TXT_BIOGRAPHY

Scored his first pro goal to go along with an assist in 5-1 win at Fresno 10/26/07. Scored game-tying goal with 2:01 left in 4-3 comeback OT win at Idaho 11/9. Scored twice, including the game-winner, to help knock off Fresno 5-3 Nov. 14. Named to 2008 National Conference all-star team. Scored in his first game after being called up to Peoria, 12/19 at Chicago. Scored twice, including the game-winner, and had two assists with a fighting major in 4-2 win vs. Stockton Jan. 12. Registered the fifth-longest point streak in the ECHL last season at 14 games during the month of March. Named first-team All-ECHL and earned All-Rookie team honors. Finished seventh in the ECHL in points and tied for fifth in goals. Had a goal and an assist in his first two playoff games, a 4-1 win at Idaho April 9 and a 6-4 victory the next night. Josh played four seasons at the University of Maine before making his pro debut with Peoria at the tail end of the 2006-07 season. He scored 47 goals and handed out 62 assists over his final three seasons as a collegian, finished tied for the team lead in points as a senior with 45 on a team-leading 20 goals and 25 helpers. Josh had a goal and an assist as the Black Bears saw their 2007 season end at the NCAA Frozen Four for the second year in a row with a loss to eventual champion Michigan State in the semi-finals. As a junior, Soares finished second on the club with 41 points, including a team-leading 26 assists, helping Maine reach the 2006 NCAA Frozen Four before losing to eventual champion Wisconsin, 5-2, in the semi-finals.