Stephens Headed to Chicago
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that they have received former Dartmouth defenseman Evan Stephens from the Florida Everblades in exchange for future considerations.
Stephens, 23, is entering his rookie season after completing a four-year career with Dartmouth. Stephens was named an Alternate Captain last season, and posted 20 points (3g, 17a) in 34 games. Throughout his collegiate career, the Bessemer, MI, native was a very consistent scorer, as he had two 20-point campaigns following 22-point and 19-point seasons in his first two years. Stephens earned ECAC All-Academic Team awards in 2007-08 and 2008-09, and was an ECAC Third-Team All-Star in 2009-10. His NCAA totals include 81 points (19g, 62a) and 198 PIM in 128 games.
The 6-0, 181 pound defenseman skated four seasons in the USHL (United States Hockey League) before attending college, collecting 54 points in that span. His best season came in 2006-07, where he had eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points in 60 games. That season, Stephens also collected 84 PIMs. He finished second among Cedar Rapids defensemen in points, and was tied for the most goals by a defenseman on the team.
Stephens played in both preseason games for Florida, picking up an assist and two PIM to go with a +2 rating.
