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Todd Nelson Elected to the Pirates Hall of Fame

March 16, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Portland Pirates announced today that Todd Nelson, defenseman for the Portland Pirates from 1993-1995 and current assistant coach of the Chicago Wolves (AHL), has become the tenth member of the Pirates Hall of Fame, presented by Unum, winning this year's on-line vote of Pirates fans. The Pirates Hall of Fame Night presented by Unum and 1440AM/95.5FM WJAB will be on Sunday, April 1, 2007 when the Pirates host the Springfield Falcons at 4:05 PM.

"I'm truly honored to be a part of the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame," said Todd Nelson. "For the few years I was in Portland, especially in 1994, my first championship as a player, it was great to be associated with the players and coaches that were a part of that team. We had guys like Barry Trotz, Byron Dafoe, Olaf Kolzig, Andrew Brunette, and Kent Hulst that all were great competitors and we all played for one another and I can't say enough about my time in Portland," said Nelson, current Assistant Coach for the Chicago Wolves.

While playing for the Pirates, Todd Nelson, an original Pirate, was an offensive threat on the blue line during his career. He finished his career with an average of..58 points per game and helped the Pirates win their first ever Calder Cup. In addition, he finished 8th on the team in scoring in the 1993-94 season as a defenseman. Nelson played in six games with the Capitals during the 1993-94 season, including four playoff games. He returned to the Pirates the following season and again posted strong numbers in 75 games with the team. He scored ten goals and registered 35 assists for a total of 45 points in his final season with the Pirates. At the end of his playing career, he became the head coach of the Muskegon Fury of the UHL, where he won two UHL Championships. In his first two years as head coach, he has posted records of 47-20 and 51-20 for a winning percentage of..628. Nelson is now an assistant coach for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League.

"Todd played an important role in the initial success of this franchise. His work ethic and creativity made him a threat at both ends of the ice. Our fans are proud to have him join the other members of the Pirates Hall of Fame this year," said the Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek.

To be eligible for induction into the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame a player must have played or coached at least 40 games with the Pirates and be at least one year removed from playing with the team. Since being established in 1999, eight players and one coach who have made significant contributions to the Pirates have been inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame. Left wing Andrew Brunette and goalies Byron Dafoe and Olaf Kolzig were selected as charter members in 1999. Right wing Kevin Kaminski followed them in 2000. Defenseman Steve Poapst was inducted in 2001. An original Pirate and former Captain, Kent Hulst was inducted in 2002. Goaltender Martin Brochu was inducted in 2003 and forward Ryan Mulhern in 2004. Last year, former Pirates Head Coach Barry Trotz became the most recent member of the Pirates Hall of Fame presented by Unum.

The induction of Nelson is the second to be made since recent improvements to the Pirates Hall of Fame display, which is presented by Unum and made possible by GetEtched.com. The display is located in the Penalty Box Grill at the Cumberland County Civic Center.



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