Jackalopes Announce Signing Of Premier Forward Chris Gignac

Published on October 15, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


Okay, the name is actually pronounced "JEEN-yack." But Jackalopes Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations, Don McKee, knows that, any way you say it, what CHRIS GIGNAC means for the Jackalopes is offense.

McKee today announced that Gignac has officially signed with the club, following the conclusion of negotiations and all necessary physical and medical exams. The newest Jackalope, therefore, will be in uniform Friday night when the Jackalopes open the 2003-2004 Central Hockey League season.

"This signing makes us a significantly better hockey club," McKee said. "Chris Gignac is an extremely talented centerman. He gives us the kind of offensive presence we feel we need to be a President's Cup contender."

Gignac's playing background includes two seasons in the German Bundesliga, where he averaged a point-per-game (69 points in 67 games in 2000-2002). He also played briefly for the Canadian National Team in 1999-2000. That same season (1999-2000), he scored 89 points (33 goals + 56 assists) for Toledo of the East Coast Hockey League.

"We've been looking for a premier goal scorer, and Chris gives us that," McKee said. "He also has the ability to raise the level of play of his line mates, and that makes us a better hockey club offensively."

"Chris sat out virtually all of last season," McKee said. "So he's really ready to go and very excited to start the season."

With final "paperwork" not yet in place, Gignac did not play in the team's two exhibition games. But McKee says Jacks fans can count on getting their first look at the newest Jackalope in Friday night's opener.

McKee says the addition of Gignac gives the club the foundation of a more powerful offense, one of the team's top objectives coming into the new season.

"When you combine Chris with Matt Cressman and Mike Rutter, we have three very good centermen," McKee said. "Remember that we've already added Jeff Goldie and we have Scott Green, John Bossio and Sebastien Thinel returning. Our rookies will certainly have to contribute as well, but this is the best offensive line-up we've had since I've coached the Jacks."

"Chris also gives us a tremendous power play weapon," McKee added. "That was another of our goals entering the season...to strengthen our power play. We've done that with Gignac and Goldie."

Gignac is a long time friend of Jacks all-star defenseman Scott Hillman, and skated against a Don McKee-coached team in college. Gignac spent two seasons (1997-98) at the University of Windsor, where he scored 95 points (39 + 56) in 48 games. During that time, McKee was coaching at the University of Waterloo.

"Chris got my attention a long time ago," McKee joked.

"We put a very high priority on bringing Chris Gignac to the Jackalopes," McKee said. "We know what he can bring to our hockey club. He can help us take the next step (toward a CHL championship)."

__________________

To make room on the season-opening roster, the Jackalopes waived forward Luke Phillips. McKee praised Phillips' performance in the pre-season, and said the 21-year-old from British Columbia could return at some point.

Phillips (5-8, 190) fought twice (and more than held his own both times) against San Angelo's Scott Mahar, who is 6-5, 240. Phillips was also coming back from a broken leg, suffered last spring.

"Luke really gave a great effort in camp and in exhibition games," McKee said. "He wasn't afraid to drop the gloves and take on a much bigger guy. We'll certainly consider giving him another look as the season goes on."

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