Thursday, February 13, 2014

Attack to honor Andrew Brunette

Press Release

The Owen Sound Attack is pleased to announce that prior to our home game on February 22nd, a ceremony will be held to honor former Owen Sound Platers star and retired NHL’er Andrew Brunette.

Brunette was a member of the Owen Sound Platers from 1990-1993 and in three seasons, he collected an impressive 295 points including a 62 goal, 162 point campaign in the 1992/1993 season. Brunette was the Owen Sound franchise’s all-time points leader until the 2006/2007 season when his mark was broken by Bobby Ryan, however; Brunette’s point and a half per game average has not come close to being touched.

A Washington Capitals Draft Pick, Brunette spent several years in the American Hockey League before beginning a long NHL career that included 1110 Regular Season games with Washington, Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota (2), Colorado and finally Chicago. During that time, Andrew was considered one of the most durable and consistent players in the NHL, which allowed him to play in 509 consecutive games without having to sit out due to injury from 2002 to 2009.  This span included playing all 82 regular season games in seasons from 2002/2003 to and including 2007/2008.

The Sudbury native was also a consistent contributor on the scoresheet in the NHL. Brunette had eleven straight seasons from 1999/2000-2010/2011 where he scored 15 of more goals and averaged over a half point per game.

Andrew, along with his family will be on hand prior to the game in a special on-ice ceremony that will see a banner of the 62 goal scorer revealed.  Brunette’s banner will join the banners of Kirk Maltby and the late Dan Snyder in the rafters of the Bayshore. Andrew now works as a Hockey Operations Advisor for the Minnesota Wild.

 “We’re very pleased that Andrew and his family could take the time to come over the Olympic Break.”, stated Attack Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Brent Fisher. “Andrew was a big part of the Platers organization and is a player that many people in our area have kept close tabs on as he made his journey through the NHL. It will be special to have him back.”

Attack Public Address announcer Fred Wallace will MC the event, while Attack Director of Business Operations and former Platers General Manager Ray McKelvie, Attack President Dr. Robert Severs and Andrew Brunette will all speak. Andrew’s banner will be revealed by the family and will take its eventual place in the rafters with the others prior to the Attack game on March 1st.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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