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Riley Wetmore, a senior from Swanton, Vt., signed an amateur tryout contract with the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the final three games of the 2012-13 regular season as well as the 2013-14 season.

Wetmore will join the Sound Tigers for their 7:00 game tonight against the Portland Pirates in Portland, Maine.

Wetmore is the second UMass Lowell player to sign a professional contract within a week after the Frozen Four. Last Friday, former defenseman Chad Ruhwedel joined the Buffalo Sabres for the remainder of the season, part of a two-year deal.

“Obviously the ultimate goal is to get to the NHL,” Wetmore said. “Knowing I'll be playing for Bridgeport next year, it will be good to get a feel for this level and knowing what I am training toward.”

Wetmore re-joins former UMass Lowell standout Scott Campbell (2007-11) in Bridgeport, which serves as the AHL affiliate for the New York Islanders. The two were teammates on UMass Lowell's 2009-10 and 2010-11 squads.

“I'm excited about that,” said Wetmore. “It's kind of comforting knowing Scott is there.”
The Sound Tigers end the regular season Saturday and Sunday at home against the Providence Bruins (led by former UMass Lowell forward Bobby Robins, 2002-06) and Portland, respectively, and could qualify for the AHL playoffs with help from other teams.

“We have an outside chance. We need a few teams to lose,” Wetmore quipped.

A 6-foot, 195-pound forward, Wetmore served as UMass Lowell's captain for two seasons and appeared in all 152 games over his career. He totaled 111 points (50 goals, 61 assists) and 124 penalty minutes and is the sole player to captain the River Hawks to consecutive NCAA Tournaments.

Last year, Wetmore was the recipient of UMass Lowell's highest athletic honor, the David J. Boutin Award, presented to a male student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and service to the University and are communities.