IceCats Gain Four and Lose One

January 14, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA – St. Louis Blues Senior Vice President/General Manager and Worcester IceCats General Manager of Hockey Operations Larry Pleau announced five transactions today, spanning from the National Hockey League (NHL) to the ECHL. The Blues have recalled defenseman Jame Pollock from the IceCats and reassigned fellow defenseman Mike Stuart to Worcester. In addition, goaltender Brent Johnson was assigned to the IceCats from St. Louis. Also today, the IceCats recalled defenseman Joe Vandermeer and center Brendan Brooks from their ECHL affiliate, the Peoria (IL) Rivermen.

This is the first recall for Pollock in his five year career with the IceCats. The Quebec City-born blueliner has appeared in 24 games for the IceCats this season, notching five goals, 10 assists and 27 penalty minutes: 24(5/10/15)27. The 24 year old recently completed a five game stint with Canada's National Team in which he recorded one goal, a game-winner, and two assists, en route to winning the Gold Medal in the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. He was also named to the tournament All-Star Team. His IceCats totals reflect 250 games, 60 goals, 90 assists and 150 points: 250(60/90/150). Pollock could become the 15th player to play with both the IceCats and Blues this season.

A native of Farmington, Michigan, Johnson was a member of the Worcester IceCats for four seasons starting with the 1997-1998 campaign. The 6-3 backstop compiled a record of 60-65-17 with the IceCats, including five shutouts, a 3.02 goals against average and a .903 save percentage. The 1995 NHL Draft pick, holds several IceCats goaltending records including: total minutes (8609), total assists (seven), total penalty minutes (39) and most appearances in a season (58). As a member of the Blues, Johnson has appeared in 143 contests, racking up a record of 76-47-12 while posting eleven shutouts.

An October 7th, 2002 free agent signing by St. Louis, Stuart has skated in 23 games with Worcester this season, recording three assists and 16 penalty minutes: 23(0/3/3)16. The 23 year old made his NHL debut with the Blues on October 24th in Calgary after being recalled on October 20th. He has played in two games total for the Blues this season, recording no points.

Vandermeer's second recall to Worcester comes after playing in 31 games with the Blues/IceCats ECHL affiliate. The 5-10, 180 pound defenseman has recorded two goals and 15 assists with Peoria: 31(2/15/17). He previously played two games for the IceCats and was held without a point.

Also recalled from Peoria, Brooks has notched 11 goals and 13 assists in 30 games for the Rivermen this season: 30(11/13/24). He has a total of 74 points in 85 games for the Rivermen over the past two seasons.

The IceCats are home TONIGHT at 7:05 vs. the Springfield Falcons. ALL TICKETS ARE JUST $10 TONIGHT!



American Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2004


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