'Kings Grab Niemiec as thier First Blueliner Under Contract
July 10, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
LUBBOCK, TX: July 10, 2002 - The Lubbock Cotton Kings of the Central Hockey League are thrilled to announce the signing of defenseman Jay Niemiec for the 2002/2003 season.
"I have received positive reports on Niemiec, so I want to see what he can bring us," said Cotton Kings head coach/director of hockey operations Bill McDonald. "Reports tell me he is a good skater and likes to get involved physically, so we will see if he can make the squad."
Niemiec (nee-mihk), a 23 year-old native of Assonet, Massachusetts, signs with Lubbock after spending parts of the past two seasons in Belgium.
The third year pro began his professional career during the 97-98 season with the Central Hockey League's Fort Worth Fire, collecting 3 assists in three games played.
Niemiec returned to juniors the following season and then continued his professional career during the 00-01 season, playing with the Leuven (loo-vãn) Chiefs of the Belgian Premier League. He grabbed a goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 15 games in combined league and Belgian Cup play.
Last season, Niemiec attended training camp with Leuven and also worked out with the Anchorage Aces of the West Coast Hockey League, but did not participate in any regular season competition. Niemiec has combined for a goal and 13 assists for 14 points, along with 163 penalty minutes, in 18 professional games played in his career.
The 5'11", 200-pound defenseman began his junior career in the United States, playing in the EJHL in 95-96, where he collected 30 goals and 40 assists for 70 points in 45 games. Niemiec spent the remainder of his junior career playing Jr "A" hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). He played from 96/97 - 97/98 with the Wellington Dukes combining for 49 goals and 67 assists for 116 points, and spent the 99/00 season with the Pembroke Lumber Kings tacking 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 39 games. Niemiec was invited to training camp with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (major juniors) in 1996, and participated in preseason contests with Cotton Kings forward Walker McDonald.
If you would like to arrange an interview with either Jay Niemiec (he is currently in Massachusetts) or head coach Bill McDonald, please contact Chris Due at the Cotton Kings office.
Niemiec's name to the roster marks the third player signed, joining Dave MacIntyre and Jan Melichercik.
The Cotton Kings are currently preparing for the 2002-2003 season, and their second season in the Central Hockey League. Season ticket information can be attained by calling (806) 747-PUCK, or visiting the Cotton Kings website at www.cottonkings.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 10, 2002
- Buzzards React to Coliseum Concessions Being Awarded to NCS - El Paso Buzzards
- 'Kings Grab Niemiec as thier First Blueliner Under Contract - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- First Refueling Stage Complete; CHL's Top Scorer to Return - Austin Ice Bats
- Moffat Re-Signs With Outlaws - San Angelo Saints
- Buzzards Inline Hockey School Makes A Move! - El Paso Buzzards
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- Oilers Re-Sign Goalie - Tulsa Oilers
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