Express Send Stephens to Utah for Paquette
March 8, 2012 - 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 acquired RW Danick Paquette from the Utah Grizzlies in exchange for D Evan Stephens. Also, D Drew Paris has returned to Chicago and LW Dennis McCauley has gone back to Reading due to Tuesday's trade between the two clubs being rescinded.
Paquette, 21, is in his second professional season and counts the Express as the third team he has played for this season. He played in nine games with the Utah Grizzlies, recording 64 PIM, after joining them from the South Carolina Stingrays. Paquette appeared in 31 games with South Carolina, scoring six goals and adding 11 assists for 17 points along with 118 PIM. In his first ECHL season in 2010-11, he played in 59 games with the Gwinnett Gladiators, racking up 179 PIM to go along with 20 points (13g, 7a).
The Montreal, Quebec, native played four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from 2006-2010 with Lewiston and Quebec. In 2009-10 with the Quebec Remparts, the 6-1, 205 pound forward served as the team's alternate captain and tallied 36 goals, 29 assists, and 136 PIM in 64 games. Paquette lead the QMJHL in PIM with 230 as the captain of the Lewiston MAINEiacs in 2008-09, and also was part of the QMJHL championship squad in Lewiston in 2006-07. Paquette was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Tuesday's trade with the Reading Royals that brought McCauley to Chiacgo from the Reading Royals in exchange for Drew Paris has been rescinded. McCauley has failed his physical and is unable to play for the Express. Due to potential injury concerns, the trade has been reversed, and each player has returned to their original team.
Drew Paris had spent much of the season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, playing in 21 games with the American Hockey League club. With Toronto, he scored one goal and recorded two assists along with a plus-10 plus/minus rating and 10 PIM. He has played in 13 games with the Chicago Express, scoring three goals and adding three assists for six points. He is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow when the Express battle Kalamazoo.
Stephens played in 48 games with the Express this season, scoring three goals and adding 16 assists for 19 points. He was originally acquired from the Florida Everblades during training camp in October.
Chicago hits the road for the next two games, as they battle the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Stadium on Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10. Chicago then returns home to take on the Nailers once again on Wednesday, March 14. The homestand continues against Toledo on Friday, March 16, and against the Trenton Titans on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. Friday night is a Dollar Friday at the Sears Centre Arena, while on Saturday the Express will have St. Patrick's Day Festivities, including a game-worn-jersey auction after the game. Following Sunday's game, all fans are invited to skate with the team for free after the contest. To get tickets to any of those games, call the Express at 224-220-1333.
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ECHL Stories from March 8, 2012
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- ECHL Transactions - March 8 - ECHL
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- Carrozzi Called up to AHL - Ontario Reign
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