Cooper Attending AHL Training Camp
September 30, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs forward Kevin Cooper is in New York this week attending an American Hockey League training camp with the Rochester Americans. Cooper, who re-signed with the Mudbugs last week, joined 36 other players today for the first day of Rochester's camp.
"'Coop's' resiliency and his ability to be an impact player on every shift make him a prime candidate to go up and turn some heads at the next level," Head Coach Scott Muscutt said. "I think he's a guy that became a fan favorite here early on because he always plays with an unmatched energy. Hopefully, for his sake, Rochester notices that and 'Coop' gets a good crack."
Cooper was a key offensive performer for the Mudbugs last season, posting 27 goals and 56 points in 50 games after joining the team on November 23rd. Only Chris Brassard lit the lamp more for the 'Bugs in 07-08, and Cooper's 1.12 points-per-game average was tops on the team during its run to the 2008 CHL Governor's Cup Regular Season Championship.
"You always have mixed feelings about these situations," said Muscutt. "You definitely wish that guy the best of luck up there, but you also want to have him back in your lineup as well."
Attending camp with Rochester isn't the first AHL experience Cooper has had in his pro hockey career. As a rookie playing in the ECHL during the 2004-05 season, the Toronto, Ontario native was called-up by the Providence Bruins of the AHL and played one game for them.
Cooper and the rest of the Americans play their first preseason game on Thursday evening, skating against the Syracuse Crunch at 7:00 pm. Then Rochester will play the first of a preseason home-and-home series at the Lake Erie Monsters on Friday before capping off their exhibition schedule at home against the Monsters at 7:35 pm on Saturday.
The Mudbugs will start their own training camp on Monday, October 6th and the team's 2008 training camp roster will be unveiled later on this week. Bossier-Shreveport will begin its 12th season of competition on Central Hockey League opening night, October 17th, against the Texas Brahmas at CenturyTel Center. Season and group tickets are on sale now, so stop by the team office inside the CTC or call 318-752-BUGS for more information or to purchase tickets.
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