St. Jacques Back in Circle City
August 16, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, INâThe Indianapolis Ice added major firepower with a familiar face with the signing today of left winger Kevin St. Jacques.
St. Jacques, a former NHL sixth round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, returns to the city where he began his pro career back in 1992. He played parts of six years in the IHL, three of those seasons with the Ice. His overall numbers in his first stint with the Ice franchise included 68 points (19G, 49A) and 194 penalty minutes in 132 games.
Scoring with a touch of grit has been the norm for this ten-year veteran as he has amassed well over a point a game in his career with 736 points (270G, 466A) and 1,104 penalty minutes in 613 regular season games. He has been no slouch in the playoffs either as his career playoff totals include 95 points (37G, 58A) in 81 games and he is also a member of three West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) Championships (San Diego- 1996-98, Phoenix- 1999-00).
"With the signing of Kevin, we are beginning to assemble what we believe will be a potent offensive attack," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "Not only does he bring leadership qualities to the dressing room, his scoring and playmaking abilities are evident by his career stats and he should be a great compliment to Bernie John on our power play."
His three Taylor Cup Championships in the WCHL and his success overall in the league is confirmed in the league record books as he currently rests as the tenth all-time leader in goals (137), fifth all-time leader in assists (220) and sixth all-time leader in points (357). Additional accolades include two 100-points seasons and a (+60) plus/minus with San Diego in 1996-97 which is the fourth best mark all-time.
St. Jacques, who will also serve as a player/assistant coach alongside veteran defenseman Bernie John, has spent the last two seasons in the United Hockey League (UHL) with Adirondack and Quad City and has combined for 182 points (60G, 122A) and 226 penalty minutes in 139 games. Ironically, in his two years with Adirondack and one year with Phoenix, he was paired with another former Ice winger (Hugo Belanger) and the duo erupted for 612 points (205G, 407A) in just over 200 games.
"This is by far the biggest signing in our short CHL history," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "Kevin is a huge addition to our organization as he is extremely skilled offensively and also works hard at the other end of the ice. It's not often that you can bring back a familiar face with his talent. We're committed to returning this franchise to a point of prominence and Kevin is certainly a big step in that direction. He and Bernie John are excellent bookends for this team."
The 31-year-old forward prepped for his successful pro career with a stellar five-year run in the Western Hockey League (WHL). His five-year numbers with Spokane and Lethbridge amounted to 341 points (161G, 180A) and 330 penalty minutes. Finishing his junior career with Lethbridge in 1992, he said hello to the pros with quite a flourish as he led all WHL players in scoring with an incredible 140 points (65G, 75A) in just 71 games.
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Central Hockey League Stories from August 16, 2002
- St. Jacques Back in Circle City - Indianapolis Ice
- Former New Mexico Stars Highlight Recent Signings - New Mexico Scorpions
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