Forward Sixsmith re-signs with Grizzlies

WEST VALLEY CITY — Utah Grizzlies head coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Colley announced Tuesday that forward James Sixsmith has re-signed with the team for the 2009-2010 season.

In 2008-2009 with the Grizzlies, Sixsmith had 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points in 31 games. He also spent 42 games in the American Hockey League with Bridgeport and Milwaukee.

"James is another big addition in what we feel has been a very productive summer," said Colley. "He has a huge heart and along with his speed and natural talent is a top-tier ECHL player that has proven himself in the AHL as well."

"I've been in contact with the Grizzlies all summer and my AHL contract options weren't what I was looking for, so it was an easy decision to return to Utah," said Sixsmith. "I enjoyed being there last year and look forward to coming back."

Returning to Utah, the 25-year-old is reunited with college teammate and linemate Dale Reinhardt, who was acquired in a trade from Ontario in July along with goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris, whom he played with in Cincinnati during the 2007-2008 season.

The Grizzlies open the 2009-10 season on Friday, Oct. 16 in Las Vegas, with the home opening E-Center weekend being Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, when they will host Idaho.

Utah enters their fifth year in the ECHL and their third-straight season as an affiliate of the New York Islanders. Head Coach Kevin Colley returns to the Utah bench this upcoming season after signing a multi-year contract extension on April 20, 2009.? Colley, who at the age of 30 is the youngest coach in the ECHL, led the Grizzlies to the playoffs for the third time in four years during his rookie head coaching campaign