Talented forward, defensemen headed for Chiefs camp

Pro

Discussion

October 3, 2007

BY MIKE MASTOVICH The Tribune-Democrat Wed Oct 03, 2007, 11:16 PM EDT

The Johnstown Chiefs training camp roster continued to take shape on Wednesday as highly touted prospect Alexandre Imbeault skated at Planet Ice.

The Chiefs also announced the signing of defenseman Vincent Zaore of Colorado College, and coach Ian Herbers said he expects defenseman Brandon Straub to arrive in Johnstown after participating in the Colorado Avalanche’s NHL and AHL camps.

“We possibly will have 30 players in camp. There will be some tough decisions for me, but that’s good,” Herbers said Wednesday afternoon, two days before camp officially opens at Cambria County War Memorial Arena. “That will make the players competing for spots better and it will make the team better.”

Imbeault had 57 points in 39 games last season with Chicoutimi in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Overall, he had 208 regular-season points in the QMJHL.

More importantly, the 6-foot native of Montreal had a productive showing in camp with the Boston Bruins’ AHL affiliate.

“He had a really good camp in Providence. He opened some eyes there,” Herbers said. “He had two power-play goals in the first exhibition game and an assist in the third game. He impressed the Bruins organization and may get some opportunities in the organization later on this year.”

Reports from Planet Ice were that Imbeault, who is on an ECHL contract, has good hands and skates well.

“Imbeault is a skilled right wing-center. He’s played both in the past,” Herbers said. “He’s able to put the puck in the net and able to set up the other players as well. He’s got a quick release and a good scoring touch. He’ll bring scoring and offense to our lineup. He’s another player with good character and a great work ethic.”

Zaore had 24 points and 139 penalty minutes in 70 games with Victoriaville in the QMJHL last season, his fifth in the league. The 6-2, 195-pounder also appeared in four postseasons.

“Vincent is a great character person. He comes to the rink every day to get better and he works hard,” Herbers said. “He’s a big mobile defenseman, a good, solid defenseman. He likes taking care of his own zone. But at the same time, he can get up the ice.”

Straub attended the Lake Erie Monsters’ AHL camp in Cleveland. The 6-4, 230-pounder adds a physical dimension.

“He’s a big solid defenseman,” Herbers said. “He put up some numbers. He had a couple fights. He played a two-way game. He tries to help at the other end as well. I don’t want the defensemen standing still and being spectators. I want to have a five-man attack instead of relying on three forwards to do the work.”

Herbers said he will have assistance during training camp from former Johnstown Wings player Steve Emmett, who operates a hockey training school in Canada and the U.S., and Ontario Hockey League scout Eric Muppola.

“It’s always good to have an extra set of eyes,” Herbers said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Pro

Penguins sign Vitale to an extension
The Pittsburgh Penguins signed center Joe Vitale to a two-year, $1.1 million contract extension today, locking up a 26-year-old who has earned a regular spot in the lineup this season.

February 3, 2012
Edmonton's Gagner scores 8 points in game; first since Lemieux
Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner had four goals and four assists in an 8-4 victory Thursday night over the Chicago Blackhawks – the first eight-point game in the NHL since Pittsburgh star Mario Lemieux did it on Dec. 31, 1988.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Peyton Manning’s doctor gives QB clearance to play
Peyton Manning is cleared to play football. Still not so clear is whether it will be with the Indianapolis Colts.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Leafs blank Pens
James Reimer stopped all 25 shots he faced and Clarke MacArthur scored in the third period to lift the Maple Leafs over the Penguins 1-0 on Wednesday night. The loss snapped Pittsburgh’s eight-game winning streak.

February 1, 2012
Colts name Arians offensvie coordinator
The Colts have hired Harold Goodwin as their new offensive line coach and have fired two more coaches.
The moves came Tuesday, less than a week after Chuck Pagano was hired as the new head coach. Indy also confirmed that Bruce Arians would take over as offensive coordinator. Arians was Indy’s quarterbacks coach during Peyton Manning’s first three NFL seasons and was Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator the last five seasons.

January 31, 2012
Penguins rally for 5-4 shootout win
PITTSBURGH – Evgeni Malkin is on such a roll, he doesn’t even need his stick to score.

January 31, 2012 1 Photo
PNC Park adds open-air bar
Anheuser-Busch and the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to open the Budweiser Bowtie Bar, the first new bar or restaurant at PNC Park since 2008.

January 31, 2012
‘Soft-tissue injury’ in neck will keep Pens’ captain out of lineup
Sidney Crosby’s concussion-like symptoms may not be due to a concussion after all.
The Pittsburgh Penguins star said Tuesday he’s been diagnosed with a soft-tissue injury in his neck that mimics the symptoms of a concussion but is significantly more treatable.

January 31, 2012 1 Photo
Budweiser-branded bar coming to PNC Park
Anheuser-Busch and the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to open the Budweiser Bowtie Bar, the first new bar or restaurant at PNC Park since 2008.

January 31, 2012
Report: Colts hire ex-Steelers assistant Arians
A person familiar with the hiring tells The Associated Press the Indianapolis Colts have hired Bruce Arians as offensive coordinator.

January 31, 2012 1 Photo
More Pro Headlines

Pro

Search Results

Discussion

Talented forward, defensemen headed for Chiefs camp

Where will you watch the Super Bowl?

Contact Us