Saints Sign Another Forward

Published on September 22, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
San Angelo Saints News Release


SAN ANGELO – San Angelo Saints head coach Ray Edwards has brought another of his former players to the Saints as center Chris Minard has signed for the 2003-2004 season. Minard played last season in Pensacola of the ECHL where Edwards was the asst. coach.

In his first pro season in Pensacola last year Minard notched 15 goals and 17 assists, and recorded 71 penalty minutes in 72 games. Prior to his stint with the Ice Pilots, the Owen Sound, Ontario native had a standout career in the top-level OHL Jr. hockey league putting up 82 goals, 93 assists and 129 PIMS in 253 games. In his final Jr. season he scored 36 goals and 35 assists for 71 points in 67 games. Prior to the Saints' season, Minard will attend training camp with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL.

Minard's connection to Edwards goes back to Edwards' Jr. hockey days when he boarded with Minard's family and formed a close bond to Minard who, at 7 years old, was like his little brother.

"Our history together played a large part in his coming to the Saints," said Edwards. "We will get him some great exposure in Milwaukee's camp and continue his development with our team where I'm confident he will put up some great numbers."

"I know Ray really well and I like how he coaches," said Minard. "With the ECHL on strike, I didn't want to wait around and Ray gave me the opportunity to play for him and to go to an AHL camp, which I'm real excited about."

Minard is the 5th Saints player to land a spot in an AHL training camp. Ryan Finnerty and Trevor Weisgerber will join Minard in Milwaukee's camp, Matt Frick will be in the Cleveland Barons' camp and Scott Reid will be in camp with the Binghamton Senators.

"I've been trying all summer to get into an AHL camp," said Minard. "I'm an all-around player and I'm ready to come in and face whatever challenges Ray has for me."

The Saints now have 19 players signed for the upcoming season. Training Camp starts Oct. 5th with preseason games scheduled for Oct. 10th (home) and 11th (away) against Odessa. Tickets for the home preseason game are free to season ticket holders and will be $7 for all remaining seats. The Saints are also hosting a food drive for the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank at their preseason game on Oct. 10th. Anyone who brings in 3 non-perishable food items can get their preseason game tickets for just $5. Single game tickets for all the Saints home games go on sale Sept. 29th at the Saints office, the convention center and Blair's Western Wear.

Season tickets and multi-game ticket packs remain on sale at the Saints office and at the convention center. For ticket information call 944-6253 or 653-9577.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 22, 2003


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