Saints Sign Gritty Forward

August 28, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
San Angelo Saints News Release

A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, Finnerty comes to the Saints after playing the last two seasons for the Peoria Rivermen of the ECHL where he played with Saints player/assistant coach Derek Booth last year. In 119 pro games he has posted 27 goals, 38 assists and 302 penalty minutes – and has made the playoffs both seasons.

"I'm real excited to get Ryan to come to San Angelo," said Saints head coach Ray Edwards. "He's a gritty player with a lot of character that fills a void we had at the center position."

The 23-year old Finnerty played Jr. hockey for Medicine Hat and Swift Current of the WHL and had his best Jr. season with South-Surrey of the BCHL where he notched 28 goals, 52 assists and 180 penalty minutes in 57 games in 2000-2001. After playing with him last season, Booth saw his potential and worked hard to recruit him to play for the Saints.

"Finnerty is exactly the type of player Ray and I want to bring to the Saints," said Booth. "He is a proven winner and a proven leader and I'm very pleased he will be wearing the Saints' colors this season."

"I want to come to San Angelo, work hard and help the Saints win games," said Finnerty. "My job is to put points on the board, but I also play an all-around game and I want to be a leader on this team as well."

Finnerty joins Matt Frick and Trevor Weisgerber as Saints players who will attend AHL training camps prior to the CHL season.

"I'm looking forward to an exciting and intense training camp in Milwaukee," added Finnerty. "I'm excited to be going and appreciate the Saints giving me this opportunity to further my career."

The Saints now have 8 forwards, 6 defensemen and a goaltender signed for the 2003-2004 season. The team has preseason games scheduled for October 10th and 11th against Odessa, with the home opener set for Oct. 18th against Rio Grande Valley. Season tickets and multi-game ticket and voucher packs are available at the Saints office, 3111 Knickerbocker Road, and at the San Angelo Convention Center.

***Also today, the Saints announced a new contest for the youth of the Concho Valley. Saints goaltender Scott Reid is looking for ideas on what to paint on his goalie mask and the team needs input from all the local and area kids. All NHL goalies and most of the ones in the CHL have creatively painted masks. No ideas will be discounted. The contest for Reid's new mask artwork will run from today until Sept. 25th and is open to everyone 18 and under.

Contestants are asked to mail or drop off their color entries to the Saints office at 3111 Knickerbocker Road, San Angelo, TX 76904. The winner of the contest will get to be a special guest of the Saints on Opening Night, October 18th. He/she will be given access to the locker room and help Equipment Manager Rich Van Patten get the players ready for the game. In addition, the winner will also receive an authentic goalie stick signed by Scott Reid.

Templates that give contestants an idea of the shape of the helmet are available at the Saints office.

Central Hockey League Stories from August 28, 2003

• Wild about the Rayz - Corpus Christi IceRays
• Saints Sign Gritty Forward - San Angelo Saints
• Killer Bees Programs To Benefit Area - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
• Watson and Herauf Added to Roster - Oklahoma City Blazers

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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