Jeff Pierce, shown above in a game last year between Odessa and Laredo, re-signed with the Jackalopes on Wednesday. (Photo: Kevin Buehler|Odessa American)
The Odessa Jackalopes announced that Jeff Pierce, one of the top-scoring forwards the Jacks had last season, and a finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year, has once again signed with the club. They also reported signing Martin Paquet, who played in Europe last year. Obviously, the Pierce signing is big for Odessa – he was one of their top guys last year, and should have another strong season in the Permian Basin. Paquet is a bit of an unknown, but was successful overseas. As long as he can translate that success to the CHL, the Jacks will be very happy with todays signings. Here is the press release from the Jacks and stats for both players:
(Odessa, TX) – The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that forward Jeff Pierce will return to the Permian Basin for the upcoming season and the team also signed forward Martin Paquet for the 2009-2010 Central Hockey League campaign.
In his rookie season, Pierce became an impact player for the Jackalopes scoring 66 points last year while appearing in all 64 games. He earned CHL All-Rookie Team honors and was named a finalist for the league’s Rookie of the Year Award.
“(Pierce) was terrific for us last season, and that’s why we wanted him back,” said head coach Paul Gillis. “We challenged him last season. He wanted to become a better player, he made the most of his opportunities, and we’re expecting him to continue that success with us.”
The Western Michigan graduate led all rookies last season with his 44 assists and finished second among rookies in points. His 22 goals were a career high at any level, and 31 of his 66 points came on the power play.“I just want build off all the positives from last year,” added Pierce. “We turned some heads as a team last season, and this year our goal is to go to the finals, win, and bring that cup back to Odessa…‘win’ is the easiest way to put it”.
Paquet comes to Odessa after playing the last four years in Europe and Quebec. Last season the St. Catherine, Quebec native scored 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in 26 games for Amiens in France.
“I played against (Paquet) when I was in France and he’s a good two-way player,” said Jackalopes forward Sebastien Thinel. “He’s got skill and can put the puck in net, but he’s a grinder too.”
Paquet was a member of the CHL’s Fort Worth Brahmas in 2004-05 where he scored 23 goals and 42 assists in 60 games. The 6’1”, 195 lbs. forward has also spent time in the ECHL and played all four years at Sacred Hart University.
