Thursday, February 2, 2012

SAINTS REACQUIRE AMBURGEY FROM TRI-CITY

Press Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Fighting Saints reconnected with a piece of their past today, acquiring defenseman Tyler Amburgey from the Tri-City Storm, swapping fourth round 2012 Futures Draft picks in the process. Amburgey, part of the Clark Cup-winning Fighting Saints team from one season ago, has scored one goal and added ten assists for the Storm this season. He will wear number 24, his old number with Dubuque, as he joins the Fighting Saints for their games against Youngstown and Indiana in the Key City this weekend.

Fighting Saints Head Coach Jim Montgomery said that he believes brining Amburgey back to the Dubuque roster rectifies a mistake that he made earlier in the year by trading him to the Storm.

“We’re really excited to have Tyler,” he said. “I made a mistake as a general manager at the beginning of the year by deciding to go with four 1991 birthyear forwards (and letting Amburgey go). He and Derek Docken were our top defensive pairing last year. Now that we have a 20-year-old who knows how to play Fighting Saints hockey, I’m really excited to make up for my poor judgment in the beginning of the year.”

Amburgey helped etch his name on the Clark Cup last season by scoring three goals and adding five assists during 55 regular season games. In the playoffs, Amburgey contributed three assists, and consistently shut down opposing forwards in front of goaltender and Clark Cup Playoff MVP Matt Morris.

“I’m really excited to be back,” Amburgey said. “When I heard the news today, I couldn’t have been happier. I’m ready to get back to work and join my teammates on Friday night.”

His teammates are excited to have him as well. Kevin Morris, who skated with Amburgey during the summer and preseason, is looking forward to Amburgey’s addition to the roster.

“It’ll be great to have a veteran presence back there,” he said. “He’s a big kid, he’s really strong, and he’ll definitely help us a lot defensively.”

“He helped us win last season,” added forward TJ Moor, who was also a part of the Clark Cup-winning team. “We had a lot of success with him as a teammate last year, and we’re excited to have him back.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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