One time Hartford Wolf Pack and New York Rangers netminder Steve Valiquette was back where he started having signed a Professional Try-Out (PTO) with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
The always jovial Valiquette, one of hockey’s truly nicest guys, took a few minutes after sitting on the bench backing up Kevin Poulin as the Sound Tigers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Springfield Falcons at the Webster Bank Arena At Harbor Yard Saturday night.
Hear our interview with Valli after the jump…
Here’s the official release:
SOUND TIGERS SIGN VALIQUETTE TO PTO
Veteran netminder has appeared in 380 professional games, played with Sound Tigers from 2001-03
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers announced Saturday that they have signed goaltender Steve Valiquette to a professional tryout contract (PTO). Valiquette will serve as Kevin Poulin’s backup in tonight’s game against the Springfield Falcons.
Valiquette, 34, joins the Sound Tigers after appearing in 35 games last season with CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League. The Etobicoke, ON native amassed a 16-14-5 record in 46 career NHL games with the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers.
The 6’6″, 210-pound netminder was a member of the inaugural 2001-02 Sound Tigers team which lost in the Calder Cup Finals to the Chicago Wolves. In two seasons with the Sound Tigers, Valiquette compiled a 25-19-4 record. Valiquette has appeared in 380 professional games and began his professional career in 1997 with the Dayton Bombers of the East Coast Hockey League.
The Sound Tigers host a pair of games this weekend against Northeast Division opponents. The Springfield Falcons make their first visit of the 2011-12 season to Webster Bank Arena tonight at 7:00 p.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. showdown tomorrow afternoon against the Adirondack Phantoms. Tomorrow is Pucks ‘N Paws day, where can bring their leashed dog to their seat for an exciting afternoon of hockey. Raffles, giveaways and a pet adoption booth will be on the concourse.
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
