Chiefs Reel In Rookie Blueliner

Published on September 17, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs announced today that they have signed defenseman Bobby Phillips for the 2009-10 season.

"Bobby Phillips will add a big physical presence to our blueline. He is coming to us from Mercyhurst College where he had a solid career. He will be attending camp with Lake Erie, so we expect him to make an immediate impact," said Chiefs vice president and general manager Bill Bredin.

Hailing from Carmel, Indiana, Phillips joins a host of other healthy-sized defensemen on the Chiefs' roster. Standing 6-3 and weighing 210 pounds, he will fit in well with David Schulz (6-4, 210), Mike Knight (6-0, 210), and Brent Patry (6-1, 205) who all stand at least six feet tall and weigh over 200 pounds. Jozef Sladok (6-5, 220) is another big body who can play both forward and defense.

Phillips' steady defensive play did not net him a ton of points at Mercyhurst, but did earn the respect of his coaches and teammates as well as a few accolades. He was twice named the Lakers' top defenseman (2006-07 & 2007-08), and in 2007 he made the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) All-Academic Team. Another of Phillips' strengths was his durability. Over his four seasons at Mercyhurst he failed to play in more than 30 games only once (28 in 2006-07), and averaged just under 32 games per season. Phillips was also a big part of the 2007-08 Lakers club that advanced to the AHA championship game but lost to Air Force 5-4 in double overtime.

For his collegiate career, Phillips earned 26 points (4G, 22A) to go with 224 penalty minutes. Prior to Mercyhurst he spent 2003-04 with the St. Louis Heartland Eagles of the USHL and 2004-05 with the Toledo IceDiggers of the NAHL.

Phillips is the 15th player to join the Chiefs for the upcoming season. His fellow defensemen are: Mike Knight, Greg Gallagher, Kyle Bushee, David Schulz, Brent Patry, Jim Jorgensen and goalie Kris Mayotte. On the front line the Chiefs have forwards Brett Liscomb, Ryan Menei, Erik Felde, Sean Berkstresser, Matt Robinson, Torren Delforte, and Jozef Sladok under contract.

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