Roster Moves for Providence

Courtnall Recalled from South Carolina; McNeely and Baier signed to PTOs
January 9, 2013


The Providence Bruins, in their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that forward Justin Courtnall has been recalled from the South Carolina Stingrays. In a separate transaction, forward Tyler McNeely and defenseman Eric Baier have been signed to professional tryout agreements.

Courtnall was recalled from loan to South Carolina on November 23 and skated in one game for the Bruins. Since returning to South Carolina, the forward has skated in 13 games, and has totaled four points (2g, 2a) and 36 penalty minutes in 18 games this season. A native of Victoria, BC, Courtnall spent the last three years at Boston University. As an assistant captain in 2011-12, Courtnall recorded a collegiate-high seven points on four goals and three assists. The 6'3", 210-pound forward is the son of former Bruins forward Geoff Courtnall, and the nephew of Russ Courtnall, veterans of 17 and 16 year NHL careers respectively.

A native of Burnaby, British Columbia, McNeely has played 38 games with South Carolina this season.  Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the seventh day of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the 23-year-old finished his collegiate career with 13 points and 104 penalty minutes. The forward leads the Stingrays with 34 points, including a team-high 25 assists. McNeely spent 2010-11 with Bridgeport (AHL) and registered 32 points on 76 games. Prior to turning pro, the 5'10", 175-pound forward spent four years at Northeastern University, where he tallied 105 points (44g, 61a) in 142 games and captained the squad as a junior and senior.

Baier, a native of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, has skated in 34 games for the Trenton Titans (ECHL) this season, putting up six points and 10 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro in 2010-11, Baier spent four years on the blue line at Providence College where he tallied 32 points on nine goals and 23 assists in 127 games. As a senior in 2010-11, he led all defensemen with 12 points (5g, 7a). He made his professional debut on March 6, 2011 with the Reading Royals (ECHL). He has since played with the Portland Pirates, Rockford IceHogs, Albany Devils and Trenton. In his first full professional season in 2011-12, Baier tallied a career-high 17 points and finished second among Titans defensemen.


*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com