***UPDATE***
The Wolf Pack have signed Paul Crowder to an Amateur Try-Out Contract and has reported to the team. It is unknown at this time (12:50pm eastern) if Crowder will be in the line-up against the Portland Pirates when the two teams face-off at 7pm this evening.
In case you were curious, as we were, as to why a player, who apparently had signed to the Rangers, needs an ATO to play for the Pack, is because according to sources, the deal is more of an "agreed to terms" rather than a signed deal and would start next season. Our guess is that the reason for that "wording" is for salary cap issues.
More later…
Glen Sather announced to day that free agent forward Paul Crowder has been signed by the organization.
Crowder is 24 years of age. The Rangers release states that he’s 6-3 and 202-pounds. Meanwhile on the hockey database he’s listed as 6-2, 180-pounds. He played in 35 games with the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves. The team plays in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). This season, Crowder has registered 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points, along with 44 penalty minutes.
The Seawolves were led by Crowder in assists, points and shorthanded goals (two), tied for second on the club in goals and finished fourth in penalty minutes. In addition, the Victoria, British Columbia native tied for first on the Seawolves with six power play goals, two game-winning goals and a plus-11 rating.
Crowder’s collegiate career has seen him appear in 107 WCHA games all with the UA-A Seawolves, and he recorded 32 goals added 48 assists for a total of 80 points. He also sat in the sin bin for 80 minutes.
While the organization has not said officially that he will be sent to Hartford, you can make a pretty solid bet that is where he’ll be.
Why would the Rangers organization sign an unknown before signing Jordan Owens or Mike Ouellette?
I think Jordan Owens will get a shot at the NHL next season. As much as I like Mike Ouellette both personally and as a player, I think he’s an AHL guy. In all likelihood, Crowder is a signing for the Pack primarily for next season. If you recall, this time last year was when David Urquhart was signed. It’s much the same thing.