AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Penguins sign defenseman Blais and and goaltender Boucher

Published on January 30, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release


WILKES-BARRE, PA. - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have signed defenseman Ben Blais (pronounced BLAYS) and goaltender Nick Boucher (pronounced BOO-shay) to 25-game professional try-out contracts. The announcement was made today by Penguins' team president Jeff Barrett.

Blais, 25, has appeared in two games with the Penguins this season, recording two assists with one shot and a plus/minus rating of plus-two. He was signed by the Penguins on January 7 and released on Jan. 17.

The 6'4", 195-pound native of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. has recorded eight points (2+6) and 71 penalty minutes in 39 games this season with the Penguins' ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers

Boucher, 23, has a record of 19-4-1 with a 2.35 goals against average and a .911 save percentage in 26 games this season with the Nailers. He leads the league in shutouts with four and is ranked fifth in wins and ninth in goals against average.

The 5'11", 175-pound native of Leduc, Alberta played four seasons at Dartmouth College (ECAC). In 105 career games with the Big Green, Boucher posted a record of 50-40-11 with a 2.78 goals against average and three shutouts. He is the school's all-time leader in saves (2,803) and save percentage (.908).

He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the ninth round (280TH overall) of the 2000 Entry Draft.

The Penguins (19-16-5-4, 47 pts; Fourth -place, East Division) closeout their six-game homestand tonight as they host former Penguin Dennis Bonvie and the Hershey Bears (22-17-8-3; 55 pts; Third-place, East Division) at 7:05 p.m. at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.

Tonight's game against the Bears is SOLD OUT. This will be the 123rd consecutive sellout (league-record) for the Penguins at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. However, the game will be televised live on Adelphia 63, WNEP-TV's 24-Hour News Channel.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2004


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