Jiri Tlusty is reassigned to Soo Greyhounds

NEWS RELEASES

TORONTO MARLIES

SOO GREYHOUNDS

************************** October 24, 2006

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that forward forward Jiri Tlusty of the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League has been assigned to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.

Tlusty, Toronto’s first pick, 13th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played six games for the Toronto Marlies collecting four points (three goals, one assist) with four penalty minutes.

He is expected to join the Greyhounds tomorrow, coached by Craig Hartsburg, also the head coach of Canada’s 2007 national junior team.

His first game may come as early as Thursday, October 26 versus the Peterborough Petes, pending the completion of the transfer agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation.

Tlusty will also participate this winter for the Czech Republic in the 2007 World Junior Championships in Leksand and Mora, Sweden.

************************** Tlusty to join Greyhounds

In an announcement made earlier this evening, the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed the assignment of LW/C Jiri Tlusty to the Soo Greyhounds.

Tlusty, a native of Slany, Czech Republic, was drafted by Toronto in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft while the Greyhounds made him their first round selection (31st overall) in the 2005 CHL Import Draft.

After being drafted by the Hounds, Tlusty started the 2005/2006 season with the Kladno U-20 team before playing 44 games for the senior team in the Czech Elite League.

Internationally, Jiri represented his country in the World Junior Hockey Championship as well as the World U-18 tournament, in which he was captain.

On July 14th Tlusty signed an entry-level contract with the Leafs and would later end up with their affiliate franchise, the Toronto Marlies.

Through six games with the AHL club, Tlusty had three goals and one assist.

"Obviously Jiri will be a big piece of our puzzle. He definitely brings another offensive dimension to our team. We're proud that the Toronto Maple Leafs have confidence in our program and our coaching staff to entrust us with Jiri's continued development," commented Hounds general manager Dave Torrie.

The Greyhounds are scheduled to head out on the road midday Wednesday for a trip that will see stops in Peterborough, Kingston and Ottawa.

Tlusty is expected to meet the team in Peterborough and will suit up for the Hounds as soon as the transfer agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation is complete.

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