Only a few months have passed since Chris Doyle dominated the Southern Professional Hockey League as a member of the Augusta RiverHawks. He's been busy since he left.
The rookie forward, a fifth-round draft pick by the New York Rangers in 2008, was part of a second wave of talent Augusta head coach Brad Ralph brought in for year No. 2 of RiverHawks hockey. Doyle scored a goal in his first game as a pro when Augusta knocked off the defending league champion Mississippi Surge in the 2011-12 season opener. By the time the 21-year-old Canadian was called up to the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays, he had 13 goals and 18 assists in 18 games.
Doyle's promotion came in the middle of December. He had scored a goal in eight consecutive games, was on his way to smashing several SPHL rookie records and had helped Augusta take control of first place. RiverHawks fans hoped Doyle's ascension would be a quick one and he'd return after a week or two. He has yet to come back, and it's safe to say the SPHL has seen the last of this talented prospect.
The Stingrays were foolish enough to release Doyle in January, but he was quickly scooped up by another team. The Stockton Thunder's swift move paid off last week. Doyle scored four goals and added three assists to be named the ECHL's player of the week. He now has nine goals and four assists in 11 games with the Thunder.
Wondering whatever happened to a past Augusta sports player, coach or personality? E-mail billy.byler@augustachronicle.com with suggestions for future "Where are They Now" features.
Past athletes featured
01/20/12 Angel Villalona
