Komets Capture Sniper Bennefield
September 28, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Wayne Komets News Release
Fort Wayne, IN -- The Komets announced Wednesday that they have traded defenseman Craig Cescon to the Wichita Thunder in exchange for right wing Jesse Bennefield.
Bennefield, 30, will be entering his seventh pro year. The Calgary, Alberta native has totaled 94 goals, 111 assists and 205 points in 180 CHL games after completing his third season in the CHL last year. Bennefield posted a career high 35 goals and 40 assists to rank 12th in the CHL for 2010-11 with 75 points in 66 games with Wichita.
The right winger began his career in 2005-06 scoring 30 goals and 60 points in 63 games as a rookie with San Diego to earn a spot on the 2006 ECHL All-Star team. The following year Bennefield jumped to the United Hockey League and helped Rockford to a 2007 Colonial Cup championship, assisting the IceHogs in eliminating the Komets in the second round of the playoffs. Bennefield also split time with Milwaukee and Iowa appearing in six AHL games during 2006-07.
Bennefield made his CHL debut with Rio Grande in 2008-09 and skated two seasons with the Killer Bees before joining Wichta last year.
Cescon, 25, appeared in 60 games with Fort Wayne last season registering five assists and six points while accumulating a team-high 174 penalty minutes in his fourth pro year.
Korduner gets tryout -- The Komets also announced Wednesday that forward Fredric Korduner has been invited to the Komet camp. Korduner, 23, was a prospect at the Komets' tryout camp at the World Hockey Centre in Toronto this past summer attended by Komet head coach Al sims. The Taby, Sweden native led Gislaved of the Sweden Elite League, Division 1, last season with 27 assists and 36 points in 37 games.
Mangos retires -- The Komets learned Wednesday that defenseman Simon Mangos, originally signed for the upcoming 2011-12 season, has decided to retire from hockey due to personal reasons and will not be joining the Komets for the upcoming season.
The Komets' preseason roster stands at 29 players and includes 19 forwards, 8 defensemen and two goaltenders.
Training camp kickoff luncheon Monday, Oct. 10 -- The Komets will open training campMonday, Oct. 10 with a media press luncheon at the Coliseum. The Komets will have camp practices at the Coliseum, twice daily the first week. Two exhibition games are planned. The Komets will skate at Dayton Friday, Oct. 14 at Hara Arena at 7pm, and then return home to host a pre-season tilt against the Gems Sunday, Oct. 16 at 5pm. Further camp and luncheon details will be released next week.
Komet Single Game Tickets now on sale -- Single game tickets for the 2011-12 preseason and regular season will go on sale Friday, September 23, at 10am at the Coliseum Ticket Office and online at TicketMaster.com.
The 60th anniversary Komet home and season opener is Saturday, Oct. 22 against the visiting Evansville IceMen at 7:30pm. The Komets will also host one exhibition game when they face the Dayton Gems on Coliseum ice Sunday, Oct. 16 at 5pm. For regular season ticket pricing, click here or visit the Komets online at www.komets.com. The Komets also offer discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more. For more information on saving with group tickets, call the Komet office at 260-483-0011, or click here for info online at www.komets.com.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from September 28, 2011
- Mallards Announce Selected 2011-12 Promotions and Theme Nights - Quad City Mallards
- Thunder Makes Trade, Adds Former NHL 1st Rounder - Wichita Thunder
- Komets Capture Sniper Bennefield - Fort Wayne Komets
- Bucks Announce Exhibition Game Beneficiary and On-Sale Date - Laredo Bucks
- Angry Birds Night Highlights Dayton Gems Promotional Schedule - Dayton Gems
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
