The Chicago Wolves announced Thursday that they have signed veteran left wing Ben Eager to a Standard Player Contract (SPC).
In his 11th pro season, EAGER brings the experience of 407 National Hockey League games, 176 American Hockey League games, and two championships to the Wolves. He captured the 2010 Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks and the 2005 Calder Cup with the Philadelphia Phantoms.
The 30-year-old joins the team after starting the season with CSKA Moscow (KHL), where he was held scoreless and posted two penalty minutes in five games. He split last season between Edmonton (NHL) and Oklahoma City (AHL). The forward dished out one assist in seven games with the Oilers and garnered eight points (6G, 2A) in 44 tilts with the Barons while leading the team in penalty minutes with 136.
EAGER has accrued 85 points (43G, 42A) and 875 penalty minutes in 407 regular-season NHL games since debuting with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2005-06. He has appeared in games for Philadelphia (2005-08), Chicago (2008-10), Atlanta (2010-11), San Jose (2010-11), and Edmonton (2011-14) and was the league’s most-penalized player (233) in 2006-07. The veteran has added six points (3G, 3A) and 148 penalty minutes in 47 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Philadelphia (2006), Chicago (2009, 2010), and San Jose (2011).
The Ottawa, Ontario, native has compiled 45 points (19G, 26A) and 658 penalty minutes in 176 regular-season AHL games with Philadelphia (2003-07) and Oklahoma City (2012-14). He has skated in 34 Calder Cup Playoff contests, totaling eight points (2G, 6A) and 147 penalty minutes with the Phantoms (2004, 2005) and Barons (2013, 2014).
Prior to turning pro, EAGER spent four seasons developing his game in the OHL with Oshawa (2000-04). While there he contributed 139 points (59G, 80A) and 795 penalty minutes in 243 regular-season games and 10 points (2G, 8A) and 52 penalty minutes in 20 postseason appearances. In 2001-02 he was selected for the CHL Top Prospects Game and represented Team Canada at the U18 World Junior Championship, where he collected four points (G, 3A) in eight games.
The Wolves host the Iowa Wild at 7 p.m. Saturday in the first of five games at Allstate Arena over the holiday break. The Brickworld Interactive fun starts at 4 p.m. and fans who buy tickets through Ticketmaster receive an OYO Wolves minifigure. To purchase the Howliday Pack that includes a knit hat, scarf and commemorative puck, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.
