Sanford Summoned, Backman Back

Published on February 25, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA - St. Louis Blues Senior Vice President and General Manager Larry Pleau today announced a pair of transactions involving the Blues and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Worcester IceCats. Goaltender Curtis Sanford was recalled to Missouri, while defenseman Christian Backman was returned to the IceCats.

Sanford's promotion comes on the heels of an outstanding weekend for the IceCats. The 5-10, 187 pounder stopped 33 of 34 in a 2-1 overtime victory in Springfield last Friday night. His encore was a 20 save shutout over the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday afternoon. It was the third shutout of the season for the Owen Sound, Ontario born backstop.

Sanford made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut in a relief appearance on October 17th. His first NHL start came the following game against the Dallas Stars. He grabbed the win by making 23 saves. Sanford was sidelined on October 24th in Edmonton and was subsequently assigned to Worcester. With the 2002-2003 'Cats, he has established a record of 14-11-5-2 with a 2.46 save percentage and a .916 save percentage.

Backman is in his first North American professional season. The Alingsas, Sweden native made his first appearance in the NHL on February 11th in Buffalo and has appeared in three games for the Blues in two different stints. He has yet to record a point with St. Louis. The Blues first round selection, 24th overall in the 1998 Entry Draft has participated in 53 games for the IceCats and has gathered seven goals and 15 assists: 53(7/15/22). He is second on the club in scoring among defensemen.

The IceCats next home game is Friday, February 28th at 7:05 PM versus the Portland Pirates. The Stanley Cup will be on display throughout the evening. Game tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Box Office at Worcester's Centrum Centre.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 25, 2003


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