2003 Draft Picks Could Begin Pro Careers in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Detroit Red Wings, NHL affiliate of the Grand Rapids Griffins, have announced the signings of center Ryan Oulahen (OO-la-hehn) and defenseman Kyle Quincey to three-year, entry-level contracts. Both are expected to play for the Griffins during the 2005-06 season.

Although known for his defensive skills, the 20-year-old Oulahen averaged nearly a point per game for Brampton during the 2004-05 Ontario Hockey League season, contributing 58 points (27-3158) in 64 contests. He served as captain of the Battalion, finishing his OHL career with 136 points (65-71136) in 182 games.

Quincey, also 20, was named a Second Team OHL All-Star last season, after leading the Mississauga IceDogs to a Central Division title as an assistant captain. He placed ninth among league defensemen with 46 points (15-3146) in 59 games, despite playing though a hernia.

A participant in the OHL All-Star Game each of the past two years, Quincey finished third in voting for the leagues top defenseman award last season, and he was the final player cut from Canadas 2005 gold medal-winning world junior championship team.