UHL top scorer secured by Salmon Kings

Published on August 16, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC- The Victoria Salmon Kings, affiliate of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks and the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with prestigious power forward, David Wrigley. He joins the Salmon Kings in his ECHL debut.

The 6'0", 200-lb Winger carries with him impressive numbers from both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-1 league and the United Hockey League (UHL). Wrigley was a Mercyhurst College Lakers recruit from the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League's (OPJHL) Class of 2001. In his stint with the Couchiching Terriers of the OPJHL, he tallied 125 points (64 goals, 61 assists) in 47 games.

"This is a very exciting addition to our front line," said Dan Belisle, Vice-President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. "David has been a proven goal scorer wherever he has played, junior, college and last season in the UHL. David has developed into a strong prospect and we are excited about bringing him to Victoria to further his development. We look forward to his contribution to our success this season."

COLLEGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The native of Washago, ON was recognized with five prominent titles throughout his four seasons with the Mercyhurst College Lakers. In 2001-02, his Freshman year, Wrigley posted 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists) in 36 games, and more than doubled that effort in his Sophomore season, gathering 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 35 games, with three of those goals being game-winners. In both those seasons, the Lakers were the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Regular Season Champions. In 2002-03 they earned the MAAC Tournament Championship, while Wrigley was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and named to the All-Tournament Team.

Wrigley made more leaps and bounds in his Junior and Senior seasons with the Lakers, leading the squad in goals both years. In 2004 he was named to the All-Conference Team and finished with 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 34 games. Within the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA), he placed third in goals, tied second for game-winning goals (4), and was named AHA Player of the Week twice. At the end of the 2005 campaign, his final year, he ranked second in points in the AHA with 38, second in goals with 18, and was tied for first in game-winning goals (4). He also finished with a +7 rating, scored 7 power play goals, was named to the All-Conference Team, the All-Tournament Team, and again led the Lakers to a Tournament Championship.

PRO ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The 26-year-old made a quick transition to the UHL, playing four regular season games and seven playoff games with the Muskegon Fury, after his Senior season in the NCAA. He helped the Fury finish first overall (51-20-9) in the UHL and they went on to capture the league championship Colonial Cup.

Wrigley exploded in his first full professional season with the Fury in 2005-06. Still playing as a rookie, he recorded 84 points (42 goals, 42 assists) in 76 games, a +29 rating, 16 power play goals, 4 shorthanded goals, and 9 game-winners. These numbers ranked him in the UHL at first in goals as a rookie, second in points as a rookie, and second in power play goals, game winners, and shorthanded goals overall. He holds the league individual player game high for his +6 rating in one game.

His contribution earned him a spot on the 2005-06 UHL All-Rookie Team roster and a visit to the UHL All-Star Classic, and he led the Fury to the semifinal series.

"I am very excited about playing in Victoria," said Wrigley. "I like the way the organization is heading, and I want to be part it. I appreciate the opportunity to move up in my career one step at a time."

Check out Salmon Hunt 2006, the Salmon Kings fishing derby, on August 26 and 27. Tickets can be purchased at Pedder Bay Marina, Island Outfitters, Sherwood Marine, and the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Gate #3), and proceeds through the Victoria Salmon Kings Foundation will be donated to the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society. The two-day derby is supported by the Times Colonist, 100.3 the Q, the Zone at 91.3, and CHTV.

Join the Salmon Kings for their first home game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Wednesday October 25th against the Idaho Steelheads. Ask about our Season Ticket Mini Packs: Half-Season Tickets, Flex Pak (12 vouchers you can use anytime!), Super Saturdays, and Crazy 8's. Prices start at just $99. Call (250) 220-7888.

Take advantage of our Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities. Contact Tom Sponarski, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (250) 220-2605 or Dave Des Roches, Account Executive, at (250) 220-7890.

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