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FHL MVP to Join Blaze

September 10, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, fueled by Mid-Illini Credit Union, have bolstered their defense by signing the reigning Federal Hockey League Most Valuable Player.

Jeff Winchester is a 6-2, 205-pound defenseman who begins his eighth professional season. He registered 20 goals and 63 assists for 83 points in 49 games last season with two FHL clubs (1000 Islands and New Jersey), earning him MVP honors in the A-level circuit. He is coming off his best scoring season.

Winchester played four seasons at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, followed by AA-level stops at San Diego, Dayton and Columbia of the ECHL and Arizona and Corpus Christi of the Central Hockey League. He has also played parts of three seasons in the A-level Southern Professional Hockey League in Huntsville and Mississippi as well as parts of two seasons in Holland. The 30-year-old Winchester is a native of Dalhousie, New Brunswick.

"Jeff has been a very productive defenseman on each team he has played for," said Blaze coach Brian Gratz. "He has been a part of three single-A championship teams over the past three seasons, including being named MVP last season in the FHL. I look forward to seeing his success at other levels transfer to the Central Hockey League."

NEW SENIOR JUNIOR: Former Bloomington player Zac Pearson has signed on as the new coach of the Junior Blaze, replacing Aaron Corbiere who stepped down last week. Pearson played in Bloomington in 2009-10. More on Pearson's career will be detailed this week. Training camp for the Junior Blaze begins this week.

LIGHTING THE FUSE: The Blaze open their second season in the AA-level Central Hockey League on October 19 at home against the Rapid City Rush. Information on group packages, sponsorships, season tickets and the limited-time $99 Blaze Pass season vouchers can be found by calling 309-434-2980. More on the Blaze online can be found at www.bloomingtonblaze.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter (BLMBlaze).

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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.

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