Phantoms Re-Sign B.J. Abel to One-Year Deal

The 2005 Calder Cup champion Philadelphia Phantoms today announced that center B.J. Abel has been re-signed to a one-year American Hockey League contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Abel, 25, appeared in 29 games with the Phantoms last season, totaling eight points (4G, 4A), a plus-5 rating and 13 penalty minutes. He also compiled 24 points (6G, 18A) and 18 PIM in 28 regular-season games with the Trenton Titans before registering 12 points in the playoffs to help Trenton capture the ECHL's Kelly Cup title.

The 6-1, 200-pound Abel also split his rookie season of 2003-04 between Philadelphia and Trenton. He tallied the Phantoms' first goal of the season that year and scored the game-winner at 13:02 of the third overtime in Game Four of the East Division Semifinals at Norfolk, which is the longest game in franchise history.

"B.J. has been a hard-working, honest player for us and we are happy to have him back in the fold for the upcoming season," said assistant general manager Paul Holmgren.

A native of Rochester, Minn., Abel played collegiately at Minnesota State University Mankato, where he compiled 113 points (38G, 75A) in 155 career games.