Bonvie/Stephens Trade Articles: Dennis Bonvie comes Chocolatetown
January 23, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Hershey Bears on the web

01/23/04 05:30 PM - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2004

CONTACT: John Walton – HERSHEY BEARS – (717) 534-8983

DENNIS BONVIE COMES TO CHOCOLATETOWN

HERSHEY – The HERSHEY BEARS announced today in conjunction with the Colorado Avalanche that right wing Dennis Bonvie has been acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators in exchange for BEARS center Charlie Stephens.

Regarded as one of the toughest players in American Hockey League history, Bonvie also has 91 games of National Hockey League experience. He led the AHL in penalty minutes with 522 during the 1996-97 season, helping the Hamilton Bulldogs to the 1996-97 Calder Cup Finals against HERSHEY. In 2002-03, he helped the Binghamton Senators to the Eastern Conference Finals by scoring seven goals in 51 games while recording 311 penalty minutes. Bonvie was also a member of the 2000-01 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins that advanced to the Calder Cup Finals against the Saint John Flames. He has played in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators. Bonvie, who has played in 29 games this season for the Binghamton Senators, is expected to make his HERSHEY debut on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phantoms at GIANT Center.

“We are extremely pleased to acquire the services of Dennis Bonvie”, said BEARS President/General Manager Doug Yingst. “His passion, determination and leadership should make an immediate impact on our club.”

Stephens played in 32 games for HERSHEY this season, recording five goals and fourteen points.

The BEARS play at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton tonight before hosting the Philadelphia Phantoms tomorrow night at GIANT Center. Less than 1,000 tickets remain for tomorrow’s game with the Phantoms. Ticket information is available by visiting the GIANT Center box office, or by calling (717) 534-3911.