Bees acquire Masse, Medley from Tulsa

Published on January 11, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (Central Hockey League) today announced that the club has acquired left wing David Masse and defenseman Matt Medley from the Tulsa Oilers in exchange for left wing Bill Newson and defensemen Kurtis Dulle and Jamie Lovell. Both Masse and Medley are expected to be in the lineup Friday night as the Bees host the Amarillo Gorillas at 7:30 p.m.

"This is a trade we think will immediately provide some spark in our lineup," said Killer Bees head coach Paul Fixter. "David Masse is a highly skilled player who the fans will enjoy watching. Matt Medley is an All-Star defenseman who is solid in his own end and can also produce points. We expect they will make an immediate impact with us."

Masse, 24, is tied for second among CHL goal scorers (20) and is tied for sixth overall in CHL scoring. He departs the Oilers tied for the team lead in scoring (20-19-39). He played for Fixter during the 2004-05 season at Hershey (AHL) and produced 12 goals and eight assists (12-8-20) in 46 games. In 2005-06, Masse spent the season with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers and had posted 31 points (17-14-31) in 71 games with the top affiliate of the New York Islanders.

Medley, 23, played for the Bees last season and set a franchise record for goals in a season by a defenseman with 13. He was claimed by Fort Worth as a future consideration to complete an earlier trade for Bret DeCecco, and then signed with Tulsa after the Brahmas suspended operations for 2006-07. He leaves Tulsa with 25 points (6-19-25), good for sixth overall on the team and first among defensemen. He was named to the Northern Conference All Star team at the 2007 Dodge CHL All Star game in Bossier-Shreveport.

Masse (6-1, 200 pounds) and Medley (5-11, 195 pounds) both hail from Montreal and were teammates with the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The Bees bid farewell to Bill Newson, who has played in every game in the three-plus season history of the franchise. Newson was second in scoring this season (13-16-29). "Bill was arguably the face of this franchise for nearly four full seasons," said Killer Bees General Manager Grant Buckborough. "We appreciate his efforts both on and off the ice. He was truly an ambassador for hockey in South Texas and we, along with the community, commend his efforts over the years. We wish him well in Tulsa."

The Bees also say goodbye to Kurtis Dulle and Jamie Lovell. Dulle was named to the Southern Conference All Star Team for the 2007 CHL All Star Game. Lovell was signed during the offseason after spending 2005-06 with Odessa.

"I went back and forth over the last few days over this," explained Fixter. "Bill is a tremendous player and an equally good person, and I know how much he means to the fans here. Kurtis is an all star defenseman, and Jamie brought a lot to our team as well. At the end of the day, I'm here to make the tough decisions that I feel will improve our hockey team."

Both Medley and Dulle will represent the conference from which they were selected at the All Star Game in Bossier-Shreveport on January 17.

The Killer Bees host Amarillo Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The first 1000 fans receive mini hockey sticks. This Sunday is Time Warner/McDonalds Family Night at 4 p.m. vs. Laredo. Get four tickets and four McDonalds value meals for just $48. For more information log on to killerbeehockey.com or call 956-843-7825.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 11, 2007


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