SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Trio to Take Part in St. John's Training Camp

Published on October 1, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


The Memphis RiverKings are pleased to announce that veteran forwards Don Parsons, Kahlil Thomas and Jay Neal will take part in a series of three games with the St. John's Maple Leafs, the team's AHL affiliate.

The RiverKings trio will get a chance to demonstrate their skills while helping out former Memphis coach Doug Shedden during the games, which will take place at three different sites around the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Forward Jay Neal said that he and his teammates were happy to be heading to St. John's training camp to help out their former coach.

"It's nice to get a call-up like that from Doug (Shedden)," said Neal, who has previous experience at the AHL level. "We're all excited, but I don't think we're under any illusions as to why we're going up there. We're going there to get in shape and help Doug out, because they're short-staffed in camp."

Neal, who along with Parsons and Thomas has helped pilot the RiverKings to two consecutive President's Cups, hopes that his teammates will get a chance to play together in game situations.

"It'd be great if Donny and Kahlil and I could play on the same line while we're up there," said Neal.

Parsons, who has won two consecutive CHL Most Valuable Player awards, is similarly excited about the chance to take part in an AHL training camp, as well as a chance to reunite with his former coach.

"First of all, it's great to be able to play for Coach Shedden again," said Parsons. "We're all really grateful that he's given us this chance to help out in St. John's during training camp.

"Plus, we'll be training against a higher level of competition, and that can only make us better as players."

Thomas, who also has played previously at the AHL level with the Rochester Americans, is looking forward to getting in shape at that level.

"Getting called up gives us a chance to skate at really high intensity," said Thomas. "Everything is high intensity in the AHL. I'm glad we'll get to do our cardio training there."

RiverKings Coach Jim Wiley, who has both played and coached at the AHL level, is happy that the Memphis trio is getting a chance to participate in St. John's camp.

"We're obviously very excited for the three of them," RiverKings head coach Jim Wiley said. "It's every player's dream to be able to show what they can do at a higher level, and I couldn't be happier for Don, Jay and Kahlil. Obviously, these players have done very, very well during their tenure here for their coach to give them the opportunity to move up when the numbers dictate."

The Memphis RiverKings will drop the puck on the 2003-04 season on October 17, as they start their title defense in Oklahoma City. For ticket information, contact the RiverKings office at (662) 342-1755.

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