Dunner Returns!!!

The Odessa Jackalopes have announced today that they have re-signed Kenny Bernard and signed Alex Dunn for the 2009-2010 season. This is extremely good news as both of these players are guys that work their behinds off while still producing at their respective positions. Lets start with Kenny first. This guy works hist butt off every time he is on the ice, and he is a scoring threat as well. He had numerous breakaway opportunities last season, and I expect him to put up even bigger numbers next season as he now knows Gillis' system very well and will have a full season to prove himself as opposed to the partial season that he played with the Jacks last season. He was on my wish list to bring back this season, and I am very excited to see that he will be in a Jacks sweater for the 09-10 season. Now on to one of my favorite signing so far as the Jacks have announced that Alex Dunn will be returning to the Odessa Jackalopes. In case you are wondering if this was the defenseman that I expected to be announced but was waiting for confirmation, it was. Dunn will definitely be a big addition for the Jacks as he is a very gritty and physical defenseman that can score too. Rumor has it that he will be Moyer's replacement as Moyer has supposedly left the Jacks for Europe, and I must say that he is a good replacement if these rumors turn out to be true. In fact, I think I would rather have Alex Dunn than Russ Moyer as he has less turn overs, and handles the puck very well. If the Jacks are somehow able to get Moyer back as well, then I definitely would not complain as he is still a very solid defenseman and he will be sorely missed if he decides to cross the pond. With the Jacks bringing back key players from last season while adding proven former Jacks as well as proven players from other teams, the Jacks will truly have a very good chance at bringing the cup home to Odessa. Things are looking good for the Jacks, and I can't wait for the 2009-2010 season. You can read the full article pertaining to Alex Dunn and Kenny Bernard at the Jackalopes website which can be viewed at http://www.jackalopes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=249:07story16&catid=69:newstory&Itemid=119.

In other CHL news:

• Disappointing news for me personally as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees have announced that they signed goaltender Andy Franck. Franck is one of the better goalies in the league, and he will definitely make the Bees that much better, maybe even a true contender next season. I was hoping that the Jacks could sign him, but with the signings that the Jacks have announced thus far, I can honestly say that I am not worried at all about the Jacks next season.


• A big trade was made between the Allen Americans and the Colorado Eagles as the Eagles have sent veteran defenseman Erik Adams to the Americans in return for future considerations. The Eagles had to drop some veterans since they would have too many for the 09-10 season, so I assume that they decided to at least get something in return for one of their vets instead of just releasing him into free agency and not receiving anything in return. Adams is definitely a big addition for the Americans, and I am sure that the Allen fans will welcome him with open arms as he is a proven player that is sure to become a fan favorite.


• Finally, the Laredo Bucks have announced that they have signed rookie goaltender Dustin Slade for the upcoming season. He had pretty good numbers in the WHL and was a WHL All-Star, but can he fill the shoes of the former Buck goaltender, Sebastien Centomo? In my honest opinion, I don't think so, but time will tell if he can lead the Bucks down the right path.

Until next time Jack fans all I have to say is GO JACKS GO!!! and October can't come soon enough!