Thirteen Special Olympics Teams in Metro Atlanta Play Softball in McDonough Saturday

/PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics athletes from metro Atlanta areas will play softball Saturday, Oct. 24 at Heritage Park in McDonough, hosted by Henry County Parks and Recreation Department.

Competition begins at 9 a.m. and teams will play double eliminations. Tournament plaques will be given out to first through fourth place finishes. Teams are from the following counties: Cherokee, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Peach and Rockdale counties. Scores will be used as qualifiers to compete in State Games.

SOGA partners with 86 parks and recreation departments to put on competitions for local athletes. These departments host competitions, provide staff to help run the event and offer programs through its therapeutic recreation division for people with intellectual disabilities. SOGA provides sports equipment, arranges for free medical screenings for athletes and helps publicize the new sports offerings.

Interested Parks and Recreation departments should call 1-800-866-4400 ext. 104 for more information.

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Fayette: New Youth Air Rifle Club Sets Open Registration Date

Fayette County Shooting Sports has announced the date of the first parent’s orientation and open registration which will be held on August 8, 2009 at Autrey’s Armory in Fayetteville at 10:00 am. Parent’s interested in learning more about the programs that will be offered for youth’s age 9 to 15 are encouraged to attend this informative session. More information will also be available at www.eteamz.com/fcss.

Fayette County Shooting Sports will offer in its inaugural season a one day basic air rifle safety course and an 8-week Junior Olympic style four position development program.

The basic safety course is tailored to those who have or will soon have an air rifle for home use, but it’s also a pre-requisite for participating in the four position development program.

The four position development program is for those who simply want to improve their marksmanship skills as well as those who want to experience the excitement of air rifle competitions and possibly realize their Olympic dreams.

The club has six USA Shooting Level 1 Coaches, which is the governing body of the nation’s Olympic shooting program.

Although the club is new to Fayette County, Club President Todd Day stated he "would like for everyone to know that the leadership of this club has been working together for years as leaders in the local scout program and as instructors and range safety officers for the ranges at the Boy Scout’s Camp Thunder in Molena, GA. "

Day continued, “We look forward to the opportunity to bring the air rifle program to Fayette County. We spent a lot of time last year at Camp Thunder working with boys from all over this region but at one point we realized that over 30 boys participating in that multi-county program were from right here in Fayette.”

Another reason that Day gave for starting this new program was that it will enable the club to meet more often and to offer those who want to enter the competitive side of the sport a better opportunity to compete with different organizations. It will also open up an opportunity for the girls to compete.

Air Rifle programs have a very safe track record; many clubs advertise that it’s the safest sport a child could sign up for. These clubs also serve a bigger purpose than training future Olympians. The programs teach self discipline, emotional control, concentration, goal setting, teamwork and fair play to name a few life skills. It’s also one of only a few sports that the girls compete against the boys and often win. Strength, size and coordination are often not a measure of success in this program. Desire and work ethic are much more important to success.

For more information, visit the club’s website at www.eteamz.com/fcss.
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Thrashers Re-Sign Restricted Free Agent Defenseman Boris Valabik

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Boris Valabik to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Valabik, 23, recorded five assists and 132 penalty minutes in 50 games with the Thrashers last season. He recorded his first career NHL point (assist) on Dec. 10 vs. the New York Rangers and registered a season-high three-game point streak from Dec. 20 to Dec. 23, posting three assists in that span.

The 6-7, 240-pound defenseman has appeared in 57 career NHL games with Atlanta, earning five assists and 174 penalty minutes. Valabik has also played in 119 career games for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League where he has registered 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) and 434 penalty minutes. During the 2008 post-season, he tallied four points (three goals, one assist) and helped the Wolves capture the Calder Cup Championship.

Prior to his professional career, Valabik accumulated 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) and 725 penalty minutes in 163 career games with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. The Nitra, Slovakia, native has represented his country in international competition four times, including the 2009 World Championships as well as the 2005 and 2006 World Junior Championships and the 2004 World Under-18 Championships.

