Veteran returns from Swiss Army
October 12, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The Charlotte Checkers announced that defenseman Chris Belanger has agreed to terms for the 2004-05 season. The announcement was made by Checkers Head Coach Derek Wilkinson.
"He was a point-a-game player in the Swiss League," said Wilkinson. "He's an offensive defenseman who'll be a key player on our power play, and our young guys will definitely benefit from his experience."
Over his 12-year career, the veteran Belanger has consistently shown a keen talent for producing goals and assists. In the past four years, the 6'1", 190-pound Canadian amassed 189 points in 152 games playing in the Swiss League.
Originally selected in Round 9, 185th overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Belanger came off a very successful collegiate career, where he was named to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's All-Rookie Team his freshman year at Western Michigan University. His 12 years of experience include a stint with the Canadian National Team. This is his second time playing in the ECHL and his first with Charlotte, having previously played for the Huntsville Blast and the Toledo Storm during the 1993-94 season. But Belanger's roots in Charlotte run deep.
"I've lived here [in Charlotte]for the past five summers, so I almost feel like a local," said Belanger, a native of Welland, Ontario. "Playing for the team is a bonus."
For his "almost-homecoming," Belanger hopes to contribute more than just high scoring. "I want to help the guys in the [locker] room and on the ice," said an enthusiastic Belanger after yesterday's workout. "From what I've seen already this is a positive team that has quickly become a close-knit group."
Other Checkers news: Mike Wirll, a 5'10", 206-pound right wing, has agreed to terms for the 2004-05 season. Head Coach Derek Wilkinson made the announcement yesterday. Wirll played 49 games for the Checkers last season, scoring 11 goals and 18 assists.
For Tuesday's training camp session, some new faces take the ice including goalie Mike Ayers, defenseman Steve Macintyre, defenseman Rory Rawlyk, and forwards Juris Stals and Brandon Cullen.
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