Sports stats

Bees sign Lovell, add a Colorado diamond in the rough

September 12, 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 announced the signings of defenseman Jamie Lovell and forward Joe Casey.

Lovell, a 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman, was acquired in a trade last week with Odessa in exchange for future considerations. The 24-year-old, Elora, Ontario, native led the Jackalopes in plus/minus last season (plus-22) and finished with eight points (2-6-8) and 37 PIM in 64 games. One of his two goals was a game-winner (March 25 at Lubbock).

"I'm happy to have Jamie signed," said Killer Bees Head Coach Paul Fixter. "He'll be an important part of our defense on both sides of the ice. He's someone I've known since he was 10-years-old

And I'm proud to have him on my team."

Casey played four seasons at the University of Denver from 1996-2000. At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, the soon to be 31-year-old will get his first taste of pro hockey. "I already know people will be scratching their heads at this one," said Fixter. "It's not everyday you find a 31-year-old rookie. For reasons beyond his control, Joe has never had an opportunity to pursue professional hockey until now."

Casey most recently played senior hockey for the Jackson Hole Moose in Wyoming, a team competes in the Senior-A division of the U.S.A. Hockey Association. The competition level is full-check hockey with no-holds-barred. The Colorado Springs native was among the leaders in scoring for the Moose, who play a 28-game schedule.

He will join the Bees under the recommendation of George Gwozdecky, head coach of the two-time NCAA National Champion University of Denver Pioneers. "George told me Joe is a diamond in the rough, a self-made man. He has a reputation as a man with tremendous character who is an excellent skater and loves being part of the community," Fixter explained. "It will be exciting to see him take hold of this opportunity."

Individual tickets for the Bees preseason game on October 17, as well as all regular season games, go on sale Monday, October 2, at 10 a.m. 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's Music Center, Lionel's Western Wear Weslaco, or Lone Star National Bank.

The Killer Bees open up their fourth season of CHL action on the weekend of October 20 and 21, 2006 vs. the Arizona Sundogs. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are available now by calling (956) 843-PUCK. Stay tuned to killerbeehockey.com for the latest news and transactions as they become official!



Central Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2006


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.

Other Recent Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central