babs<3checkers
09-10-2007, 03:34 PM
Checkers Press Release
CHECKERS GILLIES, DEWAELE SET FOR RETURN
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General manager and head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, Derek Wilkinson, announced today that defenseman Kirk Dewaele and forward Nathan Gillies have agreed to terms with the club.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Dewaele was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 10th round of the 1994 NHL entry draft. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound blueliner played 69 games for the Checkers last year totaling 11 points, (three goals, 18 assists) while amassing 105 penalty minutes. The veteran defenseman is thrilled about his return to the team and says he expects the Checkers to contend for the Kelly Cup, “With the players that are coming back and the new guys who are on board, I think we can do some damage this year. If the team gets on a roll, it’s fair to believe we could win a championship.”
Also set to return for a third season in Charlotte is Cambridge, Ontario born Nathan Gillies. The 41 points he garnered last season (17 goals, 24 assists) were his best offensive numbers as a professional. He also racked up two goals and two assists in five playoff games last year. The speedy forward says he will try to carry that momentum into another season with Charlotte, “I want to continue to progress each game. I know what is expected of me –hit, fight and score. I want to provide veteran leadership for the younger guys and set an example on and off the ice.
CHECKERS GILLIES, DEWAELE SET FOR RETURN
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General manager and head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, Derek Wilkinson, announced today that defenseman Kirk Dewaele and forward Nathan Gillies have agreed to terms with the club.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Dewaele was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 10th round of the 1994 NHL entry draft. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound blueliner played 69 games for the Checkers last year totaling 11 points, (three goals, 18 assists) while amassing 105 penalty minutes. The veteran defenseman is thrilled about his return to the team and says he expects the Checkers to contend for the Kelly Cup, “With the players that are coming back and the new guys who are on board, I think we can do some damage this year. If the team gets on a roll, it’s fair to believe we could win a championship.”
Also set to return for a third season in Charlotte is Cambridge, Ontario born Nathan Gillies. The 41 points he garnered last season (17 goals, 24 assists) were his best offensive numbers as a professional. He also racked up two goals and two assists in five playoff games last year. The speedy forward says he will try to carry that momentum into another season with Charlotte, “I want to continue to progress each game. I know what is expected of me –hit, fight and score. I want to provide veteran leadership for the younger guys and set an example on and off the ice.