April 1, 2008
Turris Leaves Wisconsin, Signs with Phoenix Coyotes
CHN Staff Report
Wisconsin freshman center Kyle Turris has signed with the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, the team that selected him with the No. 3 overall draft pick in last summer's NHL entry draft.
Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney made the announcement on Monday, though terms of the entry-level contract were not disclosed.
Turris amassed 11 goals and 24 assists in 36 games during his rookie season, becoming just the fourth Badger in school history to lead the team in scoring. The New Westminster, B.C., native also led Team Canada to the gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring a team-best eight points during the tournament.
"We are very excited to sign Kyle and have him join the Coyotes organization," said Maloney. "He is a very talented player and is a big part of our future. By adding him to the roster, we hope to give him valuable experience that will help him heading into next season and beyond."
Turris, named to the All-WCHA Third Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team, helped lead Wisconsin to the NCAA tournament, where the Badgers ultimately fell to North Dakota in overtime in the Midwest Regional Final.
Turris, the sixth early departure during Mike Eaves' coaching era and the fifth over the past three seasons, is expected to be in coach Wayne Gretzky's Phoenix lineup beginning on Thursday at home against Dallas.
The Coyotes close their season with games at Dallas on Friday and at Anaheim on Sunday.
Let it begin!!
Apr 1 2008, 5:02 am by
Yeah, I think everyone knew this was coming.
Apr 1 2008, 10:12 am by Chris H, Grand Forks ND
I know it's hard to live up to expectations, but I thought he'd be better than he showed. Was it because his team was kind of blah?
Apr 1 2008, 3:09 pm by Stuey, WI
Listening to the PA and Dubay out of Minneapolis this morning. Coach Lucia was on talking about Wheeler, and I thought he mentioned that not only are Turris and Wheeler draft picks of Phoenix, but so are Porter and Kolarick from Michigan. Is this true?
Apr 1 2008, 5:35 pm by Jeff, Fargo
No wonder Turris didn't even contribute this weekend!!!! LOSER! Why did he even bother to show up? Sure, he led all Badgers in points, because we have the youngest team...You didn't live up to your expectations you mediocre let down. He's kind-of small and light to play in the NHL right now- I think. If he thought UND beat on him this year, he's going to find-out real soon what reality is.
Apr 1 2008, 6:34 pm by Scott, Madtown WI
Jeff, Lucia basically said that he wouldn't be shocked if Wheeler signed this off season. In fact he sounded reserved to the fact that Wheeler is going to go pro. On the Hockeybuzz.com blog one person said that Wheeler doesn't want to sign with the Yotes so who knows what is the truth.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=38749&forum_id=1&page=last
Apr 1 2008, 11:10 pm by Melvin, Grand Forks
To Jeff, Fargo
Porter and Kolarik were both taken by Phoenix in the 2004 draft. Porter was 4th round and Kolarik was 7th.
Apr 2 2008, 12:28 pm by JM, Minneapolis
