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USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Stampede Acquire Defenseman Cecere from Tri-City

January 20, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


Sioux Falls, SD-The Sioux Falls Stampede announced Monday that they have acquired defenseman Garrett Cecere (SIS-ear) from the Tri-City Storm in exchange for forward Conner Valesano. There are some additional items involved in the trade, a swap of draft picks and future players, which will be announced in the coming days.

Cecere was in his second season with the Storm and has registered 15 points (1g, 14a) in 30 games. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound, left-handed defenseman recorded 16 points (3g, 13a) in 58 games last season with Tri-City. A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, Cecere was a 5th round draft choice of the Storm in the 2011 USHL Futures Draft.

In 2011-12, Cecere was the top defenseman for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and was named to the NAHL 1st Team All-Rookie Team after tallying 30 points in 52 games. He has already committed to play collegiate hockey at Colorado College.

Valesano was in his second season with the Stampede and has recorded 17 points (8g, 9a) in 36 games. The Duluth, Minn. native posted 18 points (4g, 14a) in 54 games last season with the Herd. He was a fifth round pick of the Stampede during the 2011 USHL Futures Draft before joining the Stampede last season.

"We want to wish Val all the best in his future, said Stampede head coach Cary Eades. "He's a quality person, was a great teammate, and made good improvements in his game during his 1-1/2 years in a Stampede jersey. However, we had a shortage at the defense position and we are thrilled to add a veteran presence like Cecere to our blue line. He's a great skater, moves the puck well and although he's not big, he's a real battler defensively. We think Garrett can help us in all situations - 5-on-5, powerplay and penalty kill".

Cecere is expected to travel to Sioux Falls tomorrow and could make his Stampede debut this weekend against his former team as the Herd travel to Kearney, Neb. to face Tri-City in back-to-back games. Game time Friday is 7:30 PM with Saturday's game slated to begin at 7:05 PM. Both games can be heard live on KELO News Talk 1320-AM, 107.9-FM and online at www.kelo.com.

The Herd return home on Friday, January 31st to host Cedar Rapids at 7:05 PM. It is also "Thomas Vanek Night." The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a FREE Thomas Vanek bobblehead. Tickets are available through the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2014


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