Express Complete Pair of Trades
Published on October 11, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that they have received defenseman Evan Stephens from the Florida Everblades in exchange for future considerations. In a separate deal, the Express also sent F Matt Lombardi to Wheeling in exchange for future considerations.
Stephens, 23, is entering his rookie season after completing a four-year career with Dartmouth College (NCAA). Stephens was named an Alternate Captain last season, and posted 20 points (3g, 17a) in 34 games. Throughout his collegiate career, the Bessemer, MI, native was a very consistent scorer, as he had two 20 point campaigns following 22 point and 19 point seasons in his first two years. Stephens earned ECAC All-Academic Team awards in 2007-08 and 2008-09, and was an ECAC Third-Team All-Star in 2009-10. His NCAA totals include 81 points (19g, 62a) and 198 PIM in 128 games.
The 6-0, 181 pound defenseman skated four seasons in the USHL (United States Hockey League) before attending college, collecting 54 points in that span. His best season came in 2006-07, where he had eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points in 60 games. That season, Stephens also collected 84 PIMs. He finished second among Cedar Rapids defensemen in points, and was tied for the most goals by a defenseman on the team.
Stephens played in both preseason games for Florida, picking up an assist and two PIM to go with a +2 rating.
"The timing was great," said Head Coach Steve Martinson. "We had two players get injured during the preseason, and we're glad to be adding a skilled first-year defenseman."
Lombardi is beginning his second professional season after a 33 point rookie season with Trenton last year. Lombardi was -2 in the two preseason games in Florida.
The Chicago Express will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 22nd versus the Kalamazoo Wings with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at the Sears Centre Arena. This inaugural game is sure to be a must have ticket, so make sure you have your ticket for this once in a lifetime game!
Opening Night for the inaugural season is just 12 days away! Season tickets, mini plans, and group tickets for the upcoming 2011-2012 season are on sale now. For more information about tickets, give the Chicago Express office a call at 224-220-1333 or visit www.chicagoexpresshockey.com.
ECHL Stories from October 11, 2011
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- Bakersfield Adds Defenseman Ross; Releases Two - Bakersfield Condors
- ECHL Transactions - October 11 - ECHL
- Replica Pacific Division Champion Flag Giveaway for Opening Night - Bakersfield Condors
- Grantham and Jakaitis Assigned from AHL - Atlanta Gladiators
- Jackals Trim Training Camp Roster - Elmira Jackals
- Wranglers and Clark County Reads Launch "Reading Wranglers" Program - Las Vegas Wranglers
- K-Wings Weekly - Kalamazoo Wings
- Nailers Acquire Lombardi from Chicago - Wheeling Nailers
- Greenville Road Warriors Announce Preferred Eye Care Provider - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Everblades Trade Stephens to Chicago - Florida Everblades
- Express Complete Pair of Trades - Chicago Express
- Grizzlies Open Season Friday Hosting Idaho - Utah Grizzlies
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