For their final road trip of the season, the Checkers have signed forward Mario Lamoureux to a professional tryout contract.
A product of the University of North Dakota, Lamoureux has enjoyed a stellar season for Quad City on the ECHL, leading the team with 51 assists and 71 points, both career highs. Those totals also put him fifth and tied for 11th in the ECHL, respectively. His play helped lead the Mallards to third place in the Central Division and a spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, which begin this week.
The 26-year-old has spent parts of each of his three professional seasons in the ECHL, totaling 176 points (65g, 111a) in 187 games. Lamoureux made his AHL debut last season, skating in three games and recording one assist with the Oklahoma City Barons. This season, the forward played two games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and scored his first AHL goal.
While nothing has been confirmed, the move to bring on Lamoureux seems to indicate that some forwards will not be available for the final road trip. Zach Boychuk exited Sunday's contest in the first period and did not return to the action, while Jared Staal missed both games against Rockford. With the long, grueling season winding down, there is a chance that other injuries could come up during this final stretch as well.
