Phoenix Coyotes Recall Former Vipers Forward Matt Watkins

The Phoenix Coyotes announced Saturday they have recalled former Vernon Vipers forward Matt Watkins from the AHL Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate. Watkins had 15 goals 20 assists for 35 points in 64 games for San Antonio last season. He signed an entry-level contract with the Coyotes in 2009 as a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars (5th round – #160 overall) in 2005. Watkins played one season in Vernon (2004-05) collecting (36-38-74) in 60 regular season games with the Vipers.

Matt Watkins Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=74941

This is posted on the Coyotes website:

Coyotes Recall Stone, Watkins from AHL

Saturday, 02.18.2012

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today the Coyotes have recalled defenseman Michael Stone and forward Matt Watkins from the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate (AHL).

The 6-foot-3, 207 pound Stone has appeared in 51 games with the Pirates this season, recording 9-13-22 and 24 penalty minutes (PIM). In 2010-11, Stone recorded 2-11-13 and 27 PIM in 70 games with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

Stone was drafted by the Coyotes in the third round (69th overall) in the 2008 Entry Draft.

The 5-foot-10, 185 pound Watkins has appeared in 48 games with the Pirates this season, registering 9-18-27 and 30 PIM. In 2010, 11, Watkins collected 15-20-35 and 45 PIM in 64 games with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

Watkins was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round (160th overall) in the 2005 Entry Draft.

The Coyotes will return to Jobing.com Arena tonight to host the Dallas Stars. Puck drop is 6 p.m. The first 10,000 fans to enter the arena will receive an Alice Cooper bobble head in honor of “Coop’s Troops Night” – a salute to military service men and women. For more information, please visit PhoenixCoyotes.com or by calling 480-563-PUCK (7825).