Valabik was selected by the Thrashers in the first round, 10th overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Thrashers Sign 2009 First-Round Draft Choice Evander Kane

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Evander Kane, the team’s first round (fourth overall) choice in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kane, 17, recorded 96 points (48 goals, 48 assists) in 61 games for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League last season. He led the WHL in power play goals (23), ranked second in goals and game-winning goals (10), and placed fourth in points. He led the Giants in goals, ranked second in points, and finished third in assists and plus/minus rating (plus-51). He added 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 17 playoff games while leading his team to the WHL Western Conference Finals. He was named to the 2009 WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and also competed in the CHL Top Prospects Game.

The 6-1, 185-pound left wing won a Gold Medal with Team Canada during the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, recording six points (two goals, four assists) in six games. The World Junior Championships marked his second international Gold Medal in six months after winning the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Slovakia as a member of Canada’s Under-18 team.

Kane has posted 138 points (73 goals, 65 assists) and a plus-73 rating in 134 career WHL games with Vancouver. He has added 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 32 post-season games with the Giants. A native of Vancouver, Kane made his WHL debut in 2006-07, scoring one goal in eight regular-season games and appearing in five post-game contests en route to capturing the Memorial Cup Championship.

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Fayette County to Host the Georgia Games' 2009 Lacrosse Championships

The Georgia State Games will be bringing their annual State Games Championship to Peachtree City this summer for the Youth Lacrosse Tournament.

Each participant gets a free commemorative t-shirt and top athletes receive bronze, silver or gold medals! The tournament will be held at the Peachtree City Baseball and Soccer Complex, and all middle and high school teams are encouraged to come out and compete for the gold!
The Georgia Games is a non-profit organization created as a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games that took place here in Atlanta. The goal was to keep the Olympic Dream alive in the hearts and minds of Georgians, something the Georgia Games is proud to say they have been able to do for 19 years!

The Georgia will also be bringing back the Scholastic Olympiad Program again for the 4th year. The program is a statewide competition between schools in all divisions. Our middle and high school athletes can earn points based on four criteria for their school. Points are then totaled for each individual in each sport and given to their respective school. The top three schools in each division then receive a grant!
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Thrashers Re-Sign Defenseman Anssi Salmela

The Atlanta Thrashers have resigned defenseman Anssi Salmela to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Salmela, 24, recorded six points (one goal, five assists) in 26 NHL games last season with New Jersey and Atlanta. He made his North American debut with the Devils on Oct. 10 vs. the NY Islanders and recorded his first-career point with an assist on Nov. 12 vs. the Rangers. Salmela, who was acquired by the Thrashers for Niclas Havelid and Myles Stoesz on March 2, scored his first-career NHL goal in his second game with Atlanta on March 16 vs. Washington. He posted three points (one goal, two assists) in nine games with the Thrashers following the trade.

The 6-1, 200-pound defenseman also appeared in 40 American Hockey League games with Lowell and Chicago, posting 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists). Salmela played for Finland at the 2009 IIHF World Championships last month, scoring one goal in seven games. Salmela was originally signed by the Devils as a free agent on May 30, 2008.

Prior to his North American career, the Nokia, Finland native spent four seasons in the Finish Elite League, recording 77 points (36 goals, 41 assists) in 208 games with Tappara Tampere and Lahti.
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Auditions for Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers Set for Sunday, June 7

Fabulous Finalists Mixer slated for June 11; Final Auditions set for June 13

The Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers are looking for talented, enthusiastic individuals with a love of performing to become part of the 2009-10 squad. Preliminary auditions are slated for Sunday, June 7 on the Philips Arena Practice Court. Registration begins at 11 a.m.

The Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers are a group of energetic, personable and talented dancers who perform at Hawks home games and hundreds of community events each year. Those planning on trying out should be at least 19 years of age and bring a recent photograph (photos will not be returned), a copy of a valid driver’s license, a light lunch and drink, completed application and waiver form, and dance résumé. Attire should be a two-piece leotard, skin-toned/matte tights, socks, and sneakers or dance shoes. Cost is $25 per person to audition.

More information regarding the auditions, along with registration forms, can be found online at www.hawks.com or by calling (404) 878-3800. Final auditions are set for Saturday, June 13.

A pre-audition prep clinic is being offered on Thursday, May 28 (6 – 9 p.m.) in the Turner Athletic Club Aerobics Room at CNN Center. The clinic will consist of dance instruction and a Q&A session with members of last year’s squad and team management. Cost is $25 per person and application materials are available at www.hawks.com.

Additionally, the team will host a special “meet and greet” with the finalists on Thursday, June 11. All of Atlanta will be invited to The Fabulous Finalists Mixer (location TBA), where fans can meet and mingle with the dancers, who will be available for photos and autographs. More details about final auditions and The Fabulous Finalists Mixer will be released in the near future.

Preliminary auditions are closed for viewing to the general public. Media wishing to attend should contact the Hawks Media Relations Department at (404) 878-3800.

Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets are on sale now at just $55 down per month and can be purchased by visiting the Hawks website or by calling 1-866-715-1500. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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The Mathematics of Hitting Streaks

By Chris Gorski
Inside Science News Service

The 30-game hitting streak of Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman came to an end Wednesday, after a hitless game against the San Francisco Giants. He is, however, one of only 21 players have hit in 30 straight games in the past 50 years.

The rarity of such a streak means it could be the longest in major league baseball not just for this season, but for years to come.

It’s impossible to predict how long any streak will continue. Many baseball players depend on superstition to keep hitting streaks going - the “lucky socks” theory. Scientists, specifically statisticians, rely on hard numbers to predict the future. Neither group has developed a reliable forecasting method because superstition can’t be quantified and, as it turns out, there is an as-yet unexplained factor in hitting streaks that defies the best statistical models.

Trent McCotter, a baseball historian, published an article in the 2008 Baseball Research Journal explaining that considerably more hitting streaks have actually occurred than statistical models predict. That simple finding is raising questions about both baseball and the field of statistics.

Mathematicians usually compute the chances of a hitting streak by multiplying a player's chance of getting a hit in any given game, about 76 percent for a .300 hitter, by itself repeatedly. McCotter examined the real historical record of hitting streaks. Then, he took each individual season of every player from 1957 to 2006 and pulled out all the games where players did not record at bats. He used a computer to reorder the remaining games 10,000 times and calculated the average number of streaks.

He counted far more hitting streaks in real life than in his model. McCotter couldn't find any numerical explanation for the discrepancy.

"We've kind of gotten rid of all these obvious things that might explain it, so what else is there?,” he said. “[A player's] probability of a hitting streak isn't what it might seem given the final batting average at the end of the year.”

This leaves statisticians with a number of possibilities that are difficult to study mathematically. A hitting streak could affect the behavior of the hitter, the pitcher, managers, or even the official scorer, who determines if plays are hits or errors.

Steven Strogatz, a professor of applied mathematics at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, said "first the dogma was that players are hot, players have streaks. Then the dogma was, no that's not right, everything is just coin flipping. And so, McCotter is saying, no, that's not right either. It's not just coin-flipping, there is some correlation from game to game, that players do something to keep their streaks going."

The longest hitting streak in baseball history is Joe DiMaggio's legendary 56 gamer in 1941. Strogatz investigated the probability that anyone in baseball history would have achieved a similar record. What he found indicates that, no matter the underlying reason, the odds of anyone challenging DiMaggio are long indeed, as Zimmerman can now testify. Though not as unlikely as many had previously suggested, statistically speaking streaks longer than 55 games should happen about once every 500 years.

