Press Box

AUGUSTA, GA--The Augusta RiverHawks, a proud member of the Southern Professional Hockey League, announced Thursday that Matt Auffrey has agreed to return to the Club for a third season. Auffrey has served as the Team's captain since its inaugural year in 2010.

“We are extremely excited to have Matt back with the Club,” said RiverHawks President Mark Richards. “Matt has been a fantastic leader and has been one of the top performers in the SPHL the past two seasons. As we begin a new era with a new head coach, it is great to have a player of Matt's caliber leading the way on the ice.”

Auffrey's accomplishments since joining the RiverHawks have been impressive; winning the 2010-11 SPHL Most Valuable Player honors in the Team's first year and being named to the All-SPHL 2^nd Team following the 2011-12 season.

Last season, Auffrey finished sixth in scoring in the entire SPHL, scoring 22 goals and adding 41 assists for 63 points. He also ranked amongst league leaders in plus minus rating (+16) and in penalty minutes (127).

During the 2010-11 season Auffrey won MVP honors on the strength of scoring 21 goals and 49 assists for 70 points over 56 contests. The Evans Mill, NY native’s 70 points ranked him third in the entire SPHL.

The 6-2, 220-pound winger was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the sixth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He played two seasons in the East Coast Hockey League and also enjoyed two stints in the American Hockey League. He also spent one season in the International Hockey League.

Prior to starting his professional career, Auffrey split time between the Ontario Hockey League and NCAA Division I college hockey playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

Augusta RiverHawks 2012-13 season tickets are available now. Information is available on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustariverhawks.comor by calling 706-993-2645.