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For more information, contact: Hockey Star Named Bicycle Coalition of Maine's Spokesperson
Weinrich, who now plays for the Portland Pirates, will help the BCM promote bicycling and bike safety in Maine. He will appear in BCM's new "Share the Road" radio and television spots. He also will participate in BCM-sponsored events such as the Legislative Bike Tour & Walk that will take place on May 23 in Augusta. Weinrich cycles year-round for conditioning, recreation and transportation. He uses his bicycle to commute from his home in Yarmouth to Pirates practices in Portland. He's a regular on Portland Velo Club rides and will participate in his first, 180-mile Trek Across Maine in June. Weinrich sees bicycling as a great way to protect the environment by cutting down on automobile emissions. He hopes to spread the word that hopping on a bike for errands often is just as easy as driving. "We are delighted to have Eric as an official spokesperson for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine," said Jeffrey Miller, BCM's executive director. "His genuine enthusiasm and passion for bicycling will help us reach new audiences, particularly young people." Weinrich grew up in Gardiner. He played hockey at North Yarmouth Academy, at the University of Maine and on the 1987-88 U.S. National Team. Weinrich was drafted by the Utica Devils in 1989 and named to the NHL All-Rookie Team two years later. His NHL career also included stints playing for the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. Weinrich skated in more than 1157 NHL games and played in nine world championships for Team USA, the most of any American-born player. Cycling has helped him stay in top shape. "I really depended on my cycling workouts when the hockey season was cancelled in 2004-5 due to a labor dispute," said Weinrich. "I'd ride for two to three hours a day." Weinrich retired from the NHL last summer and joined the Portland Pirates, an AHL affiliate, the following month. During the past season, he was a coach and player. "My family and I are really happy to be living in Maine," said Weinrich. "I look forward to working with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to make our state an even better place for cycling." Advocating bicycling safety, education and access in Maine since 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is working to make Maine accessible and safe for all residents and visitors so they may comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The BCM also promotes bicycling for transportation, health, recreation and fun to enhance our communities, environment and economy. # # #
Better Bicycling in Maine Since 1992 |
Augusta, Maine –– Eric Weinrich, a National Hockey League veteran defenseman and avid cyclist, has been named as the first official spokesperson of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM).