Scorpions Net Veteran Minard

Published on September 11, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[ RIO RANCHO, N.M.]-The New Mexico Scorpions have signed veteran goaltender Mike Minard. Minard's signing immediately gives the Scorpions one of the most experienced goaltenders in the Central Hockey League.

Minard was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. The Owen Sound, Ont. native started his professional career with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) during the 1995-96 season.

"I can't wait to get back and play North American style hockey," said Minard. "Playing in Europe was a great experience for my family and me, but the opportunity to come back and play this style of hockey excites me."

Since he broke into the professional ranks, Minard has played throughout North America including stops in the American Hockey League with the Hamilton Bulldogs and St. John's Maple Leafs and the original International Hockey League with the Milwaukee Admirals.

On April 8, 2000, Minard made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers. He helped the Oilers beat their arch rivals from Calgary 6-3 with a 33 save performance.

The past two seasons Minard played with the Belfast Giants of the European Ice Hockey League. The 6'3" net minder helped lead the Giants to the 2005-06 Elite League trophy with posting a .926 save percentage, 2.19 goals against average and collecting six shutouts.

Last season Minard played in 46 games for the Giants and finished with a 2.67 goals against average and a .899 save percentage. He also appeared in the 2005 ECHL All-Star game as a member of the Columbia Inferno and has won the AHL's Yannick Dupre Memorial Award, given to the AHL player who best represents himself in the community, in 2000 and 2001. He is the only player to have won the award more than once.

"I am going to approach this season as a leader and carry that on and off the ice," said Minard. "I am really looking forward to leading this team to victories on the ice and also help develop the younger players Coach Murphy is bringing in."

Minard comes to the Scorpions anointed as the team's top goaltender. Along with previously signed Andrew Martin, the Scorps promise to have one of the best goaltending tandems in the league.

"We feel Mike is a premier goaltender at this level," said Scorpions' head coach Randy Murphy. "He has tremendous experience in the world of hockey and we feel he is an example of how we want players to carry themselves both on the ice and throughout the community."

Ticket packages are on sale for as low as $63. Every month, one lucky full season ticket holder will win a free, game-worn autographed Scorpions' jersey. When purchasing season tickets, each person receives special VIP parking and entrance, discounts at local establishments and promises that no tickets will go unused.

Payment plans are available to fit anyone's budget. Call the Scorpions' office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit http://www.scorpionshockey.com/tickets/season/ to find out how you can be a part of all 32 regular season home games starting this October. You don't want to miss your chance to watch the Scorpions drive toward the Ray Miron President's Cup.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2007


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