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RoadRunners Sign Defenseman Matt Burke

March 14, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners News Release


PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Phoenix RoadRunners of the ECHL, a proud affiliate of the San Jose Sharks and the Worcester Sharks, have announced the signing of defenseman Matt Burke to a standard player's contract. Burke is expected to be in the line-up tonight when the RoadRunners host the Victoria Salmon Kings at 7:11 p.m.

Burke, 23, recently completed a four-year collegiate career at Holy Cross College where he totaled 15 goals, 50 assists, and 65 points in 138 games from 2004-08. The Milton, Mass. native served as Captain of the Crusaders during his senior season, and was selected to the 2007-08 Atlantic Hockey Association All-Conference Third Team after recording three goals and 14 points in 30 games. Burke's 138 collegiate games place him fourth all-time on the Holy Cross career games played list.

Phoenix will conclude their second "Face-Off Against Kids Cancer" with Phoenix Children's Hospital tonight when they take the ice wearing commemorative jerseys dedicated to the program. These jerseys will be auctioned off immediately after the game during a special live auction inside the Toyota Club with the proceeds benefiting the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Caps For Kids, a national non-profit organization which provides hats autographed by athletes and celebrities to children who lose their hair due to the effects of chemotherapy.

"Face-Off Against Kids Cancer" is a program that pairs RoadRunners' players with 20 children from across Arizona who suffer from pediatric cancer. For the past two months, the players and children have participated in a series of social events with the hopes of creating a lasting relationship and increasing awareness about childhood cancer in the community.

Originated by the Mississippi Sea Wolves Hockey Club of the ECHL in 2003 and later duplicated by both the Atlantic City (N.J.) Boardwalk Bullies Hockey Club and the Fresno Falcons Hockey Club of the ECHL, "Face-Off Against Kids Cancer" has touched hundred of lives and raised thousands of dollars in the fight against cancer.

The RoadRunners organization would also like to recognize and thank the Phoenix Zoo and Dad's Catering for their support of the "Face-Off Against Kids Cancer".

Phoenix Children's Hospital is Arizona's leader in pediatric care and is one of the 10 largest free-standing children's hospitals in the nation. The outstanding clinical expertise, as well as high patient volume, and an unwavering commitment to caring only for children, all contribute to Children's leadership position. For information about Phoenix Children's, visit the Hospital's award-winning website at www.phoenixchildrens.com.

The RoadRunners have also teamed up with the Joshua's Hope Foundation for Friday's game to support child victims of domestic violence. The foundation's mission is to provide finances that allow children who are victims of domestic violence to attend sporting and other entertainment events. In support of this cause, the RoadRunners will donate $5 of every $15 advance ticket purchased back to the Joshua Hope Foundation. For more information, contact Brad Shapiro at (602) 379-7790.

Friday is the first ever RoadRunners' "Hairy Back Night" presented by Boxers Men's Salon and 98 KUPD, Arizona's Real Rock,

Fans can submit their hairy back photos to hairybacks@98kupd.com for a chance to be selected as one of four finalists for the game. Each finalist will receive two complimentary tickets and participate in the "Hairy Back" contest on the ice during the first intermission.

The grand prize winner will win a $100 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shops, a $100 gift certificate to the Native New Yorker, a free back waxing courtesy of Boxers Men's Salon, and four glass seats to an upcoming RoadRunners home game.

Great seats are still available beginning as low as $8 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (480) 784-4444, purchasing online at ticketmaster.com or visiting the US Airways Center Box Office. Information on season tickets, half-season packages, and flex plans for the 2007-08 season of Phoenix RoadRunners Hockey are available by calling (602) 462-GOAL.



ECHL Stories from March 14, 2008


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.

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