Killer Bees Net Burton
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HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that former Colgate forward Tyler Burton has signed with the team for the 2010-11 hockey season. Burton has accepted a American Hockey League tryout invitations and will join the Killer Bees if they he does not make an AHL roster.
Burton, 25, was a standout at NCAA Division I Colgate University (2004-08) and averaged almost a point-per-game, collecting 155 (82-73-155) points in 158 contests. Following his senior season, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound forward signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Lowell Devils of the American Hockey League. He appeared in six games for the primary affiliate of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and posted a goal and an assist (1-1-2). In 2008-09, he split his first full pro season between the Trenton Devils of the ECHL and Lowell, skating in 27 combined games while scoring 19 points (10-9-10) and adding 18 penalty minutes (PIM).
“Tyler’s professional experience will be invaluable to our team,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “He has scored at every level he has played at from junior hockey, throughout college and as a pro. He is a talented offensive player who will add skill and depth to our team. It is a compliment to our organization that he will be attending Houston’s AHL training camp.”
A Langley, British Columbia native, Burton ranked first on Colgate’s all-time list for games played (158), sixth in goals (82) and tied for 16th in points (155) with current St. Louis Blues forward Andy McDonald. Burton led the team in scoring three of his four seasons. As a senior, he served as an alternate captain and led the ECAC conference with a career-high 41 points (23-18-41) while also leading Colgate with 23 goals.
“I’m excited to be part of the Killer Bees organization,” Burton said. “I’ve had some great talks with Coach Brooks and it seems like a great fit. I have a chance to play well in Houston and see where that leads but I’m looking forward to playing in the Valley.”
