Sports stats



Generals Make Trade with 'Jacks

February 18, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals of the International Hockey League build for the present and prepare for the future after completing a huge trade with the Muskegon Lumberjacks earlier today.

The Generals have traded veteran left winger John DiPace and defenseman Ryan Jorde to the Muskegon Lumberjacks. In return, Flint acquires veteran right winger Frank Littlejohn, right wing Maxime Lincourt and defenseman Alex Lamontagne (La-mon-taine) effective immediately. In keeping with club policy, other terms of this agreement and trade shall not be disclosed.

DiPace, the 6-year pro from Clinton Township, MI was in his 4th season with the Flint Generals. His team totals include 267 games played with 84 goals, 114 assists, 198 points and 710 penalty minutes, including this season's 51 pts (24g, 27a) in 48 games.

Jorde, also a 6-year pro from Kelowna, BC was in his 3rd season with the Generals. This season, Jorde had 2 goals and 16 assists for 18 points and 40 penalty minutes appearing in 45 games.

The Generals receive toughness and experience in Frank Littlejohn. He is no stranger to those that have followed Flint pro hockey in recent years as the 32-year old from Oshawa, ONT had spent the majority of his career with Adirondack (UHL, 2000-2005) and with the Missouri River Otters (2004-2006). He signed with Muskegon last summer after spending the last two seasons with the Elmira Jackals in both the UHL in 2007 and the ECHL in 2008.

Right Wing Maxime Lincourt, age 21, (6'1" - 195 lbs.) is in his 2nd year pro and first year in the IHL. Last season, the native of Montreal, PQ split time between the ECHL's Elmira Jackals and Bakersfield Condors. He is enjoying his best year as a pro tallying 32 points (15g, 17a) in 48 games with the Lumberjacks this season.

Alex Lamontagne (6'4", 222 lbs.) is a 20-year old rookie defenseman from Crabtree, PQ and joins the Generals in his first year pro. This season with Muskegon, Lamontagne registered 112 penalty minutes and 7 points in 39 games.

"Trades are made for a reason and this is a huge one that really helps our hockey club," said Generals' Head Coach, Bobby Reynolds. "Frank Littlejohn is a tough, tough hockey player. He has always been a tremendous team player on the ice and a leader in the locker room. Throughout his career, he has always contributed with his tough-nosed style of play and has been able to produce offensive numbers," continues Reynolds. "His leadership will be crucial for us as we build our hockey club once again."

"With Lincourt we get a player who is hungry, young and is able to play," continues Reynolds. "His numbers in Muskegon prove that he is a solid player who will get better with experience. Again, we get another player who could make a long-term impact on the success of our hockey club."

"Lamontagne brings us much needed size back on the blue-line, continues Reynolds. "He will provide more physical play and additional toughness that is needed, especially in front of our goaltenders. Again, he is young and can play in this league for a few years. He will mature and his game will get better with experience in the IHL. We hope he will be with Flint for several years to come."

John DiPace has made a tremendous impact during his time as a player with the Generals.

"John DiPace has always done everything I have asked of him," said Reynolds. "He is one of the hardest working players in the entire league. Johnny has been a leader in our locker room and on the ice. I have had the great opportunity to play with him and coach him. We wish him well in Muskegon."

Ryan Jorde has been solid for the Generals this season and for the last 3 years in Flint. "Jorde had seen a lot of ice time for us this year," said Reynolds. He has showed signs of steady improvement of different aspects of his overall game which proved an important part of this trade with Muskegon. We know he will continue his solid play with the Lumberjacks and wish him all the best."

Reynolds reflects on this very important trade. "As I mentioned, trades are made to improve the hockey club, and that is what we have done here," explained Reynolds. "This trade gives us two promising youngsters enjoying good seasons and they are going to get better, along with an extremely talented veteran in Frank Littlejohn that provides us with the all-around game and leadership that will pay off huge dividends to the long-term success of the Flint Generals. The future starts now for the best interest of our hockey club."

The newest players are expected to be in the lineup as the Generals host the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday, February 20, 2009 at Perani Arena at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Perani Arena by calling (810) 742-9422 or on line at www.flintgenerals.com. For more details, contact the Flint Generals at (810) 742-9422.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 18, 2009


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.

OurSports Central