HAMDEN, Conn. -- Former Quinnipiac University men's ice hockey captain Jamie Bates (Toronto, Ont.) has signed with the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers organization, the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.

This will be Bates' second stint in the AHL after the 6-3, 210-pound forward signed in March with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning organization and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.

Bates' signing follows a stellar four-year collegiate career in which he totaled 52 goals and 77 assists for 129 career points. This past season, he registered 11 goals and 23 assists and was one of four Bobcats to tally 30 points for the year. On November 16, 2007 against Princeton, Bates became the 26th player in Quinnipiac men's hockey history to score 100 career points. Bates finished his career ranked 8th all-time in the school's Division I history and 11th overall.

"I'm very excited for Jamie," said Quinnipiac men's hockey head coach Rand Pecknold. "He was an outstanding player throughout his four years at Quinnipiac. He was exposed to the AHL level earlier this year in Norfolk, which should help him with the Springfield Falcons and hopefully some day with the Edmonton Oilers."

As a junior, Bates ranked among the ECAC Hockey leaders with 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points while also leading the league with 12 power-play goals. As a sophomore, he scored a career-high 41 points as he tallied 21 goals and 20 assists. As a freshman, he ranked among the Atlantic Hockey League's rookie scoring leaders with 17 points after notching six goals and assisting on 11 others.

"This is a big thrill for me," Bates said. "Springfield is practically right down the road from Quinnipiac. I hope to get my shot with the team and prove myself for the future."

Springfield is in the American Hockey League Eastern Conference Atlantic Division along with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Lowell Devils, Manchester Monarchs, Portland Pirates, Providence Bruins and the Worcester Sharks. Last season, Springfield finished the year at 35-35-5-5, narrowly missing the Calder Cup Playoffs by eight points behind Manchester in fourth place.

"From all scouting reports, Jamie is a big and strong forward who works extremely hard," Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon said. "We are excited Jamie will be part of training camp in September." 

Bates becomes the second Bobcat to make an AHL roster in the last two years, joining former team captain and All-American defenseman Reid Cashman. Cashman capped one of the greatest careers in Quinnipiac athletics history by signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization immediately following the 2006-07 season. He has seen action with the AHL's Toronto Marlies in each of the past two seasons, recording four assists in 15 games.