Published: September 14, 2007 12:06 am      

Chiefs bring in muscle with Kasper

Kris Kasper had an up-close glimpse of Johnstown during his one season with the ECHL’s Peoria Rivermen.

Kasper also became acquainted with Chiefs’ all-time penalty minute leader Jeff Sullivan, as the two dropped the gloves more than once during the 2004-05 season.

The 24-year-old native of Gibbons, Alberta, hopes for a longer stay the second time around in Johnstown. The Chiefs announced Kasper’s signing on Thursday.

“It was good playing in Johnstown. The crowds are rowdy,” said Kasper, who had 201 penalty minutes for the Rivermen. “It was always a bitter rivalry. I had a lot of battles. I remember Sullivan, the captain. Me and him had a couple good fights.

“I’m excited to come to Johnstown. From what I know of what’s going on with Ian Herbers, the players coming in, and the affiliation with Colorado, we’re going to be a good team and turn a lot of heads.”

Kasper is on the rebound after playing only two games with Reading last season. A freak injury during a fight sidelined him.

“It’s been a rough last couple years with two significant injuries,” said Kasper, who has 295 penalty minutes in 86 ECHL regular-season games with Peoria, Utah and Reading. “Last year, I broke my kneecap and (tore) a bunch of ligaments so I didn’t play much.”

In only two games, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Kasper had 14 penalty minutes last season.

Two years ago he had 80 penalty minutes and seven points in 33 games with Utah.

He split time between Peoria (17 points, 201 PIM, 51 games) and the AHL’s Worcester IceCats (10 PIM, six games) in 2004-05.

“I’m going to be the guy that’s going to be in everybody’s face,” Kasper said. “I have to rely on my defensive role. I’m not going to be in Johnstown to score 30-plus goals. I like to drop the mitts every once in a while, well, more than once in a while. I’m definitely an agitator, and that brings energy to the team.”

Herbers’ training camp roster already has an experienced and somewhat tough look.

“Kris is a rugged winger who gives us even more physical presence,” Herbers said. “He is not afraid to get involved in the play. He has been training hard over the last several weeks skating with NHL players in Edmonton and has looked very strong. He is a Johnstown type of player that our fans will enjoy.”

Notes: The Chiefs will play a home exhibition game against the Central League’s Youngstown Steelhounds on Oct. 10, Chiefs Vice President Kevin McGeehan said. ... The Chiefs and Boston Bruins reportedly are close to finalizing a working agreement, sources said. The deal hinges on Boston’s approval.