Shields Becomes a Road Warrior

GREENVILLE, SC - The Greenville Road Warriors announced today that all-star forward Connor Shields has signed with the team for the 2010-11 season.

"Connor Shields is a young and very energetic player who will be an excellent fit in Greenville. As a second-year pro he will have some experience and know how the league works and what it will take to win a championship at this level," said Head Coach Dean Stork.

Shields, 26, is entering his second season of professional hockey. He burst onto the ECHL scene last season by leading the Johnstown Chiefs in scoring and helping the American Conference to an All-Star Game victory with a pair of goals. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Shields led the Chiefs in goals (28), points (62) and was second with 34 assists.

As a member of the American Conference All-Star Team, Shields scored the tying goal, his second of the game, with 2:36 remaining in regulation. The American Conference went on to win the game, which was played in Ontario, California, 10-9 via a 3-1 triumph in a shootout.

Shields was honored as the ECHL's Rookie of the Month for November of 2009, becoming only the second Chiefs player in team history to earn the award. The 6-0, 190-pound forward averaged better than a point per game that month with 17 (9G, 8A) in 13 games and helped the Chiefs to a 7-4-2 mark.

"I'm encouraged by the character Shields showed throughout his rookie season. A training camp invitee, he had to earn everything he accomplished last season," said Stork, adding, "his dedication and strong work ethic demonstrate the type of player I am looking for in order to create a winning atmosphere in Greenville. His signing begins the building process for our club and provides a necessary piece of the puzzle to a Road Warriors' championship."

"Not only does he bring the offensive skill set, but he is a great person. I consider him a core and a go to player for Greenville; someone who will contribute offensively every night. His participation in the All-star game last year as a rookie is fantastic for our organization."

Prior to turning professional, Shields spent four seasons at Dartmouth. The Edmonton, Alberta native posted solid numbers with 49 points (19G-30A) in 105 games from 2005-09. He had his best season as a sophomore with 16 points (1G, 15A) in 33 games in 2006-07.

"Greenville's the ideal place for me to play in the ECHL. The town is exciting and the fans are going to be great. We've also got an excellent coaching staff with Coach Stork and Coach Spence so expectations are high. We want to work towards a championship," said Shields.