Dan Stewart Signed to ATO by San Antonio Rampage
On February 10th, with goaltender David LeNeveu suffering from back spasms during the morning skate prior to the contest against the Hartford Wolf Pack, Dan Stewart, owner and head coach of "The Connecticut Crease" in Cromwell, was called upon by the American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage -- the top affiliate of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes -- to fill in as an emergency back up.Just hours before the puck drop, the Rampage signed the Port Hope, Ontario native to an ATO (Amateur Try Out) Contract and suited him up in the #29 jersey. Due to licensing issues in the AHL, Stewart was unable to wear his own equipment and took the ice for warm-ups wearing LeNeveu's Itech pads.
Playing the role of back-up to goaltender Karl Goehring, who mustered 49 saves in the effort, Stewart was not called into action as the Rampage managed 2-1 shootout victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack. Stewart was released on Saturday, as the Rampage continued their road trip with the next stop being Hamilton, Ontario.
"My wife, baby and about 10 goalies I train were here, so that was neat," said Stewart of the experience.
Prior to settling in Connecticut, Stewart, 29, played three seasons of junior with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League and later played in university for the St. Mary's Huskies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
He has also spent time as the goalie coach for the Fairfield University Stags (NCAA Div I) and as goalie director for the Connecticut Clippers and Connecticut LaZers youth hockey programs, in addition to being a top instructor for the Rick Heinz Goalie School.
Congrats from everyone with the Clippers!
Article written by Chris Rutsch.
Photo: Chris Rutsch/HWP 2006
