A week after the Colorado Eagles claimed the Ray Miron President’s Cup, the Odessa Jackalopes took their first step toward a 2008 Central Hockey League playoff berth by signing 25-year-old all-star defenseman Mario Joly.

The team also announced the promotion of long-time employee Harold Fuller to general manager.

The 6-4, 240-pounder from Gatineau, Quebec, brings a major presence to the Jacks’ blue line and to the hockey club itself. “Mario Joly is the type of player we have been targeting to add this off-season,” said team co-owner Rick Gasser. “He will be a huge asset to our team.

“We are extremely excited to bring a player of Mario’s caliber and reputation to the Jackalopes.”

Although he spent most of the 2006-07 season with the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the East Coast Hockey (ECHL), Joly is no stranger to the CHL. He was an all-star with Tulsa in the 2004-05 season, his first of two with the Oilers.

Joly’s career includes four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

“Mario is a great tactical player who is also tough as nails,” Gasser said. “His size, skill and physical play will upgrade our blue line and give us the kind of presence we’re looking for.”

Harold Fuller had wanted to be a sports GM since watching New York Yankees games on television with his dad as a youngster.

“This really is a dream come true,” Fuller said of his promotion to Jacks GM. “It also fulfills a promise I made to my dad, and that makes it even more special. I know this will be a challenge, but it’s one I look forward to. We have the greatest fans in the CHL, and we’ll do everything we can to reward their dedication. To be part of a new era in Jackalopes hockey is something very special.”

During his 11 years with the Jackalopes franchise, Fuller has received several nominations for the Western Professional Hockey League and Central Hockey League’s corporate sales representative of the year awards. He was named winner of the CHL’s “Soul of Service” award in 2002-03, recognizing excellence in customer service.