Forward Bittner signs on with 'Blades
July 20, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Gerry Fleming announced today that forward J.B. Bittner has signed a contract for the 2007-08 season, becoming the sixth player to sign for the upcoming season.
Bittner joins the Everblades after skating in four different cities last season between the ECHL and American Hockey League. The 25-year-old began and finished the year with the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL skating in 48 total regular season games, scoring 40 points (15g, 25a), and saw action in two Kelly Cup Playoff games.
In between, Bittner skated in two games with the Portland Pirates of the AHL, and added five games at the AHL level with the Iowa Stars in January and February. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native also saw action in 12 games with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL, tallying 10 points (6g, 4a).
"We are obviously very happy to bring J.B. on board this season." Fleming said. "He's a good, solid power forward who has a nose for the net. J.B. has great touch around the net and will really be a strong asset to our club."
After making his professional debut in 2004-05 by skating in six games (1g, 1a) with the Dayton Bombers, Bittner put together a busy second pro season. The former Ohio State Alum skated in 51 games with the Johnstown Chiefs during the 2005-06 campaign, registering 39 points (10g, 29a). He also picked up two games with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL, and played in 21 regular season games with Portland, where he eventually finished the season, notching eight points (3g, 5a). Bittner then saw action in 17 Calder Cup Playoff games with the Pirates where he chipped in two assists.
Prior to turning pro, Bittner played four seasons at Ohio State University from 2001-05 where he totaled 76 points (37g, 39a) in 160 career games. During his first three years with the Buckeyes Bittner played in the annual Florida College Classic held at Germain Arena every December, and during his freshman campaign was named to the All-Florida Classic Tournament Team.
Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the Premier 'AA' Hockey League in 2007-08, the ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in three states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league that will have 25 teams in 17 states and British Columbia in 2007-08. The 25 teams includes the Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves, who return after missing two seasons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the expansion Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals.
Be a part of the Everblades 10th Anniversary season! The 2007-08 season begins on Friday, October 19 when the 'Blades host the Mississippi Sea Wolves at 7:30 p.m. from Germain Arena! Deposits are being taken now for 2007-08 Florida Everblades season tickets! For just $50 per/seat you can reserve your piece of the action for next season! Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.
ECHL Stories from July 20, 2007
- Bombers Co-Head Coach Makes Move to NHL - Dayton Bombers
- Steelheads Defend Championship With Veteran Captain Flichel - Idaho Steelheads
- Checkers Announce Hockey Operations Staff - Charlotte Checkers
- Forward Bittner signs on with 'Blades - Florida Everblades
- Wildcatters Sign CIS Top Scorer - Texas Wildcatters
- Thornton Jersey Donated To Falcons Face Off Against Kids Cancer - Fresno Falcons
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