Team Reality Goes to Regional Climbing Championship

Team Reality, located at Reality Climbing in Tyrone, has had all 13 climbers qualify for the USA Climbing 2009 Southeast Regional Sport Climbing Championship! The competition will be held at Active Climbing in Athens Georgia on May 9th. The Southeast Region includes Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Team Reality finished the regular sport climbing season with competitions in Gainesville Florida, Charlotte North Carolina and Suwanee Georgia. The team competed in seven categories, Male Youth A, B, C and D, and Female Youth B, C and D.

The results of the three competitions respectfully were: Madison Altman (4th, 5th, 4th), MasAnne Fulmer (6th, 14th, 9th), Ryan Lowther (3rd, 2nd, 7th), Ben Mechelke (na, 6th, 11th), Andrew Nagy (7th, na, 9th), Billy Porter (2nd, 3rd, 2nd), Caleb Robertson (8th, na, 6th), Will Sport (5th, 6th, 11th), Carly Triana (4th, 16th, 10th), Ben Watson (2nd, 3rd, 5th), Victoria White (1st, 2nd, 3rd), Jessica Wurst (na, 11th, 6th) and Jonathan Wurst (5th, 6th, 12th).

The individual overall Regional standings going into the Championship are: 1st Billy Porter, Victoria White and Ben Watson, 2nd Ryan Lowther, 3rd Madison Altman and Will Sport, 4th Jonathan Wurst, 5th Caleb Robertson and Jessica Wurst, 7th Ben Mechelke and Carly Triana, 8th MasAnne Fulmer and Andrew Nagy.

The top six climbers in each category at the Southeast Regional Championship will be invited to compete at the 2009 Divisional Championship in Melbourne Florida on the 13th and 14th of June. The top six at the Divisional Championship will be invited to compete at the USA Climbing National Championship in Sandy Utah, 10-13 July. This is the largest rope climbing competition in the world. Last year Team Reality climbers Billy Porter and Victoria White competed at the Nationals and this year they want to go back again with more of their teammates.

This is an exciting time for these young athletes and their sport! Rock climbing became a college sport this year with 45 schools fielding teams in the Collegiate Climbing Series. USA Climbing is part of the International Federation of Sport Climbing and has been endorsed by the US and International Olympic committees, one of the steps needed to turn sport climbing into an Olympic event. The goal is to have sport climbing in the 2016 Olympics which means the timing is perfect for these climbers from an age standpoint. Follow the Team Reality climbers’ progress through the championships at Reality Climbing (www.gorockclimb.com) or at USA Climbing (www.usaclimbing.net).

Photo L - R: MasAnne Fulmer, Andrew Nagi and Carly Triana

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Fifth Annual Golf for Life Tournament, June 5

The Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center will host the 5th Annual Golf for Life Tournament on June 5 at 1:00 pm at Orchard Hills Golf Club in Newnan. Fayette PRC is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of pregnant women and teens in crisis. $95. for a single/ $375. for a foursome includes greens fees, cart, range balls, goody bag, Sprayberry’s BBQ dinner, great door prizes. Fort Lauderdale format, with Mizuno equipment prizes for the top three foursomes. Call 678-234-5550 to register, or register online at www.fayetteprc.com.
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geneRACEtion 5K Run / Walk May 16th

The geneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk was created to raise awareness and funds for two-nonprofits, Rainbows, which serves children grieving from death or divorce, and the Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc., which serves seniors with the Meals on Wheels and other programs. These non-profits provide services for metro Atlantans across the age spectrum, thus the event name, geneRACEtion.

The run/walk will take place Saturday, May 16, 2009. The run will begin at 8:00am and the walk will begin at 8:15am at Grant Park near the Zoo Atlanta entrance.

Entry Fees for the 5K: $25 pre-registration by May 13, 2009; $30 for late and race day registration.

To register online please visit www.active.com (keyword: geneRACEtion).

Awards will be given to overall female/male; overall masters female/male. Top female/male in each age group: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60 & over.

