Odessa’s Jeff Pierce to Attend AHL Training Camp
Odessa's Jeff Pierce will attend an AHL training camp this week with the Jacks' affiliate club, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. (photo credit: David Byerly and/or DavyShell Photography)
Jeff Pierce of the Odessa Jackalopes will be attending training camp with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL this week, according to a press release from the team this morning. Pierce, who was one of the top rookies in the CHL last year, posted 66 points (22 G, 44 A) while helping the team to the President Cup Finals against the Texas Brahmas. He will have plenty of teammates in the Bridgeport camp, as he is the 5th player from last year’s roster to accept an invitation. Also in camp for the Sound Tigers will be Juha Toivenen, Jean Bourbeau, Mike Lesperance, and Garrett Gruenke. The Jacks’ press release follows:
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(Odessa, TX) – The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that returning forward, Jeff Pierce, will attend training camp with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Bridgeport is the AHL affiliate of the Jackalopes.
The 25-year-old Pierce put together an impressive rookie campaign for the Jackalopes last season with 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) in 64 games – making him a finalist for the CHL’s Rookie of the Year Award. Pierce was also named to the league’s All-Rookie Team alongside Toivonen.
Before turning pro, the Michigan native was a four-year player at Western Michigan University and graduated in 2008.
Pierce will be the fifth member of the Jackalopes, from last season, to attend AHL camp this month. Fellow teammates Juha Toivonen (YOO-hah TOY-vuh-nin), Jean Bourbeau (bor-BOH), Mike Lesperance (LES-per-ahns), and Garrett Gruenke (GREEN-kee) are also attending. Toivonen and Bourbeau are on two-way contracts with the Sound Tigers.
Sound Tigers training camp begins today in Bridgeport, CT.