SUNDOGS INK TWO MORE FOR 2008-09 SEASON
Former NHL Draft Pick Among Signees

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – The 2008 Central Hockey League Ray Miron President’s Cup Champion Arizona Sundogs today announced the addition of two more players for the upcoming 2008-09 season in forwards Joel Irving and Andre Selander.

2008-09 CHL Off-Season Transactions

Irving comes to the Arizona Sundogs after spending the 2007-08 season with former CHL club, the Youngstown SteelHounds. The former sixth round (148th overall) draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens averaged nearly a point-per-game during the regular season, registering 63 points and 114 penalty minutes (PIM) in 64 appearances. His 26 goals matched a career-best while his 37 assists and 63 points both set career-high marks.

“Joel is a veteran that will help provide leadership both on and off the ice to our younger guys,” said Sundogs Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro. “With Dan (Laperriere) jumping behind the bench this season, Joel will join Chris (Bartolone) to help fill that leadership role. Leadership is vital for a club to succeed, especially in an organization such as ours with a significant emphasis on developing younger players.”

During the 2006-07 season, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound forward split time between the Utah Grizzlies and Bakersfield Condors, tallying 53 points (18g/35a) and 122 PIM in 67 games. The 32-year-old has appeared in 646 games as a professional, including 30 at the American Hockey League level, and has collected 197 goals, 268 assists and 1,172 PIM.

Prior to turning pro, Irving played for four years at Western Michigan University (NCAA). In 139 contests, the Lumsden, Saskatchewan, native registered 25 goals, 30 assists and 222 PIM.

Selander, 24, joins the Sundogs for his first season of professional hockey in North American after spending his entire career in Europe. In 2007-08, the Sweden-born forward appeared in 27 games with Holland-based club, Geleen, netting 10 goals and helping on seven more for 17 points.

“Andre is looking to make the switch to the North American game and we’re happy to help him in his efforts,” added Pietroniro. “There are certainly adjustments that need to be made and we’re expecting him to do so quickly and effectively.”

With the addition of Irving and Selander, the Sundogs now have 11 players under contract for the 2008-09 season. Other players under contract for the upcoming season include returning players Chris Bartolone, Karl Sellan, Jason Visser, Kyle Hood, Tyler Liebel, Rob Lehtinen and Matt Suderman, and newcomers Josh Coyle and Peter Cartwright.