Bees Complete Trade With Mudbugs

Published on June 28, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Last updated: June 28, 2005
Source: Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TX: June 28, 2005 - The Rio Grande Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League completed their first transaction in regards to the 2005/2006 season by trading the rights of defenseman Jason Tessier to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs for the rights of defenseman Kevin Wilson.

"We appreciate Tessier's service to our fans, our team and our organization, and unfortunately this is a move for us that is a business move based on the roster limitations we must abide by in the Central Hockey League," said Killer Bees Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Tracy Egeland. "I also tried to do what was best for Tessier and dealt his rights to a team that is a top contending CHL team year-in-year-out and is a top ran organization. Wilson is a developmental player that has played two seasons under a good coach in Ray Edwards, and hopefully if he does play here he can help lead us into the playoffs just as he has San Angelo."

Wilson comes via the Mudbugs, but he has spent his entire two-year career as a member of the San Angelo Saints. The 6'0" 190-pound defenseman played in 60 games last season with the Saints and tallied 20 points off 5 goals and 15 assists. In the postseason, Wilson registered 2 goals in 7 games, leading San Angelo defensemen in postseason goals. Wilson was obtained by the Mudbugs at the conclusion of the season to complete an earlier deal between the Saints and ‘Bugs. The Thompson, Manitoba native began his career in 2003/2004 with the Saints and received their "Ironman of the Year" honor for competing in all 64 games. Wilson, who turns 25 years of age tomorrow (Wednesday), recorded 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points in his rookie campaign. Prior to turning pro, Wilson played junior hockey with The Pas, Manitoba based OCN Blizzard before earning a role with Lake Superior State University from 99/00 to 01/02. He contributed with a goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 74 games. His pro career statistics include 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points in 124 games. Wilson has played in 11 games against the Bees, including the Bees first ever game on October 18th, 2003, and has 2 assists in the combined games.

Tessier leaves the Valley as the Bees all-time leading scoring defenseman and the third leading scorer in team history after combining for 21 goals and 55 assists for 76 points over two seasons in 121 games. The St. Jerome, Quebec native was the Bees lone all-star representative last season and was the only Southern Conference defenseman to register a goal in an all-star game. Last season, Tessier registered 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points to lead Bees defensemen and rank tenth amongst CHL defensemen in points. It was the second consecutive year Tessier ranked tenth amongst CHL defensemen in points. He tallied 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points in 03/04 with the Bees to earn a spot as a finalist for the CHL's "Defenseman of the Year" honor. Tessier is a 25 year-old player that completed his fifth season last year, and with 318 pro games played, he is now classified as a "veteran" under CHL roster limitations. Prior to joining the Bees, Tessier spent three seasons with the El Paso Buzzards and racked up 126 points (25g, 101a) to rank third on their all-time scoring list for defensemen.

The loss of Tessier marks a total of four players lost from last season's squad. Blaz Emersic (Lubbock) and Jason Hawes (Fort Worth) exited to complete open transactions and Calle Aslund returned to his native Sweden to sign a contract with Huddinge, where he played three seasons of Div.2 professional hockey prior to joining the Bees. The Bees will open their signing period tomorrow, as they have a scheduled press conference to introduce two signings for the upcoming 2005/2006 season. Media members seeking an interview with Egeland concerning the trade are encouraged to contact Chris Due 956-843-5656.

The Killer Bees will swarm the Dodge Arena again in October, as the Killer Bees are currently preparing for their third season. Season tickets and corporate opportunities are now available by calling the Killer Bees office at (956) 843-7825. For more information concerning Killer Bees hockey, please visit their website at www.killerbeehockey.com.

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