If you have further questions, please contact Steve Hargrove at 404-605-8450 or by email at shargrove@scsatl.org . For more information about Rainbows, Senior Citizen Services and the geneRACEtion 5K, please visit www.geneRACEtion.org.
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Isakson, Chambliss Praise Passage of Resolution Honoring UGA’s Gym Dogs

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of a resolution they introduced commending the University of Georgia’s gymnastics team for winning the 2009 NCAA national championship.

“These talented and determined women have accomplished a remarkable feat. Their achievements, not only in women’s gymnastics but in all of college athletics, are extraordinary and should be commended,” Isakson said. “It’s also a privilege to recognize the accomplishments of Suzanne Yoculan, who will retire as the most successful collegiate gymnastics coach in NCAA history.”

“It takes a great deal of dedication and sportsmanship to become a powerhouse, especially in college sports,” said Chambliss. “I’m proud of all the Gym Dogs, Suzanne Yoculan and the entire coaching staff, who have played an integral role in the journey to the national championships. I know all Georgians join me in congratulating the team on this tremendous accomplishment.” On April 17, 2009, the University of Georgia gymnastics team, also known as the Gym Dogs, won the program's 10th national title overall and fifth consecutive national championship.

The Senate resolution recognizes the Gym Dogs as the most successful gymnastics program in the nation and congratulates Suzanne Yoculan for her spectacular career as the University of Georgia’s gymnastics coach.

2009 Jim Shafer Memorial Tournament of Angels

Tee up for the 2009 Jim Shafer Memorial Tournament of Angels, sponsored by Magnolia Plastics Inc., and your entry fee will support Angel Flight. This means every shot you take helps provide free air transportation to anyone who needs specialized medical care.

Of course, a tournament this heavenly could only take place at equally divine courses: The Woodlands and Chateau Courses at Château Élan Golf Resort on Thursday, May 14th, 2009. Registration begins at 9:00 AM, with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM. A delicious boxed lunch will be provided by Publix and the day concludes with an awards banquet and fabulous dinner by
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in the Pavilion!

Come enjoy a great round and help Angel Flight get people to the hope of potentially life-saving medical treatments! The Angel Flight philosophy is that the cost of travel should never stand in the way of receiving medical care. We are totally committed to our mission of removing the obstacle of transportation for individuals with medical and financial needs. And, in addition to getting people to medical care on a daily basis, we are privileged to be a “first-responder” in times of national crisis. By supporting the Tournament of Angels, you can help us fly patients from, to and through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Our pilots will take flight to get patients to the hope of lifesaving treatment. And, all of our services are free!

If you would like to participate, the cost for an individual golfer is $190 and a foursome is $750. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Please visit our website @ www.AngelFlightSoars.org for additional information or to register online.

Your participation will make a difference in the lives of the families that are touched by our service and all proceeds support Angel Flight. Be sure and reserve your round today…You’ll never play a more rewarding game of golf!
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Boost Mobile Freestyle Motocross Team Rides into Talladega SuperSpeedway April 25 - 26

Note: This is happening in Alabama, but we figure if you love the sport distance doesn't matter (besides, it's not that far...)

Freestyle motocross – the fastest growing spectator sport in the world – will be a part of this year’s NASCAR festivities on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26 at Talladega SuperSpeedway. The Boost Mobile FMX Tour will feature FreestyleMX.com top riders performing gravity-defying stunts such as the “Superman,” “No-Footed Nac-Nacs” and “Kiss of Death.”

The FreestyleMX.com 2009 riders include:
· Beau Bamburg, X-Game gold medalist and 16-time winner of International Freestyle Motocross Association (IFMA)
· Jim McNeil, four-time winner of IFMA
· Jeff “Ox” Kargola, champion of the 2004 WFA Big Air Points and silver medalist of the 2005 Winter X-Games Best Trick
· Nixey Danielsen, Metal Mulisha and X-Games rider

Saturday, April 25, 2009 Show times: 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Race time: 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26, 2009
Show times: 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Race time: 1:00 p.m.

