Checkers agree to terms with Bellefeuille and Bruckler
September 20, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Derek Wilkinson, Head Coach and General Manager of the Charlotte Checkers, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with center Blake Bellefeuille and goalie Bernd Bruckler.
Bellefeuille, 27, is a five-year veteran who has spent time with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL. Bruckler, 23, was a fifth-round selection of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and will enter his first season at the professional ranks.
Blake Bellefeuille (BELL-ah-fay), a 5-foot-10-inch, 215-pound center, racked up 84 points in 255 games during his career in the AHL. He began his career with the Syracuse Crunch and has also spent time with the Providence Bruins, Norfolk Admirals and Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. He also appeared in five games with the Columbus Blue Jackets - the NHL affiliate of Syracuse. Bellefeuille will attend preseason camp with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL this fall.
Before his professional career, Bellefeuille enjoyed an impressive collegiate career at Boston College. During his junior season, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the Hockey East Tournament. A native of Framingham, Mass., he helped Team USA win a silver medal in the 1997 World Junior Championships in Switzerland.
"Bellefeuille is a veteran center and has NHL experience," said Wilkinson. "With his experience, we expect him to be a great leader for us and a good example to our younger players."
One of the young players Wilkinson hopes Bellefeuille's experience will help is rookie Bernd (BAR-on) Bruckler (BROOK-ler). A 6-foot-1-inch, 190-pound goaltender, Bruckler earned First-Team All-American honors while at the University of Wisconsin and he is currently attending camp with the Hartford Wolf Pack - the AHL affiliate of the Checkers.
"We're thrilled to have Bernd with us this year," said Wilkinson. "He was one of the top collegiate goaltenders last year and he's a kid that will play in the NHL one day."
Originally from Graz, Austria, he finished his collegiate career with a record of 51-41-16 and a save percentage of .916. Bruckler was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers as the 150th overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Bruckler also played one season in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm and three years in the Austrian League with the Graz EC.
Checkers Roster to Date (13)
Phil Aucoin (F), Blake Bellefeuille (C), Bernd Bruckler (G), Matt Chandler (LW), Jerramie Domish (D), Nathan Gillies (F), Ryan Glenn (D), Dusty Jamieson (LW), Jay Latulippe (C), Jake Ortmeyer (D), Evan Shaw (D), Kenton Smith (D) and Brian Teixeira (F).
Checkers Face Off Against Hurricane Katrina
The Charlotte Checkers have pledged a substantial donation to the American Red Cross as a show of support for their ECHL teammates with the embattled Mississippi Sea Wolves who are headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi, and for all of the people who have been affected in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Effective September 1st through the team's home opener at Charlotte Bobcats Arena on November 6th, the Checkers will donate 10% of all new business-full season ticket sales to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. To make a contribution, checks may be made out to the American Red Cross, % the Charlotte Checkers, 212 South Tryon St., Ste. 575, Charlotte, NC 28281. On the check memo line, write "Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund."
About the Charlotte Checkers
The Charlotte Checkers open their 13th season in the ECHL Friday, October 21st at Gwinnett. The Checkers are Bound for Uptown as they open their home schedule Sunday, November 6th in their new home at Charlotte Bobcats Arena against Greenville. Season ticket packages and mini plans are on sale now. To purchase tickets, contact the Charlotte Checkers Ticket Office at 704.342.4ICE (4423). For a complete schedule of games and promotions, log onto www.gocheckers.com.
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