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Generals acquire Jeff Zehr and Josh Piro in trades

September 28, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals of the United Hockey League announce the acquisition of three more players. Forwards Jeff Zehr and Josh Piro were picked up through trades and goaltender Jason Churchill signing his first professional contract.

Zehr, 27, comes to the Generals in a trade with Port Huron for Greg Bullock. He was a second round draft coice in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. This will be his seventh season of professional hockey and first in the UHL. In 1999-00, his first season, he played 12 games for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. During that season he was called up to the NHL by the Boston Bruins and appeared in four games. Zehr's best season statistically was 2002-03 with Columbus in the ECHL when he had 58 points on 23 goals and 35 assists in 58 games with 229 penalty minutes.

Piro, 27, was acquired by the Generals in a trade with Bloomington for futures. Piro played four seasons at Elmira College before beginning his professional career in 2003 with his hometown team the Johnstown Chiefs in the ECHL. Last season he played 49 games for Elmira and recorded nine points on three goals and six assists.

Churchill, 20, was a fourth round selection of the San Jose Sharks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He has played the last four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, three years with the Halifax Mooseheads and last season with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Churchill's best season statistically was 2004-05 with Halifax. In 54 games he posted a 28-18-8 record with a 2.59 goals against average and a .905 save percentage.

"Zehr is a first line forward for us. He has NHL and AHL experience and brings character and leadership to our team." stated General Manager Al Sims. "We're also excited about getting Piro from Bloomington. He is a good two way center that can play on all three lines. And Churchill was a NHL draft pick. He is a big kid that takes up a lot of the net and he comes with high credentials having been drafted."

The Generals open their 2006-07 season against the Port Huron Flags on Friday, October 13, at Perani Arena. Season tickets are on sale now at Perani Arena & Event Center. Call (810) 744-0580 for season ticket information. All kids age 12 and under receive free season tickets with the purchase of an adult season ticket package.

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