Lewiston Alumni Playing in the Pros

December 27, 2010 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


The Lewiston MAINEiacs have had the last eight days off, as they get set to tangle with the Victoriaville Tigres in the first game of a home-and-home series on Tuesday night. That gives us a chance to take a peak at the alumni.

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Three former MAINEiacs are making their home in the NHL this year, as David Perron and Jaroslav Halak are teaming up with the St. Louis Blues, while Jonathan Bernier is playing in his first full season as a member of the Los Angeles Kings.

2010-11 has been business as usual for Halak, who posted his fourth shutout of the season with a 32-save effort against Nashville on Sunday. The Slovakian native currently has a 14-10-8 record, a 2.34 GAA, and a .916 Sv%.

Unfortunately, Perron has been limited to just ten games due to injury, but does have seven points, including five goals.

Bernier also picked up a win on Sunday, improving to 4-5-0 with 18 saves in a 4-1 victory over Anaheim. The 22-year old has very respectable numbers, including a 2.78 GAA, and a .903 Sv%.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

Five former MAINEiacs are currently one step away from the ultimate dream of the NHL, and three of those players have helped to lead their teams toward the tops of their respective divisions.

Following a trade last winter, Alexandre Picard is experiencing his first full season in the Phoenix Coyotes' organization. Through 19 games with the San Antonio Rampage, this fresh start appears to be just the fit the former first round pick was looking for. Picard is second on the team with 13 goals, helping San Antonio to first place in the Western Conference.

Stefano Giliati is also experiencing his first season in a new location, as he now suits up as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Giliati is currently playing with the Norfolk Admirals, and thus far has four goals, six assists, and ten points in 21 games. Norfolk has also had a solid start to the season, as they are currently in second place in the AHL's East Division.

Stefan Chaput's transition came midseason, as the Carolina Hurricanes traded the third year pro to the Anaheim Ducks at the beginning of December. After recording just three assists with Carolina's new affiliate in Charlotte, Chaput wasted little time, netting the game winning goal in his second game with the Syracuse Crunch. Oddly enough, that game was played in Charlotte. Stefan also tallied the next night against his former club, and has five points in ten games since joining the Crunch.

Marc-Andre Cliche is back for another exciting season with the Manchester Monarchs, but this one is a bit different, because he has the "C" on the front of his jersey. This is the first time that Cliche has been a captain since 2006-07, when he led a certain QMJHL team to a championship! The new responsibilities haven't affected the 23-year old, who has seven goals, six assists, and 13 points in 24 games for the Atlantic Division leading Monarchs.

Rounding out the AHL, Kevin Marshall is in his second tour of duty on the Adirondack Phantoms' blueline. In 31 games this season, Marshall has one goal, two assists, three points, and 50 penalty minutes.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE

Four more players are currently playing at the next best level - the ECHL.

Mathieu Aubin is continuing to do what he does best, and that is putting points on the scoreboard. Lewiston's single season record holder is currently at the top of the scoring list for the Cincinnati Cyclones, notching seven goals, 15 assists, and 22 points in 29 games.

One state over in Pennsylvania, you will find Eric Castonguay, as he is sporting the colors of the Reading Royals. Castonguay has appeared in 22 games with his new club, scoring six goals, eight assists, and 14 points, including one marker on the power play. The Granby, QC native also earned a one-game call up to Bridgeport of the AHL, and new exactly what to do, as he lit the lamp.

Sebastien Piche continues to bounce around the Detroit Red Wings' organization, spending time with Grand Rapids in the AHL and Toledo in the ECHL. Despite playing in just 18 games with the Walleye, Piche is sixth on the team in scoring, as he has registered three goals and ten assists. The 22-year old also has had one assist in three contests with the Griffins.

Danick Paquette is starting to make noise in the Atlanta Thrashers' organization, as he is spending the 2010-11 campaign next door with the Gwinnett Gladiators. Paquette's stat line won't surprise many, as he has contributed to the offense with seven goals and four assists in 26 games. At the same time, Danick's pugilistic skills have been there as well, as he has totaled 93 penalty minutes.

Finally, we come to Chad Denny, who was recently spotted at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee during one of the MAINEiacs' recent home games. Denny spent five games in the ECHL this season with the Utah Grizzlies, picking up 23 penalty minutes.

CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

The CHL features two goaltenders and two tough guys, with all four players applying their crafts well.

After what he did last season, everyone knew that Adrien Lemay had a bright future ahead of him, and so far, everyone is correct. In his first full season as a pro, Lemay has been spectacular, posting a 9-2-1 record, a 2.99 GAA, and a .902 Sv% with the league-leading Allen Americans. Lemay's strong play earned him a brief call-up to the AHL's Texas Stars.

Peter Delmas' play between the pipes also earned him a shot in the AHL, as the former President's Cup winner went 1-0-1 in two appearances with the Hamilton Bulldogs. In the CHL, Delmas plays in Wichita, where he has an .836 Sv% in five games with the Thunder.

Every team needs a tough guy, and Olivier Legault is exactly that for the Fort Wayne Komets. After spending last season with Kalamazoo of the ECHL, Legault has returned for his third season of duty with the Komets. The 24-year old has played in just 15 games with Fort Wayne, but is already second on the team in fighting majors (six), and third on the team in penalty minutes (59).

Samuel Grenache didn't spend much time in Lewiston, but he was here long enough to rack up a fighting major last season. The Windsor, QC native has a similar role with the Arizona Sundogs, as he has one assist and 43 penalty minutes in 14 games.

17 former MAINEiacs have played in the pros this season, and just think of how many more will be there soon!

MAINEiacs State Farm Annual Teddy Toss

Thursday December 30th - 7 PM

vs. Victoriaville

Each year, the State Farm Teddy Toss is one of the most anticipated events on the MAINEiacs schedule as fans of the Blue & Orange are always there to support those that are less fortunate. All attendees are encouraged to bring as many Teddy Bears as possible. The custom is for fans to toss teddies after the MAINEiacs score their first goal of the game with the bears then being collected as a way to help brighten the lives of area children. If for some reason you forget to bring a teddy bear prior to entrance, students from the Geiger school will be present in the lobby offering bears in return for a small donation. The more bears...the better!

Stuffed animals to be donated to The Root Cellar & other local youth area drop in centers.



Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2010


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