Salmon Kings Sign Duo for 2009-10 Season

Published on July 6, 2009 under 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 organization has signed right wingers Wes Goldie and Curtis Billsten for the 2009-10 campaign.

This season will mark Goldie's fourth with Victoria. The London, ON native played in all 72 games for the Salmon Kings last season, and has played in every regular season (216) and playoff game (26) for Victoria over the last three seasons.

In 2008-09, Goldie led the team with 66 points (48g-18a). He finished the season second in the ECHL in goals with 48. In nine Kelly Cup Playoff contests he tallied seven points (3g-4a), which was tied for top spot among the Salmon Kings.

Goldie was honored by the league on three separate occasions during the 2008-09 season. He was named the CCM TACKS ECHL Player of the Month for December when he tallied 17 points (14g-3a) in 12 games. He was selected to represent the National Conference as a starter at the 2009 ECHL All-Star Game in Reading, PA, but was unable to attend due to injury. Goldie was also named a member of the 2008-09 All-ECHL Second Team.

During the 30-year-old's tenure with the Salmon Kings, he has become the organization's all-time leader in points (201), goals (131), power play goals (43), shorthanded markers (19) as well as game winning goals (17).

For his 10-year professional career he has played in 596 games collecting 554 points (342g-212a). He has also played in 56 playoff games recording 29 goals and 21 assists for 50 points. The 6-1, 200lb forward joined the Salmon Kings after playing seven professional seasons in the ECHL, AHL and LNAH.

Goldie played parts of five seasons in the OHL with the Owen Sound Platers and the London Knights before turning pro. He played in 261 games scoring 131 goals and notching 118 assists. In 28 OHL playoff games he scored 15 goals and counted six assists.

The upcoming season will be Curtis Billsten's second with the Salmon Kings and the second of his professional career. He joined the Salmon Kings on October 28, 2008 after being claimed off waivers from the Idaho Steelheads.

The Calgary, AB native played in 60 games for the Salmon Kings last year, after playing the first two games of the campaign in Boise, ID. Billsten recorded 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points while adding 30 minutes in penalties. He was second on the team in plus-minus rating (+19). During the 2009 Kelly Cup Playoffs, Billsten dressed for three games notching one assist and two minutes in penalties.

In 2007-08, Billsten was a member of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. While playing for UBC, Billsten notched 25 points (14g-11a) in 27 games, while adding 59 minutes in penalties. During his lone season with the Thunderbirds, Billsten led the team in goals (14), power play goals (6), shots (107), and plus minus (+13).

Prior to his time at UBC, the 22-year-old spent parts of five seasons in the WHL and competed for four teams (Kootenay, Lethbridge, Everett and Red Deer). Over his career he played in 279 games collecting 156 points (67g-89a) and 275 minutes in penalties.

The 6-3, 220lb Billsten also played part of a season with the Calgary Royals of the AJHL before joining the Red Deer Rebels. While with the Royals he played in 46 games and scored 11 goals and picked up 10 assists for 21 points.

Season tickets for the Salmon Kings 2009-10 season are already on sale. Catch all the action by calling 250-220-7889, emailing seasontickets@salmonkings.com or by visiting www.salmonkings.com for more information.

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