Offensive Dynamo Owens and Hard-Working Leen Join Beast
June 14, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Brampton Beast News Release
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO - The Brampton Beast, ECHL affiliate of the St. John's IceCaps and Montreal Canadiens, announce today the completion of several trades made during the 2015-16 ECHL season.
The Beast have acquired electric offensive defenseman Chris Owens in exchange for forward Scott Howes in a trade between the Beast and the Missouri Mavericks that was initiated on March 14, 2016.
Owens, a 26-year-old St. John's, Newfoundland native, suited up for 53 games with the Mavericks last season and was force at both ends of the ice, recording three goals and 15 assists. In 65 career ECHL games played, all with the Mavericks, he has recorded five goals and 20 assists with 20 penalty minutes.
Prior to joining the Mavericks, Owens spent parts of five seasons at Acadia University where he blossomed into a dynamic offensive defenseman. In 143 CIS contests between the 2010-11 and 2014-15 seasons, the 5'10" rearguard recorded 34 goals and 90 assists for 124 points.
Owens is excited to start the next phase of his professional career back in the Great White North with the Beast.
"My assistant coach called me yesterday and he gave me the news and it's exciting," Owens said. "It will be something different. Obviously last year I was a little more south being just outside of Kansas City, but this is a little closer to home in Canada so that's exciting."
Beast Head Coach Colin Chaulk admits that the team has had its eye on Owens for quite some time and is excited to be able to bring him to Brampton.
"Chris is someone the Beast have been trying to get for three seasons," Chaulk said. "He's a dynamic offensive player who can be a high-end power play defenseman for us."
In a separate transaction, the Beast traded defenseman Mathew Maione to the Wheeling Nailers on December 4, 2015. In return, the Beast will now receive forward Connor Leen.
Leen played 49 games last season for the Nailers. In his 60 career ECHL games, the Chester, New York native has recorded 12 goals and 17 assists for a total of 29 points. Leen is a graduate of the University of Maine in the NCAA. During his four seasons in Maine between the 2011-12 to 2014-15 seasons, he tallied 53 points including 24 goals in 120 NCAA games for the Black Bears.
Leen was an important part of the Wheeling Nailers' run to the Kelly Cup Final this season and while it's never easy to leave a championship-quality team, Leen is excited at helping the Beast reach the top of the ECHL.
"It's bittersweet," Leen said of his departure from the Nailers. "Obviously I have a lot of close buddies and a lot of friendships in Wheeling. We had a really great run and that is a first class organization, but at the same time I was happy to that Brampton wanted me and it's always nice to go to a place where you're wanted."
Beast Head Coach Colin Chaulk is no stranger to Leen, as the forward played seven games against the Beast last season where he recorded three goals and two assists. Chaulk is excited to have a player like Leen join the Beast for the upcoming season.
"I am really excited to be able to get a player like Connor," Chaulk said. "He was a part of Wheeling's playoff run and got a taste of what it takes to get there, so we're really excited to have a player of his speed. He will definitely add depth to our offensive attack."
Download the Beast Mobile App for FREE to get the latest news straight to your phone!
The Brampton Beast will be bringing their exciting brand of ECHL hockey back to the Powerade Centre this fall. Don't miss a minute of the action! 2016-17 Memberships are now available, starting at $34.78 plus HST per month.
For more information or general media inquiries on the Brampton Beast please contact Chris Ballard, Public Relations Coordinator at (905) 564-1684 or cballard@bramptonbeast.com.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from June 14, 2016
- Offensive Dynamo Owens and Hard-Working Leen Join Beast - Brampton Beast
- Solar Bears, Magic, Orlando City, Pride and Predators Join Forces for #OrlandoUnited - Orlando Solar Bears
- Mallards Acquire Harris, Panzarella - Quad City Mallards
- Thunder Completes Trade with Quad City Mallards - Wichita Thunder
- Steelheads Complete Trade with Quad City - Idaho Steelheads
- Fuel Complete Four Trades - Indy Fuel
- Oilers Acquire Defenseman Prochno from Walleye - Tulsa Oilers
- Walleye Finalize Season Ending Deals - Toledo Walleye
- Nailers Add Shalla from Toledo, Trade Leen to Brampton - Wheeling Nailers
- Jackals Complete Future Considerations Trades with Toledo and Indy - Elmira Jackals
- ECHL Annual Meetings Presented by Essensa Set for Next Week - ECHL
- "Unfinished Business" Leads Beast to Re-Sign Head Coach Chaulk - Brampton Beast
- Gladiators Finalize Outstanding Trade Deals - Atlanta Gladiators
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.
