The IceMen Complete First Major Trade

Published on December 14, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


EVANSVILLE, IN.--- Having posted an overall record of 23(9-11-3) for 21-points and an eighth place position in the Central Hockey League's tight, taut-fraught Turner Conference standings, the Evansville IceMen have completed their first major trade of the current 2010-11 season.

On this date, the IceMen have announced the completion of a three-player deal in which Evansville acquires the services of first-year defenseman GEORGE BRADLEY along with first year pro center/left wing BRADEN DESMET from the Turner Conference co-leaders, the Colorado Eagles. In exchange, the IceMen send the rights to defenseman JOE GRIMALDI to the Eagles. The trade is effective immediately.

BRADLEY, 26, is considered a first year pro, though he actually launched his career in the professional ranks near the conclusion of last season in the CHL with the Allen Americans. This season, in 16-games with the front-running Coloradoans, the strapping 6-2, 210lb right-hand shooting rearguard was 16(0-1-1) with 19-PIM. In his first-ever exposure to the pro game CHL style in 2009-10, the native of Burlington, Ontario auditioned for the Allen club where he saw action in 6-games; 6(0-0-0) with 6-PIM.

DESMET, 25, is also considered a yearling in the professional ranks, though, he, too, saw service near the end of last season in the CHL with the Mississippi RiverKings. The former collegiate standout at the U. of Wisconsin-Superior played in 17-game thus far this season with Colorado, authoring 8-points on 1-goal, 7-assists with 24-PIM, 2-PPA, 1-SHA and 29-SOG. The 5-11, 190lb native of Strathmore, Alberta was initiated and indoctrinated into the pro way last spring when he made his CHL debut in the post-season playoffs as a member of the Mississippi team; 3(0-1-1) 0-PIM.

IceMen General Manager /Coach Rich Kromm released the following statement concerning his first major player transaction of the season. "In trading Joe Grimaldi to Colorado, we were able to obtain two good, young solid players who should become assets to our hockey club. In George Bradley, we are getting a young, steady, stay-at-home defenseman who is considered a real character player. As far as Braden Desmet is concerned, he comes to us highly-regarded coming from Wisconsin-Superior where he achieved some real solid, consistent scoring numbers throughout his four-year career there. Braden should be able to provide our club with some offensive spark."

Prior to his pro career, Bradley was a model of steadiness and stability in manning the blue line for five seasons with Brock University in the CIS Canadian collegiate conference. Previous to the 102-career games at Brock, he plied his craft in the major junior `A' OHL with the Guelph Storm. The IceMen's newest defenseman also played in the OPJHL with his hometown Burlington Cougars.

Evansville's newest forward addition, Desmet enjoyed a star-studded four-year career at the U. of Wisconsin-Superior where in 92-career games, he averaged over a point a game with 100-points on 38-goals, 62-assists. Twice he led his Yellowjackets team in scoring, in both his freshman and junior years. In addition, on two more occasions he was named to the All-WIAC First Team and once as a First Team All-American.

Desmet has been point-prolific terrific, seemingly, wherever he has performed. Before his enrollment in college hockey, he attained a dynamic dossier in the AJHL (Alberta Junior `A' League) with the Drumheller Dragons as well as the Olds Grizzlys. In three total seasons, he amassed 162-points in 177-games, topping his team in scoring production in all three seasons.

As for Grimaldi, the defenseman left the IceMen club last week and was promptly placed on suspension. The fourth year defenseman will join his new Colorado team after seeing action in 17-games for Evansville, collecting 11-points on 5-goals, 6-assists along with 45-PIM, 3-PPG and 1-FG.

The IceMen's newest acquisitions, GEORGE BRADLEY and BRADEN DESMET are expected to arrive in Evansville in time for their new team's road trip this weekend to Mississippi Friday night and Quad City Saturday night. Bradley will don jersey #7 and Desmet will wear #16 in the IceMen coat of arms.

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