Keeping Up With Old Friends

Former Tiger Aaron Slattengren, who was dismissed from Colorado College earlier this year for an academic violation, has signed a contract with the Portland Pirates of the AHL. The Pirates are affiliated with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Slattengren tallied his first professional point with an assist in Portland's win over the Providence Bruins on the 22nd of February.

Speaking of the Providence Bruins, we can't forget about last year's team captain, Mark Stuart. Stuart has played in 59 games for the Bruins this season and has recorded four goals and three assists. Hockeysfuture.com lists Stuart as the Bruins third best prospect, and says that Stuart "is going to be a top four NHL defenseman". Hopefully next year Stuart could start to see some time on the ice in Boston, who drafted him 21st overall in 2003.

Former Tiger and All-WCHA goaltender Curtis McElhinney has spent the season playing for the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights of the AHL. McElhinney has played 26 games this season and boasts a 2.57 GAA - good for eighth best in the league. He also has a .910 save percentage and two shut outs. His record in net is 8-11. McElhinney is a Calgary Flames prospect, taken 176th overall in the 2002 draft.

Yet another former Tiger playing in the AHL this season is Richard Petiot. Petiot, the #116 overall pick in the 2001 draft, has been playing for the Manchester Monarchs. He is currently rated the fifth best prospect in the Los Angeles Kings organization, ahead of familiar names Brian Boyle at No. 6 (Boston College), Noah Clarke at No. 13, and Matt Zaba at No. 17. Other notable Kings prospects include current NCAA players John Curry (Boston University), T.J. Fast (Denver), Joey Mormina (Colgate), and Scott Parse (Nebraska-Omaha), who currently leads the country in scoring with 61 points.

Scott Polaski, one of only three seniors on last year's team, has been playing for the Colorado Eagles of the CHL. In 55 games, he's tallied 16 goals and 20 assists. Polaski is a Phoenix Coyotes draft pick (#180 overall in 2001 draft). Last year he was one of the Tigers' captains.

Brady Greco, who surprised many this summer when he left prior to his senior year, has been playing for the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL. In 29 games, he has collected five goals and five assists, along with 65 penalty minutes. Greco is a Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick (#256 overall in 2003 draft).