Prescott Valley, AZ – The Arizona Sundogs announced today, they have acquired the rights to forward Derek LeBlanc from the Missouri Mavericks. Per Club policy terms of his trade were not released.

LeBlanc 26, joins the Sundogs after playing 7 games for the Missouri Mavericks this season. While with the Mavericks he was credited with 2 assists and had a +/- rating of -2. The Brandon, Manitoba native began his pro career in 2007-08 where he played in 5 games for the now defunct CHL team Rocky Mountain Rage collecting 1 assist. The following season he joined Rapid City Rush and played in 64 games and racked up 45 points (26 goals and 19 assists).

In 2009-10 he was called up to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL and suited up for 11 games and posted 1 assist. Following his short stint in the AHL he was sent back to Rapid City where he spent the next 2 seasons and put up a combined total of 85 points in 107 games. Both seasons the 6’2, 210lb Center, helped propel Rapid City to the playoffs, winning the Ray Miron President’s Cup in 2009-10. During their playoff run that season he tallied 14 points (9 goals and 5 assists) in 17 playoff games.

LeBlanc spent last season playing for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL and collected 40 points (20 goals and 20 assists) in 63 games. Prior to signing with the Steelheads he skated in 11 games for the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom. During his time there he averaged 1 point per game.

“We are excited for LeBlanc to join our team and have a player of his caliber at this juncture of the season.” said General Manager, Chris Presson. “He is a proven goal scorer and brings championship experience with him.”

The Arizona Sundogs are the Central Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. Season tickets, mini-plan, and single-game ticket information is now available by calling (928) 759-6600 or visiting arizonasundogs.com.