RoadRunners Complete Future Consideration Trades
June 5, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners News Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Phoenix RoadRunners of the ECHL have acquired the ECHL playing rights to centers Dave Bonk and Garett Cameron, forwards Jesse Bennefield, Justin Aikins, and Colt King, and defenseman Nikita Korovkin. These acquisitions complete previous trades from the 2005-06 regular season with Bakersfield, Long Beach, San Diego, and Utah.
"Today we've strengthened the make-up of our hockey club with the addition of several players that enjoyed tremendous seasons in the ECHL last year," said RoadRunners General Manager and Head Coach Ron Filion. "The patience of our fans at the conclusion of last season has been rewarded with a core group of dynamic players to build around, and a strong start to our summer recruiting in preparation for the upcoming season. I'm extremely optimistic about our chances to compete in a very tough West Division."
Bonk, 24, submitted career-bests with 24 goals, 30 assists, and 54 points in 60 games to finish second overall in scoring for the Bakersfield Condors. Acquired in a December 21 trade from Columbia, Bonk continued his torrid play during the ECHL postseason as he led the Condors in playoff scoring with seven goals and 15 points in 14 games. The Brandon, Manitoba native and second-year professional has amassed 39 goals and 95 points in 126 career games. Bonk completes the trade that sent defenseman Shaun Fisher to Bakersfield on March 15.
Bennefield, 24, and Korovkin, 22, come to Phoenix from San Diego where the duo helped the Gulls return to the postseason following a one-year absence. As a rookie, Bennefield led the Gulls with 30 goals and finished second overall in team scoring with 60 points in 63 games. The Calgary, Alberta native also finished fourth among ECHL rookies in goals and tied for ninth overall in the ECHL rookie scoring race. Bennefield was honored by the ECHL with his selection to the National Conference roster that participated at the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game in Fresno, Calif.
Korovkin appeared in 70 games last season, tied for most among San Diego defensemen, and collected seven goals, 20 points, and 124 penalty minutes. A second-year professional and a native of Zlatoust, Russia, Korovkin has 15 goals, 41 points, and 186 penalty minutes in 136 career games. Bennefield and Korovkin complete the trades that sent forward Jean-Francois Soucy and goaltender Mike Mole to San Diego on March 10 and March 14 respectively.
Aikins, 24, tallied 20 goals and 59 points in 67 games during his rookie campaign to finish second overall in scoring for the Long Beach Ice Dogs. Acquired from Columbia on November 24, Aikins flourished in Long Beach where he recorded 52 of his 59 total points. A former sixth round draft choice by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, the Surrey, British Columbia native also joined Bennefield on the National Conference roster at the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game. Aikins completes the trade that sent forward Ben Knopp and defenseman Dave Cousineau to Long Beach on March 10.
Cameron, 23, and King, 23, helped the Utah Grizzlies advance to the Kelly Cup Playoffs in their first season as a member of the ECHL. A third-year professional, Cameron posted career-highs with 26 goals, 30 assists, 56 points and a plus-17 rating in 72 games during 2005-06 to finish third on the Grizzlies in team scoring. The Grandora, Saskatchewan native also enjoyed a career-best 12-game scoring streak from February 1 through February 24 during which time he netted eight goals and 17 points.
King tallied 21 goals and 35 points in 67 games while finishing second in the ECHL with 290 penalty minutes behind teammate Brad Herauf. A former fourth round draft choice by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native and second-year professional King was acquired by Utah on December 6 after beginning the season with the Augusta Lynx. Cameron and King complete the trade that sent forward Joe Dusbabek and defenseman Brent Henley to Utah on March 14.
The RoadRunners return to the ice at US Airways Center in October 2006. Information on season tickets, half-season packages, and flex plans are available by calling (602) 462-GOAL.
ECHL Stories from June 5, 2006
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- RoadRunners Complete Future Consideration Trades - Phoenix RoadRunners
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