Reign Toughen up Right Side
August 23, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ONTARIO, Calif. - The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, have signed right winger Derek Couture to a contract for the 2011-12 season.
Couture split the 2010-11 season between the ECHL's Victoria Salmon Kings and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack / Connecticut Whale. He recorded 19 points (8g, 11a) and 76 penalty minutes in 25 games with the Salmon Kings, 10 points (6g, 4a) and 22 penalty minutes in 20 games with the Wolf Pack / Whale, and skated in the playoffs for both teams.
The 27-year-old played most of 2009-10 with the Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring 20 points (11g, 9a) while receiving 104 penalty minutes in 67 games. Couture also appeared in four games with the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers where he recorded five assists and six minutes in penalties.
The Calgary, Alberta native started the 2008-09 season in Austria with Szekeshfehervar Alba Volan HC, scoring three points (1g, 2a) and recording 97 penalty minutes in 10 games. He returned to North America and joined the ECHL's Elmira Jackals where he registered 20 points (6g, 14a) and 53 penalty minutes in 21 games. He was called up to the AHL's Binghamton Senators for 18 games, notching five points (2g, 3a) and 21 penalty minutes.
The 6-1, 205 lb. winger began his professional career in 2005 with the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights of the AHL. He played the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons with Omaha before he moved to the Quad City Flames (also of the AHL) for the 2007-08 campaign. Couture accounted for 46 points (20g, 26a) and 293 penalty minutes in 188 games over those three years.
Couture competed in WHL junior hockey from 2000 to 2005, four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades and one with the Seattle Thunderbirds. He finished with 106 points (48g, 58a) and 578 penalty minutes in 254 games.
Remember that the Reign's regular season opener is Friday, October 14, 2011. Season tickets are on sale now, with mini-plans starting as low as $85. Call us today to secure the best seats in the arena, as you won't want to miss a minute of the action! Call (909) 941-PUCK (7825) or visit us on the web at www.ontarioreign.com .
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