Killer Bees add forwards Robert, Dejoe

Published on August 23, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced the signings of right wing Jonathan Robert (ro-BEAR) and winger Paul Dejoe. Robert was one of 18 finalists who vied for an NHL tryout on CBC's Making the Cut reality show in 2004, while Dejoe spent last season in the Belgian Elite League.

Robert, from Boisbriand, Quebec, played four seasons from 1999-2003 in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Sherbrooke Beavers and Rimouski Oceanic. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound forward totaled 104 points (38-66-104) in 255 games while adding 341 PIM.

Following his junior career, the 24-year-old enrolled at the University of Ottawa and played there from 2003-06. In 74 games, he posted 54 points (21-33-54) and 81 PIM. The business management major was a teammate of Killer Bees goaltender Mathieu Blanchard during the 2002-03 season.

Robert earned an NHL Rookie Camp invite from the Florida Panthers after being one of 18 finalists on CBC's Making the Cut. Over 4000 players attended Making the Cut tryouts before the group was reduced to 68 skaters for a two-week training camp in Vernon, B.C. The TV show camp was run by Florida Panthers General Manager Mike Keenan.

"I think it is only a matter of time before Jonathan is playing professionally," University of Ottawa Head Coach Dave Leger remarked at the time. "He is cut from the cloth of a professional, in terms of his size and his skating ability, and he has the ability to be a physically dominant player."

Dejoe is a 2004 graduate of Neumann College in Aston, Penn. From 2000-04, he appeared in 93 games for the Knights and tallied 17 points (6-11-17). The Youngstown, Ohio, native captained the club for three seasons. He turns 24 in September.

He played last season for the Heist Olympia in the Belgian Elite (ERE) Professional Hockey League, posting 23 points (6-17-23) in 38 games. The Belgian Elite Professional Hockey League is comprised of Belgian and Dutch teams and is considered a premiere division in Belgium.

At 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds, Dejoe's strengths are in his speed and playmaking ability. He had an immediate impact with his European club last season, as he tallied a goal and assist to help lift the Heist Olympia to a 5-4 win their home opener over the 2004-05 league champion Leuven Chiefs.

"My downfall is that I may be a little too responsible defensively," explained Dejoe. "I'm more of a passer and then like be the first back in the zone help out the D and give them an outlet."

Paul graduated from Neumann with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and was a dual major in criminal justice and psychology. He is currently working on his MBA.

The Killer Bees have announced 11 player signings so far. The club will announce signings every Tuesday (when available) over the course of the summer. As often as possible, those players will be guests on ESPN 1240's Sportsline (4-6 p.m.) the day of the announcement.

The Killer Bees open up their fourth season of CHL action on the weekend of October 20 and 21, 2006 vs. the Arizona Sundogs. The team will also play a preseason schedule to be announced. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available now by calling (956) 843-PUCK. Stay tuned all summer to killerbeehockey.com for the latest news and transactions as they become official!

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 23, 2006


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