April 14, 2005

Denver - Senior forward Luke Fulghum (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and senior captain Matt Laatsch (Lakeville, Minn.), who helped the Denver Pioneers to back-to-back NCAA Championships, have signed professional contracts in the American Hockey League. Fulghum joined the St. John's (New Brunswick) Maple Leafs, the NHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Laatsch has signed with the Utah Grizzlies, the NHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes. Both players have reported to their respective clubs to finish the AHL regular season.

Fulghum signed a two-year guaranteed one-way professional deal with St. John's. He will join the team for its final two regular-season games, and will make his professional debut on Friday, April 15 against Edmonton. Fulghum received a signing bonus, but terms of the contract were not disclosed. He tallied career highs in points (42), goals (23), assists (19) and power-play goals (11) this season. Fulghum became the 87th member of the Pioneer Century Club for 100-point scorers on March 11 and finished his career with 105 points on 53 goals and 52 assists in 161 games.

Laatsch signed a four-game contract with the Grizzlies. He made his professional debut last night and finished with an even plus/minus rating in Utah's 4-1 loss at Cleveland. He captained the Pioneers to a 32-9-2 record and second consecutive national championship. Laatsch played in 42 of 43 games this season and finished with 11 points on one goal and 10 assists. He played in 111 career games at Denver and recorded 30 points on six goals and 24 assists.