AHL Providence Bruins

Six players assigned to Providence by Boston Bruins

September 16, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Providence Bruins News Release


The Providence Bruins announced today that six players have been assigned to the club by the parent Boston Bruins. Goaltender Hannu Toivonen, defensemen Kevin Dallman and Milan Jurcina, center Brad Boyes, and wingers Martin Samuelsson and Colton Orr have all been added to the Providence roster.

"We couldn't be happier with the players that Boston has assigned to us," said Providence Bruins Co- President Jeff Fear. "They are all young stars who will have the opportunity to further develop their games here in Providence. Hannu had a tremendous rookie season last year, and is certainly one of the top prospects in the game. Brad was an AHL All-Star last year and made an immediate impact with us after his acquisition last season. Kevin made outstanding strides last year as a second-year player, and we expect him to have a major impact this season. Martin is among the fastest skaters in the league and has scored over 20 goals in a season here. Milan and Colton both saw significant ice time as rookies last season, and will also play key roles for us."

Toivonen, a 20-year-old native of Kalvola, Finland, had an outstanding season as a rookie in 2003-04. He was 15-16-4 in 36 games, with a 2.30 GAA and .921 save percentage, along with two shutouts. He also led Finland to an unexpected Bronze Medal at the World Junior Championships, played in his native country. Toivonen was Boston's first pick, 29th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Boyes followed up an strong rookie season by being named an AHL Second-Team All-Star in 2003-04. He finished sixth in AHL scoring with 31-41-72 totals in 78 combined games between Providence and the Cleveland Barons. A highly-skilled passer and playmaker, Boyes was acquired by Boston from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for former P-Bruin defenseman Jeff Jillson on March 9. The trade occurred two days after his NHL debut with San Jose. Boyes, 22, was originally selected by his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs with the 24th overall pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Dallman, 23, enters his third professional season. He was the P-Bruins' top-scoring defenseman in 2003-04, posting 6-23-29 totals in 65 games. The 5'11", 190-pound native of Niagara Falls, Ontario was voted by his teammates as the club's Best Defenseman. Dallman, who led the Ontario Hockey League in defenseman scoring in 2000-01 and 2001-02, was originally signed by Boston as a free agent on July 18, 2002.

Jurcina, a towering 6'4", 235-pound native of Liptovsky-Mikulas, Slovakia, enjoyed a solid rookie season last year. He notched 5-12-17 totals in 73 games with Providence, while playing a regular shift throughout the season. Jurcina, 21, was Boston's seventh pick, 241st overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Samuelsson enters his third professional season. A first-round pick (27th overall) by Boston in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, he ranks among the league's fastest skaters. The 6'2", 210-pound native of Upplands-Vasby, Sweden was the P-Bruins' Rookie of the Year in 2002-03 after tallying 24-15-39 totals in 64 games. Samuelsson, 22, has also played in 14 NHL games with Boston.

Orr was the co-recipient of the P-Bruins' 2003-04 Hendricks Memorial Fan Appreciation Award after posting 1-4-5 totals in 64 games while finishing second on the team and among AHL rookies with 257 PIM. Orr, a 22-year-old native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, also made his NHL debut with Boston on January 8. He was originally signed by Boston as a free agent on September 19, 2001.

The Bruins are pleased to offer two current ticket specials. With every book of 10 FlexTix purchased, 2 FREE tickets for Opening Night will be added to the package. Fans can also purchase the Bruins' 3-Game Plan. There are four different 3-Game Plans to choose from, each offering three exciting games for just $24.

The Providence Bruins open their 13th season at home at the Dunkin' Donuts Center Providence on Friday, October 15 at 7:05 p.m. against the Springfield Falcons.

Information for Providence Bruins season ticket packages for the upcoming 2004-05 regular season can be obtained by calling the team ticket office at (401) 273-5000.

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American Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2004


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