Photo by Norm Hall

SAN ANTONIO (Apr. 14, 2008) – The San Antonio Rampage announced today that they have signed forward Kevin Porter, winner of the 2008 Hobey Baker Award (equivalent to the Heisman Trophy) as college hockey’s top player, to an amateur tryout (ATO) for the remainder of the season. Porter agreed to an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes earlier today that begins with the 2008-09 season.

Porter, 22, who was selected by the Coyotes in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft, will join the Rampage as they begin their first round Calder Cup Playoff series against the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday.

Porter recently completed his senior year at the University of Michigan and finished the season ranked second in Division I scoring with 63 points (33 goals, 30 assists) in 43 games.  The Wolverines captain finished his collegiate career with 183 points (85g, 98a) and 115 penalty minutes (PIM) in 162 games. 

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound forward was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Player of the Year and was a finalist for the league's Best Defensive Forward award. The Northville, Michigan native was also a member of the RBK West All-American First Team and All-CCHA First Team and was named the Hockey Commissioners January National Player of the Month.

During the East Regional of this year’s NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, Porter scored an NCAA-record four goals in the Wolverines' 5-1 win against Niagara in the semifinal.  He then added a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Clarkson as Michigan advanced to the Frozen Four for the 23rd time in school history.

Porter was named to the 2007 CCHA Second Team following his junior season.  He also captained Team USA at the 2006 World Junior Championships and represented the United States at the 2005 World Junior Championships.  In addition, Porter played for Team USA at the 2003 and 2004 Under-18 World Championships.

Click here to listen to an interview with new Rampage forward Kevin Porter about winning the Hobey Baker.

Photo by Norm Hall

The Rampage also announced today that they have signed forward Chad Kolarik to an amateur tryout (ATO) for the remainder of the season. Kolarik signed an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes yesterday that begins with the 2008-09 season. 

He will also join the Rampage as they begin their first round Calder Cup Playoff series against the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday.

Kolarik, 22, recently completed his senior season at the University of Michigan where he helped lead the Wolverines to their 23rd Frozen Four appearance in school history.  Kolarik finished the season ranked second on the team in scoring with 56 points (30 goals, 26 assists).  He also ranked third in the nation in points and fourth in goals.

A native of Abington, Pennsylvania, Kolarik was named to the 2008 Central Collegiate Hockey League (CCHL) First Team and was a RBK West Second Team All-American.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Kolarik appeared in 163 career games for Michigan, collecting 174 points (78g, 96a) and 131 penalty minutes (PIM).

Kolarik was selected by the Coyotes in the seventh round (199th overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft.

According to league by-laws, American Hockey League (AHL) teams are permitted to add signed junior players or players on amateur tryout contracts after their respective junior or college seasons are complete to their Clear Day roster submissions.