Pierce Returns, Jackalopes Add Leisenring
July 6, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
(Odessa, TX) - The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that forwards Jeff Pierce and Brady Leisenring will join the team for the 2010-11 Central Hockey League season. Pierce returns for his third season in the Permian Basin while Leisenring spent the last two years playing overseas.
The 26-year-old Pierce has been a consistent presence offensively, scoring 128 points in 127 career games with Odessa. He began his pro career in 2008-09 and was a finalist for the CHL's Rookie of the Year honor after finishing the season with 22 goals and 44 assists. The Western Michigan University grad followed up his first-year success with 31 goals and 31 assists last year for the Jackalopes.
"It was an easy decision to return," said Pierce. "My first two years playing pro hockey have been great and we've had a lot of success, but we're still trying to win the cup and I want to be a part of that. I'm excited to be coming back."
Leisenring (LY-sen-ring) has spent the last two years playing in Germany, scoring 90 points (40 goals, 50 assists) in 98 games. Prior to Europe, the Vermont native split time between the Fresno Falcons of the ECHL, plus the Worchester Sharks and Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League.
While in Fresno, Leisenring played alongside Jacks' forwards Kenny Bernard and Mike Ramsay. He also played five years at the University of Vermont before turning pro.
"(Pierce) has been very consistent over his first two years with us," said head coach Paul Gillis, "and we're looking for his game to continue to improve this season. (Leisenring) gives us some skill and some grit up front and we're glad they're both going to be with us this year."
The Odessa Jackalopes are the Central Hockey League affiliate for the NHL's New York Islanders and the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The team will begin its 14th season in the Permian Basin in October 2010. Season tickets, mini-plans, and single game tickets are available by calling (432) 552-PUCK or visiting jackalopes.org.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from July 6, 2010
- Eagles to Donate Proceeds from Adult Camp to Meningitis Fund - Colorado Eagles
- Stoddard Returns for RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
- Sundogs Return Enforcer Adam Smyth - Arizona Sundogs
- Pierce Returns, Jackalopes Add Leisenring - Odessa Jackalopes
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.
