Eagles Sign Another Developmental Player
July 30, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release
WINDSOR, CO – The Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League announced the inking of talent Jesse Heerema (here-EE-mah), Head Coach and Vice President Chris Stewart released today.
The 6’0”, 195 pound Heerema is a two-way player expected to bring solid offensive talent and intelligent defensive ability to the Eagles roster. He skated last year for the Missouri River Otters of the United Hockey League, enjoying his second season as a professional hockey player and his first pro season in North America.
Heerema, 27, racked up 33 points (16G, 17A) and 64 penalty minutes in his 59-game UHL debut. He spent the winter of 2002-03 in Amsterdam, Holland playing for the Amsterdam Bulldogs of the IJS Hockey league. While overseas, Heerema played in 41 games, securing 19 points (7G, 12A) and 91 penalty minutes for the Bulldogs. He won a championship in Holland, helping his team by assisting on the first goal scored in the winning title game.
In his four years and 147 games for Colorado College, Heerema netted 91 points (40G, 51A) and toughed out 89 penalty minutes. He helped to lead his team to the NCAA quarterfinals in three of his four years as a Tiger in the 1997-98, 1998-99, and 2000-01 seasons. He was also included in the Western Collegiate Hockey AssociationÂ’s All-Academic selections in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
The Murillo, Ontario native played Tier 1 Junior Hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Thunder-Bay Flyers from 1996-1998 before becoming a Colorado College Tiger that fall. As a professional hockey player, Heerema has 41 points (18G, 23A) and 141 penalty minutes in 75 games.
Heerema is classified as a developmental player under the new CHL regulations requiring each team to have a minimum of five players on their roster at all times who have participated in 128 professional regular season games or fewer. With two solid seasons and a professional championship under his belt, he is sure to bring a new edge to Colorado this season.
“I had the pleasure of watching Jesse play four years at Colorado College,” explained President and G.M. Ralph Backstrom. “He is very skilled offensively and will be a valuable asset to the Eagles roster.”
Heerema is the fourth signed player for the EaglesÂ’ second season, all of which have been developmental players. He joins Eagles rookie standout from last season, Karlis Zirnis, and forwards, Kevin Marsh and Sean Robertson.
The Central Hockey League released the 2004-05 regular-season schedule on Tuesday, July 27. The Eagles will have a total of 32 home games at the Budweiser Events Center. The first two exhibition games at the BEC will be on October 15th and 16th and the home opener on Friday, October 29 against the Memphis RiverKings.
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