Prince George, B .C. –  The NHL’s St. Louis Blues have reassigned 1994-born forward Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas, NV) to the Prince George Cougars.

Originally listed by the Prince George Cougars in the summer of 2012, Pochiro (6’2”, 160 pounds) was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round (112^th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft.

In 128 career games with the Cougars, he registered 42 goals, 63 assists and 228 penalty minutes. In eight games this season with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL, he had two assists and 13 penalty minutes.

“We are very excited to have Zach back with our team,” said Prince George Cougars General Manager, Todd Harkins. “The fact that the St. Louis Blues kept him in the professional ranks for as long as they did shows how close he is to being ‘pro-ready.’ It’s a testament to our organization that the St. Louis Blues have entrusted us to further Zach’s development to make his step towards the pro level seamless.”

Cougars Head coach, mark Holick says Pochiro is the type of player who can break open a game “He’s a very hard-nosed, versatile player who can provide more offense for our hockey club. He instantly makes us a better team.”

The addition of Pochiro leaves the Prince George Cougars with four over-age (20-year-old) players and that’s one too many. The Cougars have two weeks to make a  roster change. In the meantime, only three 20-year-olds are allowed to dress in a given game.

Pochiro  will be in Prince George in time for tonight’s game against the Vancouver Giants.