Ex-Rocket signs with Rapid City of ECHL

Jimmy Bonneau. Worcester Sharks photo.

Former P.E.I. Rocket forward Jimmy Bonneau has signed with the ECHL's Rapid City Rush.

The East Coast Hockey League club announced the news on Tuesday.

In a team press release, Rush Head Coach and General Manager Joe Ferras said adding a player that brings character, leadership and toughness makes a team better.

"Jimmy brings an abundance of experience, which will be vital in our locker room with our youth and contracted players. It will be great for them to learn from a player like Jimmy about the commitment to the game, work ethic, and intangibles that it takes to become a full-time player at the next level."

Bonneau, now 30, played three seasons with the Rocket, one in Montreal and two in Charlottetown from 2002 to 2005. In 205 QMJHL games, the Baie-Comeau, Que., native scored 19 goals for 47 points and collected 758 penalty minutes.

The past four seasons Bonneau played with the American Hockey League's Worcester Sharks. He has previously played for Rochester Americans, Portland Pirates and the Hamilton Bulldogs in the the AHL. He has also played with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Bonneau is a former eighth round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2003.