Islanders Sign Five Players

By Alex Pufhal

The New York Islanders signed four players who are likely to see a lot of time in Lowell this season. There are goaltender Steve Valiquette, defensemen David Harlock, Mike Gaul and Barry Richter

Valiquette, a 20 year old from Bolton, Ontario played his junior hockey with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League. He was orginally selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 8th round of the 1996 entry draft but never signed and became a free agent after the 1998 draft. He was 56-59-13 3.72 GAA and 4 shutouts in four years in the OHL, with Sudbury and Erie.

David Harlock, 27 played six games int 1997-98 with the Washington Capitals. He spent the rest of the season with Portland (AHL) He had 3 goals and 15 assists. The 3 goals are a career high and his only 3 goals in the American Hockey League. He previously played for the St. John's Maple Leafs (AHL) and Houston Aeros (IHL). He was originally signed by Toronto in 1993 after playing for the University of Michigan.

Barry Richter 28, a 1988 pick by the Hartford Whalers spent the majority of his career with the New York Rangers orgnaization largely with the Binghamton Rangers. He also spent time in Boston and Providence. He can also play left wing in addition to defense.  

Mike Gaul, 25 was the third-leading scoring defenseman in the AHL in 1997-98 as a member of the Hersehy Bears. He had 59 points in 60 games for the Bears, including 12 goals. He was named to the AHL all-rookie team. He was originally a 12-th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Kings. He has professional experience with Knoxville of the East Coast Hockey League and with Timmendorfer of the German League.