Jackalopes Sign Familiar Faces Dunn and Bernard

Kenny Bernard

Alex Dunn

The Odessa Jackalopes announced Wednesday that they were bringing back two familiar names to the team for the upcoming season.  Forward Kenny Bernard and defenseman Alex Dunn will both be wearing Jackalopes sweaters for the 2009-10 season.

Bernard joined the team last season in December, and was a solid contributer to the team.  Dunn played overseas for Manchester of the EIHL last season, and returns to the team he played for from 2006-2008.  The team released the following press release:

(Odessa, TX) – The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that forward Kenny Bernard, and defenseman Alex Dunn, have returned to the team for the upcoming 2009-2010 Central Hockey League season.

Bernard joined the Jackalopes on December 31^st of last season and made an immediate impact registering an assist in his first game – a 5-2 win at Amarillo.  The Sarnia, Ontario native finished the season with seven goals and 10 assist for 17 points in 32 games.

“I think we’re going to do real well again this season.  We’re going to be competitive, we’re going to be tough,” said Bernard.  “Most of the same guys are coming back so the familiarity is there.”

From February 24^th to March 20^th of last season, Bernard strung together a career-high 10-game point streak for the Jackalopes, scoring 12 points (three goals, nine assists) during that span.

Bernard also added three goals and three assists in 13 playoff games last season for the Jacks.  Prior to joining Odessa, Bernard played 84 games over two seasons for the Fresno Falcons of the ECHL.  He was teammates with current Jackalopes’ forward, Mike Ramsay, in 2007-08.  Bernard graduated from Ohio State University.

Dunn returns to the Permian Basin for his third campaign in the last four years.  Dunn appeared in 62 games for the Jackalopes in 2006-07 and 64 games in 2007-08, while recording 57 points (21 goals, 36 assists) in those two seasons.  He was named to the CHL’s All-Rookie Team in 2006-07.

“(Dunn) gives us three things on our blue line and that’s grit, durability, and the ability to move the puck,” said Jackalopes head coach Paul Gillis.  “He played very well for us two years ago and I expect him to play well for us this season so we’re happy he’s back.”

Last year the Waterford, Michigan product played overseas for the Manchester Phoenix of the EIHL.  He appeared in 68 games and finished the season with 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists).

Prior to turning pro, Dunn was a four-year player at Lake Superior State University.

Tags: Press Release