Bye-bye Bertuzzi

JUNE 27, 2008 -- ANAHEIM -- The Anaheim Ducks have placed Todd Bertuzzi on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract.

If Bertuzzi is not claimed, he will clear waivers tomorrow morning (June 28) at 9 a.m. Pacific Time.

“Todd Bertuzzi is a quality person who we believe can still play at the NHL level,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “Unfortunately, we are handcuffed by our salary cap situation. We thank him for his efforts last year and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Scott Niedermayer to return to Ducks

JUNE 26, 2008 -- ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks announced today that defenseman Scott Niedermayer will return to the team for 2008-09 NHL season.

“It’s no secret what Scotty has meant to this organization over the past three years,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “Needless to say, we are thrilled he’s returning to play for the upcoming season.”

Niedermayer has won four Stanley Cup championships and is the only player in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship, World Cup, Memorial Cup and World Junior title. He helped lead the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2007, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player.

A native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Niedermayer has appeared in 209 games with Anaheim since signing as a free agent on Aug. 4, 2005, collecting 36-121=157 points with a +12 rating and 198 penalty minutes (PIM). A James Norris Trophy winner as the most valuable defenseman in 2004, the 34-year-old blueliner has been named to five NHL All-Star teams during his 17-year career. Since making his NHL debut in 1991-92, Niedermayer has scored 148-485=633 points with a +184 rating and 676 PIM in 1,101 career NHL games.

“I had a great time last season after returning to the team,” said Niedermayer. “I’m excited about having another opportunity to win, and fully expect this team to be competing for another Stanley Cup next spring.”

Nonis new advisor

JUNE 20, 2008 -- ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League Club has named Dave Nonis Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations. Nonis will work closely with Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke, Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Bob Murray and Assistant General Manager David McNab on all hockey-related issues for the upcoming NHL season.

Nonis spent the last 10 years with the Vancouver Canucks organization. He spent the first six seasons as Senior Vice President, Director of Hockey Operations (1998-2004) before being promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager in May 2004. Under his leadership, the Canucks produced the best season in franchise history in 2006-07, setting club records for both points (105) and wins (49) in a single season. In addition, Nonis negotiated a blockbuster trade with Florida on June 23, 2006, bringing goaltender Roberto Luongo to Vancouver.

Prior to joining the Canucks, Nonis was the Manager of Hockey Operations for the National Hockey League for four seasons (1994-98). During his tenure with the NHL, he became a Collective Bargaining Agreement specialist, helping to finalize sections of the document when the previous edition was drafted prior to the 1994-95 season. Nonis originally broke into the NHL with the Canucks in 1990 where he was responsible for corporate contracts, computer scouting and team services.

A native of Burnaby, British Columbia, Nonis played for the Burnaby Bluehawks (British Columbia Junior Hockey League) from 1982-84. He then played four seasons at the University of Maine, serving as team captain in 1987 and 1988 while also leading the club to consecutive NCAA Frozen Four appearances.

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Ducks announce affiliation agreement with AHL Iowa Stars

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed a multi-year affiliation agreement with Iowa of the American Hockey League (AHL).

“We are thrilled to be affiliating with the Schlegel family in a great hockey market such as Des Moines,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “The Ducks are very excited to have an opportunity to work with an ownership and management team that’s as committed to winning as we are. We would like to thank the Portland Pirates and their fans for their tremendous support over the last three years.”

The Ducks spent three seasons affiliated with the Portland Pirates of the AHL, beginning in 2005-06. As an Anaheim affiliate, Portland posted an overall record of 135-76-13-16 for 299 points in 480 games (.623 winning percentage). The Pirates also made deep runs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, advancing to Game 7 of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals in two of the last three years. Since the start of the 2006 postseason, the Ducks and their AHL affiliate have combined to win 10 playoff rounds, more than any other NHL organization in hockey (NHL/AHL).

Over the last three years, 18 players have graduated from the Ducks’ AHL affiliate to make their NHL debuts with Anaheim. Those players include: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Kent Huskins, Ryan Carter, Bobby Ryan, Drew Miller, Petteri Wirtanen, Andrew Ebbett, Dustin Penner, Ryan Shannon, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Rome, Trevor Gillies, Curtis Glencross, Zenon Konopka, Tim Brent, Bjorn Melin, and Michael Wall.

The Iowa Stars, purchased by Bob and Kirby Schlegel in October 2005, made their AHL debut as an affiliate of the Dallas Stars in 2005-06 and qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of their first two seasons. As Iowa’s lone professional hockey team, they have attracted over 550,000 fans to Wells Fargo Arena since joining the AHL.

In addition to the AHL, Des Moines is home to the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and two Midwest High School Hockey League (MHSHL) teams: the Oak Leafs and Capitals. Iowa has been active in the community since its AHL debut through team appearances, the creation of new youth hockey leagues and charitable events that have raised more than $100,000.

Iowa is scheduled to announce its team name, logo and colors in July.

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2008 Western Hockey Network 

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