Maxime Gratchev Assigned to Chicago
January 28, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that LW Maxime Gratchev has been assigned from Springfield (AHL) to the Express.
Gratchev, 23, was traded to the Springfield Falcons from the Binghamton Senators, and then assigned to the Express. The 5-11, 200 pound forward was originally under contract to the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League, before being traded to Springfield. Gratchev has played 12 games in the AHL with Binghamton this season, picking up two penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 19 games with the Elmira Jackals (ECHL), scoring seven goals and adding seven assists for 14 points.
The Novosibirsk, Russia, native played his first professional season in 2009-10, scoring 17 goals along with 24 assists for 41 points in 40 games with the Jackals. He also played 30 AHL games, split between Binghamton and Rochester, collecting nine points (5g, 4a). Gratchev spent last season playing for the Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL in Russia. In his professional career, Gratchev has 52 points (22g, 30a) in 56 ECHL games, all with Elmira, along with four goals and five assists in 43 AHL contests.
Prior to turning pro, the 2007 fourth-round draft pick of the New York Islanders played five seasons in the QMJHL, mainly with Rimouski Oceanic. He had 212 points (92g, 120a) in 282 QMJHL games, with his best season coming in 2006-07 when he had 35 goals and 42 assists for 77 points in 70 games. That season, he led his team in goals and points, while tying for the team lead in assists.
"Max is a boost of much needed adrenaline for us," said Head Coach Steve Martinson. "He has speed, he's gritty, he's good in the corners, and he can score. He is exactly what we need right now."
The Express battle the Cincinnati Cyclones tonight for Youth Jersey Giveaway Night at the Sears Centre Arena. The two teams hit the ice again tomorrow afternoon, including a free skate with the team event following the game.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from January 28, 2012
- Utah Edges Idaho in Duel of Netminders - Idaho Steelheads
- Wranglers Sweep Series - Colorado Eagles
- Peter Mannino Pitches 3-0 Shutout - Chicago Express
- Wranglers Sweep Three Games from Eagles - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Royals Win Wild One with Walleye, 5-4 - Reading Royals
- Cyclones Blanked by Express, 3-0 - Cincinnati Cyclones
- 9,225 Fans Watch Grizzlies Win 2-1 in Shootout - Utah Grizzlies
- Greenville Wins Fifth Straight in 3-2 Win Over Blades - Florida Everblades
- Killeen's Shut out Streak Eclipses 200 Minutes - Wheeling Nailers
- Stingrays Shut Out Titans 2-0 on "Pack the House Night" - South Carolina Stingrays
- K-Wings Give Nailers The Boot - Kalamazoo Wings
- Jackals Come up Short Against Gladiators, Fall 4-1 - Elmira Jackals
- Gladiators in First with 4-1 Win Over Jackals - Atlanta Gladiators
- Road Warriors Skate Past Blades - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Spratt Dealt to Utah - Idaho Steelheads
- B-Sens Trade Gratchev to Falcons - Elmira Jackals
- Maxime Gratchev Assigned to Chicago - Chicago Express
- Cyclones Add Pair of Defensemen - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Condors Vs. Ontario Tonight - Bakersfield Condors
- Game Preview: Stockton Thunder Vs. Alaska Aces - Stockton Thunder
- Gladiators Acquire Palmer, Add Brownschidle, Release Eno - Atlanta Gladiators
- Nailers Game Preview: Kalamazoo Vs Wheeling - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Transactions - January 28 - ECHL
- Game Preview: Express Vs.Cincinnati Tonight - Chicago Express
- Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Chicago - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
- Winnipeg Jets Re-Assign Marto to Eagles - Colorado Eagles
- Greenville Road Warriors Game Preview - January 28, 2012 - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Stingrays Gameday: Pack the House Night Tonight - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - January 28 - ECHL
- Jackals Game Preview: Elmira at Gwinnett - Elmira Jackals
- Aces Road Streak Ends with 6-3 Loss in Stockton - Alaska Aces
- Reign Topple Condors 2-1 in OT - Bakersfield Condors
- Thunder posts wire to wire effort against defending champs - Stockton Thunder
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
