Sports stats



Saints Sign Player-Assistant Coach

June 20, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
San Angelo Saints News Release


SAN ANGELO – The San Angelo Saints have signed the team's first new player for the 2003-04 season. Veteran defenseman Derek Booth is coming to San Angelo to help lead the team's defense and will also take on the responsibilities of Player-Assistant Coach.

At 6-1 and 210 pounds, Booth will also add some size to the Saints' blue line. The native of Niagara Fall, Ontario began his pro career in 1991 with the Toledo Storm of the ECHL. He has also spent significant parts of three seasons in the upper level IHL and AHL and played three seasons in Austria. His career numbers include 81 goals, 242 assists and 1,260 penalty minutes in 566 games.

"Signing a player-assistant with the qualities that Derek brings to the organization was one of my top priorities this off-season," said Saints head coach Ray Edwards. "He has excellent defensive skills and can also add scoring from the back line. He will be one of the best defensemen in the CHL."

Booth's best offensive season was 1992-93 when he scored 18 goals and 46 assists for the Toledo Storm. "I was more of an offensive defenseman in my younger days," said Booth from his home in Ontario. "Now I concentrate more on defense and helping the younger guys score and try to get them to the next level." However, as recently at the 2000-01 season Booth scored double-digit goals (12).

Booth and Edwards also have a history together. The two were teammates during their junior careers in the Ontario Jr. Hockey League and played against each other for several seasons in the ECHL.

"Having played with and against Derek over the years has given me a first-hand look at what a great player he is," said Edwards. "He's a tough, strong defenseman who will help us overcome some of the defensive problems the team had last season."

"Ray was one tough guy as a player," said Booth. "He scored more than I did against him, but I won the fights. We have great respect for each other."

As the Saints' player-assistant coach Booth will assist Edwards in recruiting, setting up player housing, immigration issues, travel scheduling and coaching the other players.

"Ray has given me a great opportunity as his player-assistant," said Booth. "After 13 years as a pro player, I'm ready to see the other side of the game and prepare myself to be a head coach one day. I already consider myself a leader and I'm not afraid to step up in the locker room and lead the other players."

Booth is set to arrive in San Angelo on July 15th. He will be accompanied by his wife, Brenda, their 3-year old daughter, Tillar, and 19-month old son, Dawson.



Central Hockey League Stories from June 20, 2003


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.

Other Recent San Angelo Saints Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central