CHL Colorado Eagles

Eagles Strengthen Defense with Three Signings

Published on August 30, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


WINDSOR, Colo.- The defending Central Hockey League Champion Colorado Eagles today announced the signing of defensemen Brett Thurston and Jason Beatty as well as goaltender Marco Emond.

Emond, entering his 10th season as a pro, returns to the Eagles lineup after helping the team capture their second President's Cup in 2006-07. Last season, the 5'10", 195-pound goaltender played in 38 games with the Eagles and finished with a 28-8-0 record. Emond was fourth in the CHL with a 2.54 goals-against average and tied for fifth with a .919 save percentage, both categories led the Eagles. Prior to coming to Colorado, the Valleyfield, Quebec native played for 10 different teams in five different leagues. He has played a total of 265 professional games with a 2.95 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

Brett Thurston, returns to the Eagles after joining the team as an amatuer player for their 2007 championship run. During that time, the Strathmore, Alberta native played 25 games recording four assists and 26 penalty minutes. In his first game as a professional, Thurston finished +3 and had an assist in game one of the Eagles opening round series against the Youngstown SteelHounds. Prior to turning pro, the 6'0", 217-pound defenseman played six seasons for the Brandon Wheat Kings and four seasons for the University of Calgary. This is his rookie season.

The only non-returning player of the three, Jason Beatty, joins the Eagles having played the past three seasons with the Lubbock Cotton Kings in the CHL. In three professional seasons, the 6'1", 210-pound defenseman played in 185 games and recorded nine goals and 27 assists for a total of 36 points. In the 2005-06 season, Beatty, was called up to the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League for six games, the remaining 179 games were played for the Cotton Kings. Beatty, a native of Sturgis, Saskatchewan joins the Eagles defensive corps that has already signed Brad Williamson, Aaron Schneekloth, Jay Birnie, Erik Adams and Brett Thurston.

"The addition of these three players really helps to solidify our back end," said Eagles President and General Manager Chris Stewart. "Marco Emond and Brett Thurston played a key role in our success last season and I expect Jason Beatty to contribute this season as we defend the cup."

The Colorado Eagles will begin their 5th Anniversary season this October 19th against the Arizona Sundogs at the Tim's Toyota Center. The Eagles home opener is on October 24th against the Tulsa Oilers where they will look to extend their 126-game regular season sellout streak. For more information, please visit www.coloradoeagles.com.

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