'Horns boost blueline with Rodger, Ebbole
Published on November 12, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Helena Bighorns were active on the player front Monday, acquiring two defensemen and a forward in three separate deals with two NAHL teams.
The first deal of the day saw the Big Blue acquire defenseman, Keith Rodger from the Springfield Jr. Blues for future considerations. Rodger, a 6-foot-2, 200 pound defenseman, is expected to provide some power on the Bighorns blue line. The native of Denver, Colorado had four assists and 24 penalty minutes in 15 games with the Jr. Blues this year.
Picking up Rodger was something that Bighorn president Mike Butters had worked on for a while. "Keith is a quality guy and we were trying to get him for some time now," said Butters. "He plays the game with an edge and he will shore up our blueline. With three years of junior under his belt, including two years in the USHL, we are looking for him to step in and make an immediate impact."
When questioned about the terms of the deal, Butters added, "We have to finalize the terms of the deal on our end, it will involve either a player, cash or both. It should be done in a couple of days. Regardless, I spoke to Keith this afternoon and he is excited to be a Bighorn. He will be on route tomorrow and will be in uniform when we visit Bozeman on Saturday."
Deal Number Two saw the Bighorns pick defenseman Steve Ebbole from the Central Texas Marshals in exchange for forward, Nico Rodriguez. Ebbole was the captain of a Central Texas team who has been mired in the bottom half of the standings and was regarded as the team's top defenseman.
Bighorn coach, Brent Agrusa, was excited to add Ebbole. "I have known Steve for a long time," Agrusa, said. "He is a skilled defenseman with great leadership qualities. He was a player we wanted and are hoping he will add to the depth on our blue line."
In parting with Rodriguez, Agrusa added, "To get a player like Ebbole, we had to give up a player who put up big numbers. We are confident the move will pay off. Nico had a hard time adjusting here and the change of scenery should do him good."
Rodriguez had a breakout year for the 'Horns last season, picking up 47 points. This season he only appeared in 7 of 15 games, scoring three goals and adding three assists.
The final deal put the Bighorns and Marshals at the table once again. The Bighorns acquired winger J.C. Velasquez for Pat Knowlton. Both players have been contacted, but the deal, although official, could change due to a variety of factors. According to Butters, these things occur on a regular basis. "Although we have reached a deal with Central Texas on these two trades, the players involved must report to their new team. This could complicate matters as Velasquez has informed us he does not intend to report. He instead would like to play closer to home."
Injuries have hurt the Big Blue as they have played the last seven games with at least three regular defensemen out of the line up. The Bighorns are coming off a 3-2 overtime defeat to Billings and head into this weekend's home-and-home series with Bozeman looking to get back on track. Prior to the overtime loss, the 'Horns had won six in a row.
The Bighorns travel to Bozeman on Friday to face an IceDogs team that has struggled as of late, dropping five of its last six contests. Nonetheless, Agrusa knows they will be in for a dogfight. "Bozeman is much underrated as a team," he says. "They have a ton of skill and we have to play our best hockey against them. Sure they have dropped a few games here, but all were close. I expect a close weekend series with them."
The Bighorns will return home to face the same Bozeman Ice Dogs on Saturday at the Helena Ice Arena. Tickets are available by calling the ticket hotline at (406) 457-2817.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 12, 2004
- Veterans prove to be driving force in Roadrunners' early success - Topeka Pilots
- IceDiggers acquire forward Zimmerman from OHL - Alpena IceDiggers
- Bulls jump into first - Billings Bulls
- Solid goaltending gives Spirit four-point weekend - Alaska Avalanche
- Bandits begin home webcasts - St. Louis Bandits
- 'Horns boost blueline with Rodger, Ebbole - Helena Bighorns
- Lamoreaux's four points league Bobcats to win over Blizzard - Bismarck Bobcats
- Dallas Stars coach Tippett assists Tornado during practice - Texas Tornado
- Blizzard update - Alexandria Blizzard
- Wildcats 1-1-1 on road trip - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets fall from first place - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms win overtime shootout, sweep weekend vs. Toledo - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- NAHLers poised for first college commitments this week - NAHL
- Icedogs vs. Bighorns tonight - Bozeman Icedogs
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