Storm's Magowan, Jackson called to next level

11/15/2005

Toledo Storm forwards Ken Magowan and Todd Jackson have played so well over the first month of the season, they've been called up to the next level.

Magowan and Jackson are tied for fourth in the ECHL in points scored with 16 and have led Toledo to a 7-2-1 start.

As a result, Magowan signed a tryout agreement yesterday with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League. Jackson is expected to be called up today by the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.

"It's good for them and it's good for our locker room," said Storm coach Nick Vitucci, who constantly faces the dilemma of developing players only to lose them to the next level. "If we weren't a good team, these calls would not be coming."

Vitucci said he expects both players to miss two games and be gone for at least a week.

"I hope we don't see them back for their sake," he said. "Selfishly, I would love to have them back in the lineup. But I hope they can prove to those teams that they belong at their level."

Magowan, a left winger, has scored nine goals with seven assists in 10 games. Six of his goals have come on the power play, which is tops in the ECHL.

Jackson, who was drafted by the Red Wings in 2000, has scored six goals and handed out 10 assists. The right winger is tied for the ECHL lead in game-winning goals with three.

Last year, Toledo had players called up 11 times. Vitucci said he uses the frequent movement from Toledo to the AHL as his main recruiting tool.

"These guys deserve a shot at the highest level they can get to," he said. "These two guys played hard and have led by example, so it's good that they are rewarded. The other guys see that there are people evaluating them here."

Vitucci said he is counting on Mark Turner, B.J. Adams and Ryan Gale to fill the void.

Contact Mark Monroe at:

mmonroe@theblade.com

or 419-724-6110.