Date : 8/26/99 Trading in a Stick for a Suit Vipers Veteran Bobby Jay Named Assistant Coach

Auburn Hills, MI - Palace Sports and Entertainment Vice President of Hockey Operations Rick Dudley has announced that Bobby Jay will join the Vipers coaching staff as a full-time assistant coach to Paulin Bordeleau for the 1999-2000 season.

“Bobby Jay is one of those high character, low maintenance guys you look for”, said Dudley. “He has a tremendous work ethic, an intelligent hockey mind and will be a excellent assistant for Paulin in Detroit”.

Jay was an original Detroit Vipers player on its 1994-95 inaugural team and played the last five seasons in the Eggplant and Aqua. Limited to 44 games of action due to injuries last year, Jay anchored the Vipers defensive unit while still scoring a goal and adding three assists.

The Burlington, MA native finishes out his playing career with 513 IHL games under his belt (28 goals, 99 assists, 128 points, 525 PIM). He also donned a Los Angeles Kings sweater for three games in the 1993-94 campaign.

Jay began professionally with the Fort Wayne Komets in 1990-91. He went on to play three seasons for Fort Wayne, culminating with a career high 21-assist season and a Turner Cup Championship in 1992-93.

He recorded his only NHL point (an assist) in his stint with the LA Kings in 93-94. He also recorded a career-high seven goals that season with the Phoenix Roadrunners. Following the season with Phoenix, Jay signed as a free agent with the Vipers and has been a fixture in the Vipers lockerroom and community ever since.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Brian Bierley (248) 377-8606