BILOXI, Miss. - Mississippi Sea Wolves coach Bob Woods and operating partner Bo McMurphy announced today veteran center Cody Bowtell (BOH-tehl) has signed for the 2002-03 season. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.
Bowtell, 28, returns to the Sea Wolves after splitting last season between Bad Nauhaim EC in Germany and Colorado in the West Coast Hockey League. In 43 games last year, the native of Wainwright, Alberta scored 19 goals and added 23 assists for 42 points to go along with 63 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound veteran has played four seasons with the Sea Wolves, highlighted in 1998-99 by being a member of Mississippi's East Coast Hockey League Kelly Cup Championship team. During the 2000-01 campaign, Bowtell captured the Sea Wolves Most Valuable Player award and represented Mississippi at the East Coast Hockey League All-Star game in Arkansas.
"Mississippi is like my second home. I'm looking forward to having a chance at winning another Kelly Cup Championship for the Sea Wolves," said Bowtell. "Coach Woods was also a factor in my decision. He knows hockey and he's an excellent motivator."
"Cody is a leader and fierce competitor. Those are definitely key ingredients for our team to be successful," said Woods. "I know the kind of player and energy Bowtell brings to the rink. Sea Wolves' fans love him and I look for Cody to be an asset to the team."
"Bowtell is a gamer, who leads by example. I think it's great for the community and the team," said McMurphy. "Cody has a big heart, he's a fan favorite and I think it's a good deal all around. He's not coming here for second place, Bowtell is coming here to win."
Bowtell is the fourth veteran player signed by the Sea Wolves for the upcoming season joining Steffon Walby, Dave Paradise and Patrick Rochon. Mississippi is now at the ECHL maximum for veterans on its roster, with each of the four players totalling more than 250 professional games of experience.
Mississippi opens the season at Baton Rouge on Saturday, October 12.
The home opener for the Sea Wolves is Sunday, October 13 against instate rival Jackson at 5:05 p.m. Parking is free for all home games and season ticket prices have been lowered by as much as $50 per seat. Many surprises for the fans are planned. Don�t miss this season.
For the best seats available, call 228-275-WOLF (9653) or drop by the Sea Wolves hockey office at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
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