Rivermen Re-sign Fan Favorite Trevor Baker for a Fifth Year
August 15, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
PEORIA, IL (August 15, 2003) â Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jason Christie of the Peoria Rivermen of the ECHL announced today that fan favorite Trevor Baker has been re-signed for the 2003-2004 season, his fifth with the club. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Baker â a 6-foot, 160-pound center â established career highs in goals (23), assists (17) and points (40) in 55 games in 2002-2003. He also racked up 187 penalty minutes (PIM) during the year; he has averaged more than 3.5 PIM per game during his four-year career. Last year, he also competed in 13 games for the team's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Worcester IceCats, collecting 10 PIM.
Christie said Baker epitomizes Rivermen hockey and the commitment players must make.
"He's a guy that steps to the plate for you every night, whether it's his tenacious, gritty play, a fight... against anyone, or a big goal," Christie said. "As a rookie, he was part of a great group of guys that won a championship here. He has the championship assets you look for in a player; he will be there for us down the stretch."
Baker said Peoria is a like a home and believes it is one of the greatest hockey towns in America.
"I've enjoyed growing and developing as a hockey player here under Jason," Baker said. "And the fans have been outstanding. The fans are truly the most loyal and enthusiastic in the ECHL."
During the 2001-2002 season, the 25-year-old native of Edmonton, Alberta tallied 12 points (5g, 7a) in 25 games with 130 PIM with the Rivermen, and he played 15 games for Worcester, notching six points (2g, 4a) with 42 PIM. In his sophomore campaign (2000-2001), he set a career mark for PIM in one season with 228, while collecting 20 points (9g, 11a) in 60 games. That season, he played one game for the Chicago Wolves, then of the now-defunct International Hockey League (IHL).
As a rookie in 1999-2000, Baker posted 21 points (10g, 11a) in just 34 games with 135 PIM. In the team's run to the 2000 Kelly Cup Championship, he registered eight points (4g, 4a) in 18 playoff games with 41 PIM.
Baker completed the last year and a half of his junior hockey career (1996-1999) in Tier II Junior "A" with the Fort Saskatchewan Traders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), collecting 92 points (40g, 52a) in 93 collective games with 316 PIM. He began his junior career in Major Junior "A" with the Prince Albert Raiders, notching 12 points in 73 collective games with 261 PIM over a year and a half.
The Peoria Rivermen are a member of the ECHL â America's Premier "AA" Hockey League. The Rivermen will commence their eighth season in the 31-team league on October 17, 2003, when they face off against the Cincinnati Cyclones on the road. The Rivermen Home Opener is Saturday, October 18, 2003 against the archrival Toledo Storm. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. The Rivermen will host the 2004 ECHL All-Star Game on January 21. Season ticket packages for the 2003-2004 season are available by calling the Rivermen at 309.676.1040.
American Hockey League Stories from August 15, 2003
- Sound Tigers At Hockey Fights Cancer & Pilot Pen - Bridgeport Islanders
- Sound Tigers Announce Flagship Radio Station - Bridgeport Islanders
- Proceeds from Bulldogs Charity Golf Classic to be Donated to McMaster Children's Hospital - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Rivermen Relaunch Web site through Infinity Pro Sports - Peoria Rivermen
- Rivermen Re-sign Fan Favorite Trevor Baker for a Fifth Year - Peoria Rivermen
- Scott Stirling & Kevin Colley Sign Contracts - Bridgeport Islanders
- IceHogs Add More Offense, Toughness with Margettie - Rockford IceHogs
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.