Talledega SuperSpeedway
3366 Speedway Blvd.
Talladega, AL

Tickets for the April 25-26 running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup are available by calling the Raceway ticket office at 877-Go2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com for $40 – $50.
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Atlanta Hawks Fan Appreciation Night Set for Tuesday, April 14

Kia Fan Favorite Award to be presented following the game

Recognizing the loyal and tremendous support they have received this season, Atlanta Hawks players, coaches and the organization will extend special “thanks and appreciation” this Tuesday (April 14) when Fan Appreciation Night activities are held at Philips Arena. Tipoff for the game against the Miami Heat is set for 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00).

Highlighting the evening’s activities is the presentation of the Kia Fan Favorite Award at the conclusion of the game. One winner has been chosen to participate in the ceremony recognizing the fans favorite Hawks player as determined through an online and in-store vote.

After the award presentation, Hawks players and coaches will again take an active role in the festivities and present lucky fans with their game worn jerseys or an autographed basketball. The winning fan presenting the Kia Fan Favorite Award will also be given his or her choice of which Hawks player’s jersey they will receive.

Everyone in attendance will also be treated to a highlight video featuring all the best plays from the 2008-09 season. Fox Sports South/SportSouth play-by-play man Bob Rathbun is serving as emcee for the post-game events. Visit www.hawks.com for more details.

Atlanta Hawks’ playoff tickets for the first three home games are on sale now at www.hawks.com/playoffs, calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX, or at the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster locations. In addition, tickets for the 2009-10 season tickets are on sale now at just $55 down per month and can be purchased by visiting the Hawks website or by calling 1-866-715-1500. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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Colby Armstrong Honored as 2009 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Winner

Atlanta Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong was honored as this season’s Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Winner, given annually to the team’s player who best embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his teammates might succeed.

The trophy was presented in a special on-ice ceremony prior to tonight’s regular-season finale by the Snyder family, which included his father, Graham, mother, LuAnn, brother, Jake, and sister, Erika. Named in honor of former Thrasher Dan Snyder, the trophy has been awarded each season since 2003-04. Previous winners include Eric Perrin (2008), Vyacheslav Kozlov (2007), Niclas Havelid (2006) and Garnet Exelby (2004).

Armstrong, who is in his first full season with the Thrashers since being acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade on Feb. 26, 2008, has appeared in all 82 games this season and has set a career-high in goals with 21, while adding 18 assists. The 26-year-old native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, has served as an alternate captain for the Thrashers this season.

Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the first round, 21st overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Armstrong has appeared in 281 NHL games with Pittsburgh and Atlanta, recording 148 points (62 goals, 86 assists).

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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Thrashers Reassign Defenseman Clay Wilson to Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned defenseman Clay Wilson to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Wilson, who was recalled on April 6, appeared in two games with Atlanta, recording four shots on goal and averaging 15:54 of ice time.

The 26-year-old has appeared in 68 AHL games this season with Syracuse and Chicago, recording 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists), and is tied for seventh among league defensemen in scoring. He shares second on the Wolves in assists, and ranks fourth in points and power play goals (seven). The 6-0, 195-pound defenseman has recorded 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) in 35 games with the Wolves since being acquired on Jan. 14. Wilson also registered one assist in five NHL games with Columbus earlier this season.

The Sturgeon Lake, Minn., native has appeared in 14 NHL games with Atlanta and Columbus, recording three points (one goal, two assists). He has played 278 career AHL games with Grand Rapids, Portland, Syracuse and Chicago, recording 171 points (46 goals, 125 assists) and a plus-29 rating. He has also seen action in 29 AHL Calder Cup Playoff games, earning 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in those contests.

Prior to his professional career, Wilson appeared in 148 games with Michigan Tech from 2001 to 2005, posting 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists).

