PrairieThunder adds veteran Margettie to mix

Published on September 19, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release


Bloomington PrairieThunder coach Derek Booth added another veteran player to his roster Wednesday with the signing of winger Don Margettie, who will be entering his 13th season on the professional level during the 2007-08 campaign.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Margettie has spent the bulk of his career in the Central Hockey League, having played nine seasons during stops at Nashville, San Antonio, Odessa, Columbus, Oklahoma City and Laredo.

Margettie also has played in the WPHL and the United Hockey League with Rockford during the 2003-04 season where he scored 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists).

He spent the final 19 games with Laredo last season after beginning the year at Odessa. The 32-year-old Margettie played four seasons at Odessa and served as team captain before his trade to Laredo.

During his 660-game professional career, Margettie has scored 182 goals and added 286 assists for 468 points. His most productive offensive season was during the 1997-98 campaign with Odessa when he scored 21 goals and added 39 assists for 60 points.

"Don is a guy who competes hard every night out," said Booth, whose team begins play in the new International Hockey League on Oct. 20 at Flint. The PrairieThunder begins its home season Oct. 26 against Fort Wayne at 7:05 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

"He's a skilled player with a fiery competitive style of play," added Booth, who grew up in the same town as Margettie in Niagara Falls, Ontario. "He's not very big size-wise, but he can be very physical. The experience he brings to the team will be a benefit to our younger players."

The left-handed shooting Margettie, who has served 1,770 minutes in penalties during his career, is looking forward to playing for Booth. The two were teammates during the 1998-99 campaign in Abilene.

"I'm really excited about coming to Bloomington and playing for Derek," said Margettie. "It will be a good challenge and opportunity for me. I always looked up to Derek as a player because he always played hard and that's what he demands of his players as a coach.

"I've played with and against some of the guys he's signed to play for the PrairieThunder this season, so I have a pretty good feel for what type of team he is putting together. I like what I see."

Margettie describes himself as a team player, who likes to be the first one in the corners and crash the net.

"I'll take care of my wing position, but I'm also a team player," he said. "If someone from the other team is taking advantage of one of my teammates I'm not afraid to go in and protect my guys. I don't go out looking for fights, but I'll be a leader on the ice.

"The last time a team I was on won a championship was 12 years ago. I'd like to get another before my career is over."

PrairieThunder officials also announced Wednesday that rookies Justin Grant and Gasper Kroselj have signed training camp agreements, bringing the number of players under contract to 19. The PrairieThunder begins preseason training camp Oct. 8.

Season-tickets for PrairieThunder home games are on sale and priced at $560 for the Club section; $460 for premium seats (rows A and B); $380 for general seating (rows C through V) and $325 for upper level (rows W, X, Y and Z, excluding the bar rail).

There are also various partial season-ticket packages, starting as low as $95, on sale. Individuals interested in purchasing season tickets should call 309-434-2664.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 19, 2007


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