Estero, FL - Florida Everblades president
and general manager Craig Brush along with head coach Malcolm Cameron
announced today the team has signed forward Danick Bouchard to a
contract for the 2008-09 season.
Bouchard, who saw his 2007-08 season
cut short because of a broken leg, still managed a point a game with
the Texas Wildcatters, notching 19 points (13g, 6a) in the first 19
games of the season. The 22-year-old opened last season with points in
eight of his first 10 games, and showed his scoring prowess by
registering three game-winning goals in his 19 games.
"Danick
proved to be an offensive force last year, and was on pace for a
40-goal season before his injury ended his season." Cameron said. "He's
a work-horse type player, who is one of the best shot-blockers in the
ECHL, but also displays great touch around the net. Danick is excited
about getting the season underway so he can continue building off his
strong junior career and his strong start to last year."
Bouchard, who will be attending the Florida Panthers'
rookie camp in September, made his professional debut in 2006-07
playing in one game with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey
League. Prior to turning pro the Quebec City native spent five years at
the junior level with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major
Junior Hockey League where he scored 197 points (114g, 83a) and had 222
penalty minutes in 292 games from 2002-07.
Bouchard's best junior
season came in his final year when he racked up 96 points in 68 games
during the 2006-07 campaign. The 5-foot-9, 185 pound winger led the
Cataractes in scoring that year and his point total ranked 13th best in
the QMJHL while his goal total of 54 was second highest in the league.