Bees sign goaltender Symington, Blanchard waived

November 17, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today signed goaltender Jeremy Symington. To make room for him on the roster, goalie Mathieu Blanchard was waived.

Symington began the season in Youngstown and went 2-0 with a 2.89 GAA and .895 save percentage. The 28-year-old is in his seventh season of pro hockey and spent last season with Port Huron (UHL).

"Jeremy brings us experience in goal," said Killer Bees Head Coach Paul Fixter. "He started the season strong in Youngstown, but got caught in a situation where they have an affiliation and were assigned a goaltender. Their loss is our gain."

Symington played the 2004-05 season with the Laredo Bucks, posting an 18-10-1 record along with a 2.39 GAA and .912 save percentage. He also appeared in seven playoff games that season, going 3-4 in the postseason as Laredo lost in the President's Cup Finals to Colorado.

A 6-foot, 200-pound native of Camlachie, Ontario, Symington was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, going 196th overall in the eighth round of the NHL Draft. Among his other pro stops include Elmira (UHL), Lubbock (CHL) and Binghamton (AHL). He spent four seasons at St. Lawrence University from 1997-2001, and went 16-8-0 as a senior with a 2.93 GAA.

Blanchard appeared in four games for the Bees and went 2-1-1. He earned his first pro win on Oct. 21 vs. Arizona, stopping 24 of 25 shots in a 2-1 win.

"Mathieu is a competitor and I have no doubt he'll find a spot to play," explained Fixter.

The Bees begin continue their first three-in-three stretch of the season tonight vs. new Mexico at 7:30 PM. The first 1000 fans through the doors receive foam No.1 fingers sponsored by KRGV-5. Listen to the action live on Jammin' 104.9/95.3 FM, or online at killerbeehockey.com.

Killer Bees tickets are available at the Dodge Arena Box Office, online at killerbeehockey.com, and by phone at 866-RIO-TIXX. Tickets can also be purchased at The Boot Jack Valley Wide, Valley Yamaha, Melhart Music Center, Lionel's Western Wear Weslaco, or Lone Star National Bank.



Central Hockey League Stories from November 17, 2006


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