Clouthier Brings Toughness Back to Killer Bees

Published on July 14, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that forward Brett Clouthier (CLOO-chay) has signed with the team for the 2010-11 season.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound left wing led RGV with 143 penalty minutes in 46 games played. He also contributed 15 points (9-6-15) after joining the team in November. Clouthier began last season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Providence Bruins, the top affiliate of the NHL's Boston Bruins, and collected 17 penalty minutes in eight games.

"Brett added an important dimension to our team last season when he was sent down from Providence in the AHL," Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. "His toughness and presence, combined with his ability to identify and play within himself makes him a prototypical power forward in the CHL. He is excited to come back and I know the fans will be excited too!"

In 556 total professional games, Clouthier has posted 1656 penalty minutes and 153 points (66-87-153).

The 29-year-old Ottawa, Ontario, native was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (50th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. After three years of Major Junior experience with the Kingston Frontenacs (Ontario Hockey League), he played the better part of four seasons from 2001-2005 with New Jersey's AHL affiliate in Albany, New York. He appeared in 221 games for the River Rats, collecting 22 points (11-11-22) and 619 PIM.

Clouthier then signed with the Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate in Binghamton, New York, for the 2005-06 season and posted 202 PIM and six points (2-4-6) in 79 games before heading to England (EIHL) for the next four seasons. Clouthier spent 2006-07 with the Sheffield Steelers and then skated with the Manchester Phoenix from 2006-09. All totaled, he played in 177 EIHL games and collected 101 points (39-62-101) and 647 PIM.

"I'm happy to be back in a Bees uniform," Clouthier said. "The organization, fans and city are all top-notch and collectively were a big reason for me coming back. I hope to be a leader this season, help bring a cup to the Valley and maybe give a few more black eyes!"

The Killer Bees begin their eighth season of play at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo on October 15, 2010. Season tickets and corporate partnership opportunities are available now; call 956-843-7825 to find out more.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 14, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central