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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Welcome Summers Back Into Fold

July 1, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) --- An impact-making forward who scored goals when it counted last year is returning to the Mississippi RiverKings roster, according to Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin "Killer" Kaminski. Matt Summers has signed to play for the CHL Northeast Division champion RiverKings during the upcoming 2009-2010 season. Kaminski said this about his returning forward, "Matt is a kid who has all the tools, has great hands, vision, hockey sense, and a knack to score "BIG" goals! He also has a great attitude and is a fan favorite, loves to come to the rink with a smile on his face." Summers will be entering his third season as a professional and second season with the RiverKings. The Savage, Minnesota native started his career playing a full season in 2007-2008 with the CHL's Laredo Bucks. He was acquired by the RiverKings early into last season to complete a trade that sent goaltender Sebastien Centomo to Laredo for future considerations. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Summers set professional season bests offensively with 16 goals, 35 assists and 51 points in 53 games played with the RiverKings, added to the three assists earned in his first five games of the year in Laredo before the trade that brought him to the Mid-South. The Savage, Minnesota native led the RiverKings in the plus-minus statistic at +22 and was tied for second on the roster in game-winning goals scored with five. Summers also made an impact in the playoff run of the RiverKings, scoring six goals and adding six assists for 12 points; putting him third best on the roster for playoff point production. No goal was more memorable as the game-winning goal scored in the second overtime of the RiverKings' come-from-behind 6-5 playoff victory over the Colorado Eagles. That goal came in game four of the Northern Conference finals; a victory that kept the RiverKings from being eliminated in four straight games. Despite Summers' success on the ice last season, Kaminski believes Matt can do even better. "We look for Matt to build off a breakthrough season. He's a kid who loves the game and wants to get better everyday. He's a big piece of the puzzle." Summers also wants more from this season with the RiverKings. "Last year when I got there it was nothing but great from start to finish. Obviously, we wanted the season to go a little farther. I want to improve my play in every category and that's what I'm working hard to do."

In his first professional season with Laredo, Summers scored 12 goals and added 23 assists for 35 points in 57 games. His point production included a five-game point streak. Three of his 12 goals that year came on the power play and five were game-winners, which placed him third in the CHL among rookie goal scorers. Summers' career statistics can be found here: http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=78990 The RiverKings continue preparations to begin defense of their Northeast Division championship and another run toward the Ray Miron President's Cup title. For more information on season tickets for the most excitement in the Mid-South, call the RiverKings at 662-342-1755 today.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 1, 2009


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