Virtue Returning to Worcester

Published on July 10, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA - Worcester IceCats President and General Manager John S. Ferguson announced today that the American Hockey League (AHL) club had agreed to a contract with defenseman Terry Virtue. Terms of the multi-year pact were not released.

Virtue was an original member of the IceCats, suiting up for 73 games during the team's inaugural season in 1994-95. He continued with the club through the 1997-98 campaign. Despite playing in the AHL rival cities of Providence and Hartford over the last four seasons, the crafty defenseman continues to pace the IceCats in several all-time categories. He is the all-time Worcester leader in games played (303), assists (108), points (153) and penalty minutes (873).

The former IceCats captain returns to Worcester with a wealth of experience and two AHL Championship rings. Ferguson noted that these characteristics were important to the 'Cats and formed the foundation of the Virtue signing. "Terry is a proven leader, a strong skater and he will give our team good speed in transition. We welcome him back to the organization and trust that he will bring with him and share the experiences gained in winning two Calder Cups."

Virtue's professional career began in 1991 with Roanoke of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He broke into the AHL with Cape Breton two seasons later. The undrafted free agent signed his first National Hockey League (NHL) contract with the St. Louis Blues in January of 1996. The 6-0, 195 pounder was later tendered free agent contracts by the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. Virtue has played a total of five games in the NHL, four with Boston and one with New York.

Virtue's regular season 'Cats totals reflect 303 games, 45 goals, 108 assists and 873 penalty minutes: 303(45/108/153)873. In the four seasons away from the IceCats, the Ontario native logged 33 games against his old mates. In those contests, he scored a total of three goals, 10 assists and 63 penalty minutes: 33(3/10/13)63. His regular season AHL totals include 619 games played and 299 points.

"My family and I are really excited to be returning to Worcester," remarked Virtue. "We made a lot of good friends in the city and have always considered it our second home."

The Worcester IceCats will open the season at Worcester's Centrum Centre on Saturday, October 19th. A full schedule is expected to be available in August. Season ticket packages are on sale now at the new IceCats offices, located at 105 Commercial Street in downtown Worcester. Full season packages begin at only $280, with Flex Packs starting at just $80. For more information, contact an IceCats ticket representative at (508) 752-5000 or 800-830-CATS.

The IceCats are the proud AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues.

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