Bucks And Sundogs Face Off In Conference Finals Monday
Published on April 13, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks and Arizona Sundogs will finally take the ice in game one of the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference Finals Monday night at the Laredo Entertainment Center. Game time is 7pm.
April 14, 2008: Southern Conference Finals Game 1
#2 Arizona at #1 Laredo, 7pm, Laredo Entertainment Center
Radio: Norteno 1490-AM (Pre-game show 6:40pm)
Listen in the LEC: 105.3-FM
Internet Radio: www.laredobucks.com (Sportsjuice)
TV: CHL Network (www.nifty-tv.com/chl)
Thanks to Westwind Homes, a limited amount of $5 tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis for the first two games of the series. Fans can also take advantage of the popular four for $48 deal, which offers FOUR FREE hot dogs, and FOUR FREE Cokes with the purchase of four game tickets. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday at 10am. For both ticket deals call 718-BUCK (2825), log on to ticketmaster.com, or head to the LEC to purchase your tickets.
The Bucks come into the series on a 10-day layoff, having not played since April 4th, when they completed a four-game sweep of Odessa in the Conference Semi-Finals. Going back to the regular season the Bucks have won seven straight games.
Laredo dominated the 'Jacks winning all four games by a combined 20-9, and only trailing once in the series (1-0 in game 4). The Bucks scored first in the first three games of the series, to improve to 31-5-2 (3-0 in playoffs) this season when they score first.
The Bucks spent Thursday thru Saturday practicing in San Antonio to prepare for the Sundogs, due no ice being available because of the Home and Garden show at the LEC.
Laredo has had balanced scoring thus far in the playoffs, as eight different players have notched at least five points. Chris Stanley (4-4=8), and Adam Rivet (3-5=8) lead the Bucks in playoff scoring, with Alex Goupil (2-5=7), Jeff Bes (2-5=7) right behind.
Dustin Traylen won three out of the four games in the Odessa series, going 3-0 with a 2.34 G.A.A, and a .904 save percentage. John Ceci picked up the Bucks fourth win in the series, as he stopped 23 of 25 'Jacks shots.
The Sundogs advanced to their first Conference Finals in their second season of play, by beating New Mexico four games to two in the semi-finals. Arizona won two out of three games at home and on the road to beat the Scorpions.
Arizona is led in the playoffs by CHL Scoring Champion Alex Leavitt (3-13=16), and Cory Urquhart (9-6=15). Dating back to the regular season Leavitt has a 23-game point streak, while Urquhart has scored a goal in 16 straight contests. Since joining the Sundogs on February 20th, Urquhart has scored at least one goal in 21 of 24 games.
Sundogs goaltender Robert McVicar has posted double-digit wins in all five of his pro seasons, including an 11-4 mark this year with the Sundogs. McVicar won all four playoff games against New Mexico, posting a 3.92 goals against average, and a .879 save percentage. Two-time CHL Champion Marco Emond went 0-2 for Arizona against New Mexico, allowing nearly seven goals per game (6.398 G.A.A).
Laredo has had success in the first game of a playoff series, going 13-3 all-time in game ones. This is also the first time that the Bucks and Sundogs have met in the playoffs.
Game two will be Tuesday night at the LEC, with limited $5 tickets available, and the family four pack four $48. The family four pack includes four tickets, with FOUR FREE HOT DOGS, AND FOUR FREE COKES for just $48. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to purchase yours. Also on Tuesday night the Bucks will unveil the third player action figure at a press conference during the second period. Come out and see what Bucks player will join Steve Simoes and Jeff Bes as the only three Laredo players to have their own action figure.
*Bucks Playoff Notes*
*The Bucks are 13-3 all-time in game ones
* The Bucks have lost two of three series when they have lost game one
* The Bucks have had plenty of success at home during the playoffs. All-time Laredo is 35-9 at home during the postseason (2-0 in '0-8). The Bucks went 24-7-1 at the LEC during the 2007-08 regular season.
* All-time in the playoffs the Bucks have won all 12 series when they have had home ice advantage. With the Mudbugs being knocked out of the playoff the Bucks will have home ice throughout the rest of the '08 playoffs.
* So far this season the Bucks are 21-2-2 (2-0 in playoffs) when leading after the first period, and 34-2-1 (4-0 in playoffs) when leading after two periods. However, when the Bucks trail after one, they are 5-9-1, and when they trail after two periods they are 5-16-1.
*Westwind Homes Southern Conference Finals*
Monday April 14th, Game 1: Arizona @Laredo, 7pm
Tuesday April 15th, Game 2: Arizona @Laredo, 7pm
Friday April 18th, Game 3, Laredo @Arizona, 7:05pm PST (9:05pm CST)
Saturday April 19th Game 4, Laredo @Arizona, 7:05pm PST (9:05pm CST)
Monday April 21st Game 5, Laredo @Arizona, 7:05pm PST (9:05pm CST)*
Friday April 25th Game 6, Arizona @Laredo, 7:30pm*
Saturday April 26th Game 7, Arizona @Laredo, 7:30pm*
*If Necessary
**Bucks Playoff Packages Available Now**
Bucks playoff packages are available now starting at $9.99 per game (payment plans are available). Call a Bucks representative at 718-BUCK (2825). Buying playoff tickets now gives you the opportunity to secure those same seats for next regular season if you choose to.
**Playoff Discounts For Military And Students**
During the playoffs the Bucks will offer a discount for Military Members and students (any level). On all walk-up tickets for playoff games Military Members and students will receive a $2.50 discount for all ticket levels (with a valid ID).
**Walk-Up Ticket Prices For Southern Conference Finals**
Walk up tickets for the 2008 Southern Conference Finals will start at $14.25, and go up to $38.25. Call 718-BUCK (2825), go to ticketmaster.com, any ticketmaster location, or stop by the LEC Box office to get yours today.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 13, 2008
- Redenbach Rejoins Sundogs for Conference Finals - Arizona Sundogs
- Bucks And Sundogs Face Off In Conference Finals Monday - Laredo Bucks
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