The Newfoundland Growlers and parent Toronto Maple Leafs have done a good job of retaining the core group of players on the roster of the reigning ECHL champions. Now, the Growlers have re-signed one of its key depth players, agreeing to a one-year-contract with forward Todd Skirving.
The 27-year-old native of Thunder Bay, Ont., missed much of the middle part of the 2018-19 schedule while on injured reserve and appeared in just 26 regular-season games with Newfoundland, registering seven points (3G, 4A). He also appeared in five of the Growlers’ 23 Kelly Cup playoff games.
Despite limited playing time, Skirving proved to be a reliable plug-in player when called upon. He was also a popular teammate and one honoured for his off-ice work, including impromptu visits to Ronald McDonald House, school visits and involvement in other community programs For his efforts, he was named the team’s 2018-19 Equinor Community Player of the Year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Newfoundland,” Skirving said in a team release. “To wear the Growler logo is an honour and a privilege.
“Last season) was remarkable for not only the organization, but the people of St. John’s and the entire province. The cup is ours to lose now. Our ultimate goal will not change. We want another Kelly Cup."
The six-foot-two Skirving is a product of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s NCAA Division One program. He turned pro in 2017, playing with three different ECHL teams — Adirondack Thunder, South Carolina Stingrays and the Orlando Solar Bears — before finding more stability with the Growlers.
He’s the 12th player from last year’s Growlers roster to be re-signed by the team or by the Toronto Marlies, Newfoundland’s ECHL affiliate.
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