Sundogs Re-Ink Veteran Butler for 2011-12 Season
Published on May 4, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Arizona Sundogs Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro announced today the team has re-signed veteran defenseman Tyler Butler for the upcoming 2011-12 Central Hockey League season.
Butler totaled 10 goals, matched a career-high with 36 assists and set a career mark in penalty minutes (126) during the 2010-11 season, his first with Arizona.
"Tyler's leadership on and off the ice speaks to his character both as a player and as a teammate," said Pietroniro. "His play and offensive production regularly ranks him among the league's top defensemen. He has proven himself an important piece for us to build our team around and we're pleased to have him back for the 2011-12 season."
A native of Kanata, Ontario, Butler finished fifth on the team in scoring and ranked seventh among CHL defenseman with 46 points while his 23 power-play assists were second-most among league blue-liners.
The 31-year-old has amassed 232 points (65g/167a) and 442 penalty minutes (PIM) in 374 CHL regular season contests.
During the 2007-08 season while with the Rocky Mountain Rage, Butler recorded career-bests in goals (16) and points (52) and earned a trip to the 2008 CHL All-Star Game, his second career all-star appearance. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman was a mainstay on Rocky Mountain's power play that season, finishing second on the team with 19 power-play assists and third overall with 28 man-advantage points.
During his rookie season with the Amarillo Gorillas in 2003-04, Butler led all first-year defensemen in scoring with 35 points (12g/23a) and was named a finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year.
The veteran of 450 professional games has appeared in 28 postseason contests during his nine-year playing career tallying four goals, seven assists and 18 PIM.
Butler becomes Arizona's first player signed for the 2011-12 season.
The Sundogs, hosts of the 2012 Central Hockey League All-Star Game, are set to open their sixth season of play beginning this October at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Season ticket packages start at less than $10 per game. For more information call (928) 759-6600 or visit www.arizonasundogs.com.
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