Tifu released

The Albany River Rats today released forward Yannick Tifu from his professional tryout contract.

Tifu scored his first AHL goal of the season last night in Albany's 7-6 victory over the Springfield Falcons. He will rejoin the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL, where he has 44 points (13 G, 31 A) in 30 games so far this season.

Tifu was signed on Wednesday after forward Steven Goertzen was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The release suggests an injured or recalled player may return to the line-up on Wednesday as the Rats travel to Binghamton to face the Senators. Tifu could also be re-signed after skating with Elmira today on the road in Trenton.

Tifu returns to town

The Albany River Rats today signed forward Yannick Tifu to a professional tryout contract. 

The 25-year-old playmaker is having a dynamite season in the ECHL with 44 points (13 G, 31 A) in 36 games with the Elmira Jackels and Victoria Salmon Kings.

Tifu, now an official "Rat-for-hire," returns to Albany for the third consecutive season. 

Tifu tallied three goals and 15 assists in 38 games with the River Rats last year and proved to be a vital part of the team after the February bus crash.

The fifth-year-pro split last season between the Rats and Florida Everblades and also skated in nine contests with Albany in 2007-08.

Tifu will fill in for Steven Goertzen, who was recalled yesterday by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Yannick Tifu Signs with Salmon Kings

Forward Yannick Tifu, who skated in 37 contests with the River Rats last season, has signed to play with the Victoria Salmon Kings, ECHL affiliate of the Manitoba Moose. The Kings' website has the full story.