WHL HEADLINES
LATER SIGNS WITH LEAFS – Toronto, Ontario — Defenceman Steven Later has been rewarded for putting together an oustanding season in the Western Hockey League by signing his first professional contract.
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rThe Brandon Wheat Kings have confirmed that the 20-year old Winnipeg product has signed an American Hockey League contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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rObtained from the Prince George Cougars during the 2003-04 campaign, the former Manitoba Junior Hockey League enjoyed a banner season in 2004-05, finishing second in scoring among WHL blueliners with fourteen goals and 63 points in 70 games. The 6’4″ 210 lb blueliner also accumulated 220 minutes in penalties.
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rLater was also instrumental in leading Brandon to its first WHL Eastern Conference Championship in seven years, finishing atop the playoff scoring among blueliners with six goals and 21 points in 23 games.
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rDuring his three years in the WHL, Later played in 139 games, scoring 18 goals and 76 points.
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rUndrafted, Later was chosen the Wheat Kings Top Defenceman this past season and becomes the third member of last year’s team to come to terms with an NHL club. Both captain Tim Konsorada and Lance Monych inked deals with Columbus and Phoenix respectively last summer. Veterans Ryan Stone and Eric Fehr were chosen by Pittsburgh and Washington in the 2003 NHL Entry draft. However, both have yet to come to terms with their respective clubs.
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rFinancial terms as well as the length of Later’s new AHL deal have not been disclosed.
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rThe Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate – the Marlies – will play in Toronto this coming season.
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rAMERICANS ASSISTANT COACH RESIGNS
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rKennewick, WA – The Tri-City Americans today announce the resignation of assistant coach Bruno Baseotto for personal and family reasons.
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râWe respect and honor Bruno’s decision and would like to thank him for the year he spent with us,â? said Americans vice president/general manager Bob Tory. âWe wish Bruno all the best in the future.â?
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