Fomrer Laker, Pierce, invited to Blackhawks Development Camp

Mercyhurst Graduate Pierce Selected for Chicago Blackhawks' Prospect Camp

Matt Pierce, a 2009 graduate and former member of the Mercyhurst men¹s hockey team, has been invited to participate in the Chicago Blackhawks¹ 2009 Prospect Camp, held from Monday, July 6 to Friday July 10 at Johnny¹s Ice House in Chicago, Ill.

Pierce, a native of Pakenham, Ontario, will join 52 other participants, including 2009 National Hockey League first round draft pick Dylan Olsen (28th overall) and last year¹s first round selection Kyle Beach (11th overall), for five days of skills sessions and scrimmages under the direction of coaches from the Blackhawks organization.

"We're very excited for Matt," said head coach Rick Gotkin. "This is a great opportunity to see where he stacks up against some of the Blackhawks' top young players."

An All-Atlantic Hockey Association Second Team selection in 2009, Pierce captained one of the top scoring lines in the nation. He set new career highs in goals (24), assists (20) and points (44) as he led the Lakers to the AHA Championship game for the second straight year.

After completing his career at Mercyhurst, Pierce signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League, where he appeared in three games, tallying two assists and accumulating a +2 rating.

On-ice sessions for the camp will begin on Monday, July 6 from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. From Tuesday, July 7, through Thursday, July 9, the 53-man roster will be divided into three teams. Each day will begin with a skills session at 10:00 a.m. followed by scrimmages at 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Friday, July 10 will feature scrimmages at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

For additional details, including a complete schedule of events and camp roster, please visit the Chicago Blackhawks website at blackhawks.nhl.com.