For more information:
Chris Bilder, Public Relations/Marketing, Eugene Generals
541-359-4154 (office)
541-680-6222 (cell)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2008
Mongrain Heading to Schreiber Diesels
Eugene, OR – The Eugene Generals announced earlier today that defenseman Justin Mongrain has been picked up by the Schreiber Diesels of the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL). The SIJHL is one of ten Canadian Junior A hockey leagues that play for the Royal Bank Cup, which designates the top Junior A hockey team in Canada.
Mongrain, a 6-2, 195 lb. 18 year old from Canton, MI played 32 games for the Generals last season, and had 4 goals, 4 assists, 69 penalty minutes and was even over the course of the season.
“First of all, we like the fact that he is young and like his size because size is something you can’t teach,” Diesels GM JP Heino said of Mongrain. “[Mongrain] came highly recommended from Jay [Miller], and we have a certain amount of trust between one another. I’ve seen some of the players that have come out of Eugene, and I like what I’ve seen. We were looking for a stay-at-home defensemen, and it looks like he’s going to fit the bill.”
Heino went on to say, “Four of our six defenseman are 20 year olds so I think [Mongrain] will come in as a fifth d-man, and hopefully by Christmas he’ll work his way up to a two or three defenseman. From all reports we have had he is a hard worker with a good work ethic. With those attributes we’re expecting good results, and hopefully he’ll be a future star.”
Mongrain, who played one season with the Generals, was a physical presence on the ice, and given the right support should grow into a tremendous hockey player. The Generals would have liked to see Mongrain on the ice in blue and gold for one more season, but it was no surprise that he moved up this off-season.
“We would have loved to see Mongrain on our roster next year, but we expected to see him move up this off-season,” Generals Head Coach Jay Miller stated. “If we do our jobs correctly we move players on to the next level. With Justin’s size, ability, work ethic and character it is no surprise that he got picked up. We wish Justin the best of luck at the next level.”
Mongrain is not going to take this opportunity for granted, and is thankful for the chance to further his hockey career. “This is a great opportunity for me,” Mongrain exclaimed. “Whether it be Division I hockey or the OHL, I’m going to work as hard as I can to get to that next level. I just thank God that I get this opportunity.”
Mongrain also feels that his time in Eugene has prepared him for the jump. “The work load that we had in Eugene has prepared me for the higher levels. Playing for the Generals has made me a better hockey player. The Generals coaching staff helped me with game situations, and helped me the think the game. I feel that I can play my position better, and I can control any situation. Most of all, I really learned a lot about life in Eugene, and I feel that my time there has made me a more complete person.”
For more information on Eugene Generals players please visit eugenegenerals.com.