September 18, 2008

Craig Returns to Utah

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- Utah Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Colley announced today that former Quinnipiac forward Matt Craig has signed with the team for the 2008-2009 season. Craig played for the Grizzlies from 2005-2007 and spent last season with the Idaho Steelheads.

The Grizzlies are proud to be the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

An ECHL All-Star during his rookie season in 2005-2006, Craig earned AHL call-ups to the Manitoba Moose during his first two pro seasons with Utah as well. In 2007-2008, the Ontario native tallied 10 goals and 16 assists in 26 games with the Idaho Steelheads.

“I was in Utah last year as the Grizzlies made their playoff run and it just made me hungrier to get back and be part of that excitement,” said Craig. “After a season away, I missed the city and the people and I’m looking forward to returning and helping the organization get back to the level of last year and beyond.” Craig has lived in Utah fulltime since coming to the Grizzlies as a rookie in 2005-2006.

“Matt has planted his roots in Utah and it is important for us to have players here who are invested in our community,” said Colley. “He is also a very talented forward who can create things offensively.”

The Grizzlies open the 2008-2009 season Saturday, October 18 at Idaho. The home opening weekend for Utah is Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25 versus Alaska at the E-Center.