Generals announce blockbuster trade with Richmond

Published on March 12, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals of the United Hockey League announce a blockbuster trade on Saturday morning with the Richmond Riverdogs. The Generals send left wing, Jim Duhart, goaltender Dan McIntyre and left wing, Kris Waltze to the Richmond Riverdogs. In return, the Generals receive left wing Francis Belanger, goaltender Nathan Grobins, and the rights to left wing Jonathan Gagnon effective immediately.

Belanger (age 27, 6-2, 227) comes to the Generals after spending parts of the last two seasons with the Riverdogs. This season, the native of Bellefuille, PQ racked up 26 goals, 26 assists for 52 points and 172 penalty minutes. Belanger appeared in ten games for the Montreal Canadiens (2000-2001) and had spent most of his career with the American League's Philadelphia Phantoms (1998-2001) and Quebec Citadelles (2001-2002). Belanger was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fifth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

Grobins (age 32, 5-11, 180) joins the Generals after appearing in fifteen games with the Riverdogs posting a record of 7-5-1 with a goals against average of 3.63. The native of Houston, BC has spent most of his career in the Central League. Last season, Grobins was named the Wichita Thunder's (CHL) Most Valuable Player with a record of 28-14-2 and a .914 save percentage.

The Generals also receive the rights to left wing Jonathan Gagnon (age 24, 6-1, 185). The native of Longueil, PQ appeared in 46 games with Richmond this season amassing 18 goals, 17 assists, 35 points and 30 penalty minutes. Gagnon was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the seventh round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

The Generals part with left wing Jim Duhart who was in his fourth tour of duty with the club. This season, Duhart had 22 goals, 19 assist for 41 points and 156 penalty minutes in 46 games. In his eight seasons in a Generals' jersey, Duhart was at or near the top in many team categories including games played (470), goals (247), assists (231), and penalty minutes (1364). Duhart was acquired in a trade from Danbury in early December.

The Generals also send goaltender Dan McIntyre to the Riverdogs. McIntyre was in his third season and second consecutive year with the Generals. This season, McIntyre posted a record of 15-15-7 with a goals against average of 2.80 while appearing in 38 games. McIntyre's career record in Flint was 44-32-15.

Flint also sends veteran left wing, Kris Waltze to Richmond. Waltze, in his first season in the United League, appeared in 56 games chipping in with 8 goals, 7 assists for 15 points. He is among league leaders in penalty minutes with 275 so far this season.

"We are very excited about this trade," said Vice President & Head Coach, Robbie S. Nichols. "In picking up Belanger, we get good size on the forward line, someone who is tough and can put the puck in the net. Grobins is a great acquisition for us," continues Nichols. "He gives us the added experience in game-tested situations. Grobins is a seasoned goaltender who we know will step up for us when called upon for the remainder of the hockey season. He played well against us earlier this year and now we are happy to have him in Flint. Gagnon has good offensive numbers and can help us with steady and consistent play."

Nichols reacts to the late season trades. "When you need something to improve your hockey club, you usually have to give back some quality and that is what we have done here, "said Nichols. "Jim Duhart has been a warrior for the Generals. He has been one of the prolific goal scorers in the league and for our organization. Duhart's record speaks for itself and he has been one of the most exciting players to watch in recent years."

"Goaltender Dan McIntyre has been superb in his years with Generals," continues Nichols. He has proudly represented our organization on and off the ice. He received league recognition in last year's All Star Game at Fort Wayne and raised his level of play in the U.H.L. for everyone to take notice this season."

"Left wing Kris Waltze gave us a level of toughness and protected his teammates," continues Nichols. "He had a very important role to fill with our hockey club. Waltze came up with offensive help as well with his 15 points. He did everything we asked of him and was very well-liked and respected in the locker room. He is a tough-nosed player who comes to work every night."

"Our entire organization would like to thank Jim Duhart, Dan McIntyre and Kris Waltze for outstanding seasons," said Nichols. "We wish them much luck in Richmond. I am very happy with the trades we have made this week. Our lineup is stronger as we make another push to solidify our spot in the overall standings. Now, we have more pieces of the puzzle in place for a final push to qualify for the Colonial Cup Playoffs."

The Generals are home tonight to host the Richmond Riverdogs at Perani's Arena beginning at 7:35 p.m. Tickets are on sale at any TicketMaster location. Ticket prices are $13.00, $11.00 & $9.00 with student and senior citizens discounted $2.00 off regular prices. For ticket purchases, please call (810) 744-0580. For more details, contact the Flint Generals at (810) 742-9422.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 12, 2005


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