Wildcatters Sign Pair of Rookies
August 21, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
Beaumont, TX (August 21, 2006) - The Texas Wildcatters Hockey Team, ECHL Affiliate of the AHL's Houston Aeros, is pleased to announce the signings of Kevin Asselin and Jonathan Paiement. Asselin and Paiement both come from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and will begin their professional hockey careers in Southeast Texas in the 2006-07 season.
Asselin, 21, is a power forward in the classic sense. He is big, strong and has an excellent touch around the net. Asselin plays a very physical and intense style that will drive opponents crazy and will give the Wildcatters power play opportunities.
"Kevin is the type of player that our organization covets. He plays a tough physical style and can score in the tough areas of the ice," said Wildcatters Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron. "He improved every year in Junior and look for him to play an important role with us this season."
His career has spanned five seasons, all coming with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. A 6'0'', 210 pound winger, Asselin was one of the top forwards with Cape Breton, amassing 121 goals and 126 assists for 247 points in 312 games. The native of Acton Vale, Quebec will be attending training camp with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.
Paiement, 21, is an extremely talented offensive defenseman. He is tremendous on the power play and competes hard on defense. Among the league leaders on defense the past three seasons, Paiement possesses a good shot and great vision on the ice.
"Jonathan is very gifted offensively but very aggressive and solid defensively," said Cameron. "We feel he is one of the top rookie defensemen available this year and we are very fortunate to have him join us this season."
Paiement's career has also spanned five seasons, all in the QMJHL. He spent his first two seasons with the Sherbrooke Beavers and the last three with the Lewiston MAINEiacs compiling a total of 49 goals and 157 assists for 206 points and amassing 653 penalty minutes. The 6'1'' native of Montreal, Quebec was selected by the New York Rangers in the eighth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and will be attending the Boston Bruins NHL rookie camp.
The new-look Wildcatters open their third season on October 20 at Florida, before returning to Ford Arena for the home opener on October 28 against the Pensacola Ice Pilots. Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action with the purchase of 2006-07 season tickets. Wildcatters' season tickets start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and free merchandise. Group discount plans are also available by calling (409) 951-5500. Wildcatters individual game tickets will be on sale in late September. For the latest ticket and team information, visit the Wildcatters online at www.wildcattershockey.com.
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