange for center Tyler Rennette. Rennette, who previously played five seasons for the Rivermen, led the Wings to last year's UHL Colonial Cup Championship, and is regarded as one of the top scorers in the League.
"Since the day I was hired to coach the PrairieThunder I have been trying to work out a trade to get Tyler Rennette on this team," said Booth. "I would really like to thank Kalamazoo for working with us and making this trade happen, I am very happy to have Tyler as a member of this team; this is a big signing for the PrairieThunder."
During the 2005-06 season Rennette saw action in 43 games for the Wings, and recorded 22 goals and 37 assists, for a total of 59 points on the season. In addition, he added 10 more points to his total during the Wings' six-game UHL play-off run last season, which ended when the team accomplished the ultimate league honor by winning the Colonial Cup.
Rennette played for the Rivermen for five seasons from 2000-01 through 2004-05. His most productive season with the Peoria club occurred during the 2002-03 campaign, in which he hit the ice in 65 games and recorded a total of 74 points, including 42 goals and 32 assists, and notched 98 penalty minutes. In his five seasons with the Rivermen, Rennette saw playing time in a total of 267 games, scored 119 goals and added 118 assists, and recorded a total of 197 penalty minutes during regular season play.
The veteran center brings seven years of professional experience to the PrairieThunder. Rennette, who was the second round (#40 overall) NHL entry draft pick of the St. Louis Blues in 1997, is a native of North Bay, Ontario. Head coach Derek Booth is pleased to add such a talented player, who is also a local favorite, to the team's inaugural roster.
"Tyler is a guy that I've played with, and one that has an outstanding shot," said Booth. "He brings a variety of different things to the team, and is a hard and accurate shooter. But not only is he an outstanding player, he's also a great teammate and will provide veteran leadership this season."
The PrairieThunder opens its season with exhibition action on the road against the Muskegon Fury on Saturday, October 7. The game is slated to begin at 7 p.m. at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Mich.
The Bloomington team kicks off its inaugural season at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum on Saturday, October 14 when the Fort Wayne Komets visit for a 7:05 p.m. match-up. Tickets for the season opener are still available by contacting the Coliseum box office at 309-434-2678 or toll free at 1-866-891-9992. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting www.prairiethunderhockey.com. Season ticket packages for 2006-07 are also still available by contacting Jennifer at 434-2692 or Patrick at 434-2664.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 5, 2006
- Season ticket pick-up set for Friday - Rockford IceHogs
- Team Website Turns New Leaf - Port Huron Flags
- PrairieThunder acquires UHL standout Rennette - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- "Chip" proclaimed official name of PrairieThunder mascot - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Beast of the East Bolsters Lineup With Trio of Signings - Elmira Jackals
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.
