SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Sign Neal For 2003-2004 Season

Published on August 14, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—The Memphis RiverKings agreed to contract terms today with forward Jay Neal, who has helped the ‘Kings capture two consecutive President's Cup titles. For season tickets call the RiverKings office at (662) 342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com.

Neal said he is glad the terms of the contract have been set in stone, signed and put away.

"Now I can focus on the season," Neal said. "This is where I wanted to play this year, and this is where I want to win."

RiverKings Head Coach Jim Wiley said Neal's presence is a welcome one as the coaching staff builds their team for the upcoming season.

"It's exciting to have Jay back," Wiley said. "He brings not only a wealth of skill, but also a great deal of experience. One of the variables of success is having experienced players on the team, and Jay will certainly provide that."

RiverKings Governor Kevin Ryan said Neal's acquisition bodes well for the team.

"He's been a big part of our two championships," Ryan said. "He's an experienced guy and we expect a lot of him. The fact that he can move from center to defense so easily makes him a tremendous asset."

Neal said he welcomes the growth and challenges of playing under the new leadership of Jim Wiley, who replaced former head coach Doug Shedden when he took the head coaching position with the St. John's Maple Leafs of the AHL in June.

"There's been a lot of changes going on this summer with the coaching change and all," he said. "I'm glad it worked out for both sides. My wife and I are happy here and look forward to the same success we've enjoyed over the past two years.

"Jim has been great in this whole situation and he's been honest with me. I'm really looking forward to working with Jim and going after the new challenges this season. There's another cup waiting at the end of the season and we need to keep it here. I definitely consider it ours."

Neal and the RiverKings have been talking with Ronald McDonald House, which serves as a home-away-from-home for families of children who are being treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, about a community investment project. The RiverKings would provide a designated amount of tickets to the house for one game each month so families could attend. Neal would serve as an ambassador to the families staying at the facility.

"I'm looking forward to building on what we have in place with the Ronald McDonald House," Neal said. "I'm looking forward to providing a smile to the kids and some entertainment to the families, and to just doing a small part to make a difference."

The 6-foot, 195-pound right-wing from Oshawa, Ontario totaled 20 goals, 61 points and 53 penalty minutes in 57 regular-season games this past season. In 14 playoff games, Neal had twelve points and 72 penalty minutes.

"I'm ready for the season to start," Neal said. "I feel like a rookie."

Neal and wife Kelly have one daughter, Peyton, who is 20 months old and are expecting another child soon.

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