With their forward corps decimated by call-ups and injuries, the Abbotsford Heat signed Tyler Ruegsegger to a professional tryout contract on Friday morning.
Ruegsegger is a first-year pro who had suited up for the Utah Grizzlies and the Alaska Aces of the ECHL this season. The 23-year-old centre posted a combined 16 goals and 13 assists in 58 games.
Ruegsegger is expected to be in the Heat lineup when they open a two-game set against the Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday evening (7 p.m., Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre).
"He was playing up in a good program in Alaska, and that's what we need right now – that winning attitude," Heat assistant coach Steve O'Rourke said.
Over the past week, the Heat have lost forwards Ales Kotalik and Lance Bouma (recalled by Calgary Flames), and Cam Cunning (knee injury). Additionally, Ryan Stone will be unavailable for Friday's game. He's attending his grandfather's funeral in Calgary.