ABBOTSFORD, BC -- Abbotsford Heat general manager Jay Feaster announced today the assignment of six players to its developmental affiliate in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), the Utah Grizzlies:

Bryan Cameron - Right Wing

Ryan Howse - Left Wing

James Martin - Defence

Gaelan Patterson - Centre

Nick Tuzzolino - Defence

Mitch Wahl - Centre

The following players were today released from their American Hockey League tryout agreements:

Dave Cowan - Defence

Alex Evin - Goaltender

Jaime Fritsch - Defence

Mark Isherwood - Defence

Jordan Kremyr - Left Wing

Peter Merth - Defence

Garry Nunn - Right Wing

Grant Rollheiser - Goaltender

The Heat also announced that defenceman Steve McCarthy has been retained under agreement and will begin the American Hockey League season in Abbotsford. McCarthy, a native of Trail, British Columbia, has appeared in 302 NHL regular season games during his 13 year professional hockey career and spent last season with the Zurich Lions of the Swiss Elite League where he helped his team capture the Swiss Elite League Championship under the guidance of Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley

Following today’s transactions, 31 players remain in Abbotsford’s training camp with practices (open to the public) resuming tomorrow morning in preparation for the team’s home opener and season opening weekend against the Peoria Rivermen (AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues) on Friday, October 12th and Saturday, October 13th at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center.