Sundogs Lose Two, Roster at 19
Published on December 13, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs Professional Hockey Club today announced that forward Torrie Wheat and defenseman Richard Demen-Willaume are no longer with the Team.
Wheat, who was leading all Central Hockey League rookies in power play goals (8) and was second in scoring with 12 goals, has decided forego the rest of his 2006-07 pro season with the Sundogs and will attend the University of Calgary in Alberta.
Prior to his stint with the Sundogs, Wheat played in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The WHL offers scholarship programs to all of its players and is the leading provider of scholarships to Canadian Universities, totaling 2,300 scholarships to date.
The WHL scholarship program includes tuition, compulsory fees and books to any university, college or technical school in Canada. For every full-season played in the WHL, a full-year of tuition in turn is paid.
"Torrie no doubt played a big part in our team's success up to this point and it's tough to see him leave," said Head Coach/GM Marco Pietroniro. We support all of our players and hope to help advance both their on- and off-ice careers and we wish Torrie the best of luck with his educational pursuits."
Colorado Avalanche draft pick Richard Demen-Willaume has also left the Club being recalled by the Colorado Avalanche to Albany of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Demen-Willaume appeared in nine games with the Sundogs, collecting two assists and 16 penalty minutes. Most recently, Demen-Willaume was on I.R. after a concussion received in a game against Austin on Nov. 22. After being cleared by doctors and activated from I.R., he was recalled to the AHL Affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.
"It's tough to lose a guy like Richard," added Pietroniro. "He's young and has the talent and potential to advance his career to the higher level leagues. The game of hockey in North America is different than in Europe where Richard has played the last five seasons and he was adjusting well."
With the loss of Wheat and Demen-Willaume, the Sundogs' roster now sits at 19. Next up for Arizona is rival New Mexico on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16 in Rio Rancho. Both start times are set for 7:35pm.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2006
- Rage Falls to Oklahoma City, 5-2 - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Ice Bats Battle Divisional Foes - Austin Ice Bats
- Sundogs Lose Two, Roster at 19 - Arizona Sundogs
- RiverKings make trade - Mississippi RiverKings
- Home 4 The Holidays pet adoption to be focus Saturday - Mississippi RiverKings
- Killer Bees place Casey on 14-day injured reserve - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Ice Bats Announce Management Addition - Austin Ice Bats
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