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Naud returns, new goaltender added

August 13, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz News Release


FLORENCE, SC – The Pee Dee Pride announced today that the team has signed veteran left wing Eric Naud to a contract for the 2004-2005 season, and traded defenseman Ray DiLauro to the Wheeling Nailers in exchange for goaltender Nick Boucher (Boo-SHAY).

Naud returns for his fifth season with the Pride. He started last season with the Columbus Stars of the United Hockey League, but re-signed with the Pride on January 13 after the Stars ceased operations. Naud played in 26 games with the Pride, posting 19 points and 55 points, before being traded to the Pensacola Ice Pilots in exchange for future considerations (Brian Collins). He ranks second behind Allan Sirois on the Pride's all time penalty minute list with 603.

A third round selection (53rd overall) by the Boston Bruins in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, Naud has appeared in 386 professional games, tallying 202 points and adding 1,867 penalty minutes.

"Naudy is the consummate team player," said Head Coach Perry Florio. "He is a competitor, a warrior type that can score goals and hit as hard as anyone in the league. To have him back in our lineup along with Brian Collins, the player we traded Naudy for last March, is a huge boost to our roster."

Boucher enters his second professional season, after splitting last season with Wheeling and the Nailers' AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In 29 games with Wheeling, the 23-year-old posted a 20-6-1 record to go along with a 2.48 goals against average and a save percentage of .908. He finished 13th in the ECHL in goals against average last season. Boucher played in six games with the Penguins, going 1-0-1 with a 2.05 goals against average. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the ninth round (280th overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Boucher played four seasons at Dartmouth College, posting an overall record of 74-64-18.

"Nick is an excellent young goaltender that proved last year his great college numbers were no fluke," Florio said. "He has never had below a .900 save percentage and he consistently has had a goals against average in the 2's. Bottom line is that Nick wins games. They say you have to give up something good to get something good; we feel we got something great."

Opening Weekend 2004 is right around the corner! The Pride host the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies on Friday, October 22 and the Augusta Lynx on Saturday, October 23. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. More details about Opening Weekend 2004 will be announced over the next several weeks.

Season tickets, flex plans and corporate partnerships for the 2004-2005 season are still available. For more information, or to place your order, visit the Pride office, located at the Florence Civic Center, or call (843) 669-7825.



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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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