Wilson was acquired with a sixth-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from Columbus in exchange for Jason Williams on Jan. 14, 2009.
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Thrashers Recall Defenseman Clay Wilson from Chicago (AHL)

The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled defenseman Clay Wilson from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Wilson, 26, has appeared in 68 AHL games this season with Syracuse and Chicago, recording 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists), and is tied for seventh among league defensemen in scoring. He shares second on the Wolves in assists, and ranks fourth in points and power play goals (seven). The 6-0, 195-pound defenseman has recorded 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) in 35 games with the Wolves since being acquired on Jan. 14. Wilson has also registered one assist in five NHL games with Columbus this season.

The Sturgeon Lake, Minn. native has appeared in 278 career AHL games with Grand Rapids, Portland, Syracuse and Chicago, recording 171 points (46 goals, 125 assists) and a plus-29 rating. He has also seen action in 29 Calder Cup Playoff games, earning 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in those contests.

Prior to his professional career, Wilson appeared in 148 games with Michigan Tech from 2001 to 2005, posting 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists).

Wilson was acquired with a sixth-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from Columbus in exchange for Jason Williams on Jan. 14, 2009.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Thrashers Recall Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec from Chicago (AHL); Reassign Goaltender Dan Turple

The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled goaltender Ondrej Pavelec from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. In addition, goaltender Dan Turple has been reassigned to Chicago.

Pavelec, 21, has appeared in 11 games over two stints with the Thrashers this season, posting a 3-6-0 record with a 3.55 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage. The 6-2, 200-pound goaltender made a career-best 43 saves on a career-high 46 shots on Nov. 30 vs. St. Louis.

The Kladno, Czech Republic native has also posted an 18-20-2 record with three shutouts, a 2.58 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 40 AHL games with the Wolves. Pavelec was honored as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 22 after earning a 3-1-0 record with a 1.25 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage during that time.

Pavelec was selected by the Thrashers in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Turple, who was recalled by Atlanta on March 27, has appeared in 13 games this season with the Wolves, posting a 5-8-0 record, with a 2.94 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. Turple made his Wolves debut on Nov. 1 and stopped 20-of-21 shots for his first-career AHL victory. He won his first four starts with Chicago from Nov. 1 to Nov. 19, earning a 1.97 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage during that span.

The 6-6, 230-pound goaltender has also appeared in 10 ECHL games this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators and Utah Grizzlies, registering a 2-4-3 record, a 3.79 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage in those games.

Turple. 24, was selected by the Thrashers in the sixth round, 186th overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford Awarded Jason Collier Memorial Trophy

Award recognizes dedication to community service

Prior to this evening’s Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic game at Philips Arena, the Hawks’ Al Horford was awarded the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy by the organization for his dedication to community service.

The Jason Collier Memorial Trophy, named after the late Hawks center who passed away October 15, 2005, is presented annually to the individual who best exemplifies the characteristics Collier displayed off the court as a community ambassador.

An active participant in community and charitable initiatives, including STAR House and La Amistad, Horford purchases tickets for each Hawks game for underprivileged families through his Al’s Amigos program. In December, he hosted 25 children from the Stepping Ahead Program for a holiday party at Dave & Busters, treating everyone to dinner, arcade games and presents. Additionally, he purchased clothes, toys and food for five families from Traveler’s Aid of Metro Atlanta during the holidays through the Hawks’ Adopt-A-Family program.

Also a supporter of the Read to Achieve initiative (presented by Philips and Sprite), Horford recently paid a visit Northcutt Elementary School in College Park as part of the “What Keeps You Moving” Essay Contest. Deantae Birdsong, a fifth grade student at the school, won the contest and the special visit from Horford with his essay about physical fitness.

This is the fourth year the Hawks have awarded the trophy, as Horford joins past recipients Marvin Williams (2007-08) and two-time award winner Josh Childress (2005-06 and 2006-07) in receiving this honor.
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