Blazers sign Hobey Baker Award Finalist

Published on July 16, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed forward Simon Lambert, head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Lambert a 6-0, 180-pound native of St. Therese, Quebec recently completed a four-year stint at the Rochester Institute of Technology. In four seasons with RIT, he managed 148 points (62-86-148) in 120 games. His most productive season was the 07-08 campaign when he tallied 51 points (21-30-51) in 37 games. Those 51 points was good for third among all NCAA players, while his 1.38 points per game average was fifth. Seventeen of his 37 games played last season, he recorded multiple points.

For his efforts during the 07-08 season, Lambert was named one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. The Hobey Baker Award is college hockey's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. The Hobey Baker Award is bestowed annually to the collegiate hockey player who exhibits strength of character both on and off the ice, contributes to the integrity of the team, displays outstanding skills in all phases of the game and maintains scholastic and sportmanship standards. Only one other Hobey Baker finalist has played in the CHL. Goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris, a finalist in 2005, played for Laredo during the 05-06 campaign.

Lambert led RIT in scoring in two seasons and served as team captain for two seasons. In his final three seasons of play, he recorded 132 points (55-77-132). That is among the highest three-season totals in all of NCAA hockey over the last three seasons. He was named to the Empire 8 President's List twice for maintaining a 3.75 GPA, was named to the 06-07 Atlantic Hockey All- Academic Team and graduated in 2008 with a degree in civil engineering.

Before playing at the collegiate level, Lambert skated with Cumberland Grads of the Central Junior Hockey League in Ontario. In 179 games, he collected 185 points (74-111-185) while serving 197 penalty minutes. He played with fellow Blazers signee Jason Murfitt while with Cumberland.

"This is a big signing for our organization," said Sauter. "Simon was highly recruited by many teams in our league. He is a good all around player, who is quick and confident with his aggressive play. I will expect him to play in all situations for our club during the season."

Lambert is the sixth player signed by the Blazers for the 08-09 season. He joins forwards DJ Jelitto and Jason Murfitt, defensemen Stacey Bauman and Justin Sawyer and goaltender Andy Franck on the Blazers roster.

The Blazers 17th season of play commences October 17 at the Ford Center. The CHL plans to release the complete schedule soon.

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