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Salmon Kings acquire high-scoring Veteran talent

September 6, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC- The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with 31-year-old Joel Irwin. He becomes the third Veteran added to the Salmon Kings 2006-07 roster.

The 5'10", 185-lb Right Winger is a six season veteran of the ECHL, and has amassed 281 points (117 goals, 164 assists) in 350 games between the Richmond Renegades, Greensboro Generals, Pee Dee Pride and Stockton Thunder. In five full seasons in the ECHL, Irwin has averaged over 23 goals per season, and has consistently been among the top three scorers on each team for which he has played.

Last season with the Thunder, Irwin was an assistant captain and led the first year team with 68 points (25 goals, 43 assists) in 68 games. He was honoured by the ECHL as the In-Glas-Co player of the week (March 6-12) by scoring 3 goals and adding 6 assists for 9 points in 4 games with the Thunder.

"Joel is a proven goal scorer in the ECHL and is a valuable addition to our front line," said Dan Belisle, Vice-President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. "We expect Joel to play an important role on this team, using his experience and leadership as we strive towards our goals. We look forward to the skill and energy he will bring to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre this winter"

His professional career includes a season with the Newcastle Vipers of the British National League (2002-03) in which he placed second in team scoring with 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists), and 34 games with the Berlin Preussen SC of the German Oberliga (2004-05) in which he tallied 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists).

"Joel is a well-rounded forward with a good scoring touch, who is capable of leading us to success," said Head Coach Tony MacAulay.

The native of Kamloops, British Columbia spent four years at Ferris State University (NCAA Div 1) from 1995-99, where he scored 111 points (48 goals, 63 assists) in 150 games for the Bulldogs. He earned the team's Rookie of the Year in 1995-96 and was named Captain in 1998-99. Irwin placed second on the Bulldogs' scoring sheet in both his junior and senior seasons.

"There have been a lot of good things said about this organization, and I wanted to take the opportunity to be part of a ground breaking season," said Irwin. "I look forward to playing in front of Canadian fans again."

The Salmon Kings regular season begins on Friday October 20th in Anchorage, AK against the Aces. Their first home game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is on Wednesday October 25th against the Idaho Steelheads.

Salmon Kings ticket Mini-Packs start at only $99. Call today (250) 220-7888. We're ready for hockey. How about you?

Support your Salmon Kings through our Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities. Contact Tom Sponarski, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (250) 220-2605 or Dave Des Roches, Account Executive, at (250) 220-7890.

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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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