Phoenix, AZ - The Phoenix RoadRunners of the ECHL, a proud affiliate of the San Jose Sharks and the Worcester Sharks, announced today that the club has traded the rights to forward Mathieu Melanson to the Mississippi Sea Wolves in exchange for the rights to defenseman Matt Burke and future considerations.
The RoadRunners also announced that they have agreed to terms with Burke on a contract for the upcoming 2008-09 season.
Burke, 23, signed a free agent contract with the RoadRunners on March 14 and appeared in eight games last season with four penalty minutes after completing a four-year collegiate career at Holy Cross College. Burke's rights were released on April 1 and he was claimed off of waivers by Mississippi, but did not report due to school obligations.
Burke totaled 15 goals, 50 assists, and 65 points in 138 games from 2004-08 at Holy Cross. The Milton, Mass. native served as Captain of the Crusaders during his senior season, and was selected to the 2007-08 Atlantic Hockey Association All-Conference Third Team after recording three goals and 14 points in 30 games. Burke's 138 collegiate games place him fourth all-time on the Holy Cross career games played list.
"Matt gave us some much-needed depth coming out of college at the end of last season and performed well," said RoadRunners Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Church. "We're happy to have him back and expect him to be a steady presence on our blue-line.
Melanson signed with the RoadRunners on April 3 after being claimed off of waivers from Florida. He tallied two goals in the final two games of the regular season.
