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Josh Soares
Josh Soares Josh Soares had a homecoming of sorts in December of 2008, and it was a fine performance for the Hamilton native. Playing with the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League, the forward scored against the hometown Hamilton Bulldogs at Copps Coliseum to give his team a 2-1 victory. It was the first time Soares had played in his home city since he skated with the Hamilton Red Wings back in the 2002-03 season. “The most important thing was getting the victory,” he said in an interview after the game, “but it was nice to be able to score in front of the family. It’s been a while.” Soares had been waiting for the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends. After getting some ice time, seven games, with the AHL club in the 2007-08 season, he was sent to the Alaska Aces of the ECHL for nine games in the 2008-09 season before getting the call from the Rivermen. After stints with the Hamilton Kilty Bs and the Red Wings, Soares played hockey for four years while attending the University of Maine, and provided some impressive numbers while playing there in NCAA competition. He had 41 points in the 2005-06 42-game schedule and 45 points in his senior year, scoring 20 times in 40 games. He continued to impress with the Aces, amassing 81 points in the 61-game season with 35 goals in 2007-08. He was also named with All-Rookie team honors and named to the first-team All-ECHL. Weighing in at about 200 pounds, the 5-foot, 11-inch Soares was
born in Hamilton in February of 1982. Now playing regularly with
Peoria, part of the St. Louis Blues, Soares will hopefully continue
with the team and continue to make his mark in professional hockey.
So far in the present season he has played 26 games, and scored
eight times and has seven assists.
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