HARTFORD, September 20, 2012: Connecticut Whale general manager Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the team has signed defenseman Sam Klassen to an American Hockey League contract.
Klassen has split his first two pro seasons between the Whale and the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL, after signing as a free agent with the Whale’s parent club, the New York Rangers, July 27, 2009. In 36 games with Connecticut last year, Klassen posted one assist and 18 penalty minutes, and he also saw action in 23 contests with Greenville, scoring one goal and adding five assists for six points and serving 26 PIM.
In his rookie year, 2010-11, the 6-2, 199-pound Klassen tied for the Greenville team lead in +/- among defensemen, and finished fifth overall on the club, with a +16. He also tied for second among Road Warrior blueliners in assists and was third in points, with 3-14-17 in 66 games. He also registered four penalty minutes in three games with the Whale.
Prior to turning pro, Klassen, 23, played four seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades, with career totals of 7-74-81 and 345 PIM in 249 games.
The Whale open their 2012-13 season Friday, October 12 at the XL Center, with a 7:30 PM battle against their in-state rivals the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. At that game, all fans can purchase tickets at the special price of $12 each, and that night will also kick off the Whale’s new Friday night $1 hot dogs and $2 beers promotion.
Tickets for that game, and all Whale regular season home games at the XL Center, are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, through TicketMaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.
Season tickets for the Whale’s 2012-13 AHL season are also available. For information on season seats, and all of the Whale’s many ticketing options, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 548-2000 to talk with an account executive today.
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