Shots from the Point--lazy summer edition

The Edmonton Oilers have inked former American Shawn Belle to a one-year deal.  Poor kid is a suitcase, hopefully he can stick with the Oilers organization.  From Edmonton's press release:

Belle, 25, spent last season with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the American Hockey League where he played in 70 games collecting 19 points (3G, 16A) and 69 penalty minutes. He also played in two games for the Montreal Canadiens but was held pointless.

Shawn Belle (photo: Getty Images)

The 6’1”, 220lbs rearguard was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 1st round, 30th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Belle has also seen stops in Dallas and Minnesota. In 11 career NHL games the Edmonton, Alberta native has one assist.

Belle has appeared in 311 AHL games where he has scored 13 goals and 46 assists for 59 points. He played his junior with the Regina Pats and Tri-City Americans in the WHL from 2000-2005.  (Edmonton Oilers)

Looks like the Americans are losing a valuable member of the organization, Gregg Drinnan reports Terry Bangen is leaving the Ams to move back to Kamloops:

Terry Bangen is coming back to Kamloops.

The Daily News learned Tuesday that Bangen, the assistant general manager and director of player personnel for the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, is retiring and will be relocating, along with his wife, Margaret, to Kamloops.

A source told The Daily News that the Americans are expected to make Bangen’s retirement official some time this week.
Bangen joined the Blazers as an assistant coach in 1989 and was on the coaching staff for five seasons, winning three Memorial Cup titles while he was here.

Bangen first joined the Americans in 1998 as an assistant coach under former Blazers head coach Don Hay. Bangen spent two seasons there before moving to Hockey Canada, where he was from 2000-05.

For the last five seasons, Bangen has worked alongside Americans general manager Bob Tory. Bangen will continue to help Tory as a special advisor and consultant.  (Taking Note)

Drinnan says Tory is on the lookout for a replacement.  Wonder if he'd hire me???