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ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Travis Rycroft Announces Retirement

October 17, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - Utah Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Colley announced today that captain Travis Rycroft has announced his retirement. Rycroft played in 206 total games with the Grizzlies from 2005-2008. The Grizzlies will honor Rycroft at a to-be-determined home game this season.

"Travis' personality and leadership was so entrenched in this community and in our locker room," said Colley. "He was always there encouraging his teammates to push themselves and always put everything on the line for the team during games, even if it meant being in great physical pain."

"Be it on billboards, radio and television interviews, countless school appearances and youth hockey practices, Travis, as a player, was the face and voice of our organization since arriving here in 2005," said Grizzlies CEO Kevin Bruder. "We will miss him greatly and wish him the absolute best as he continues with his life outside of hockey."

"This was the toughest decision I have made in my life," said Rycroft. "I want to thank everyone for all the support of me and the Grizzlies. Salt Lake was a place I called home and realized that relationships are just as important as accomplishments." Rycroft has written a letter to Grizzlies fans at www.utahgrizzlies.com.

Rycroft is currently living in Denver. He earned a degree in elementary education from Wayne State University where he also played college hockey.

The Grizzlies open the 2008-2009 season Saturday, October 18 at Idaho. The home opening weekend for Utah is Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25 versus Alaska at the E-Center.

The Utah Grizzlies, of the ECHL, celebrate their 15th anniversary season in 2008-2009. Owned and operated by the Elmore Sports Group, the Grizzlies enter their second season and sixth overall as an affiliate of the New York Islanders. South Jordan resident and former Islander Kevin Colley enters his first season as the Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations after serving as Jason Christie's Assistant Coach in 2007-2008 as the team advanced to the National Conference Finals. The Grizzlies play all home games at the E-Center of West Valley City, which hosted hockey during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

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