Jackalopes sign two more, announce AHL camp attendees
Russ Moyer and Jean Bourbeau will be in Bridgeport for preseason

(Odessa, TX) – The Odessa Jackalopes announced today they have signed center Jeff Genovy and forward Jean Bourbeau for the upcoming 2008-2009 Central Hockey League season.  The club will also send Bourbeau and defenseman Russ Moyer to Bridgeport (AHL) for their preseason training camp.

Jeff Genovy (JEN-uh-vee) spent time with the Laredo Bucks last season before being traded to the Youngstown Steelhounds on January 23rd.  The third-round pick (#96 overall) of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft appeared in 49 games, scoring seven goals and 12 assists.

“Jeff is a big, strong center with a ton of talent,” said Jacks head coach Paul Gillis.  “We hope this year he can put it all together for us and make us a better hockey team.”

After being drafted, Genovy played four years of collegiate hockey at Clarkson University.  In 131 career games he recorded 22 goals and 34 assists. In 2006, he signed with the Laredo Bucks and tallied 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 29 games during his rookie campaign.

“The past two years I never looked forward to playing against Odessa, but now I’m excited to get there,” said Genovy.  “The fans seem supportive.  I hear (Paul Gillis) is a great guy and he wanted me there so I’m excited.”

Jean Bourbeau (bore-BOH) is a rookie forward who spent the last four seasons playing for St. Thomas University.  In 98 games at St. Thomas the Bonnyville, Alberta, native scored 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists). 

“All our reports say that he is a hard-working, physical player,” added Gillis, “A ‘heart-and-soul’ type of guy who finishes checks, kills penalties, and does all the dirty work in order to be successful on the ice.”

Bourbeau also appeared in 109 games over two seasons with the Grand Prairie Storm of the AJHL before college.  During his time with Grand Prairie he notched 31 goals and 36 assists.

“I’m pretty excited to play at the next level,” said Bourbeau.  “Coming out of St. Thomas University will be a big change for me as I adapt to the faster game, but I’m glad I have the opportunity.”

This year Bourbeau will be reunited with Jacks’ signees Jonathan Labelle and Joel Olszowka (OH-shoo-kah).

“(Labelle) and I played together in juniors and Joel and I grew up in the same town,” added Bourbeau.  “(Olszowka) and I have been training together right now, so that’s also exciting for me.”

Bourbeau is one of two Jackalopes players attending training camp with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Odessa’s AHL affiliate.  Defenseman Russ Moyer will be the other attendee.

“We’re happy for the opportunity to let some of our guys get a look in the next level,” said Gillis, “it’ll be a great experience being in that environment.”