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Bes Named CHL MVP For Second Time

March 24, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League announced Monday afternoon that Jeff Bes has been named the CHL MVP for the 2007-2008 regular season. This is the second MVP award for Bes, who also won the award during the 2003-04 season.

In one of the closest races in league history, Bes edged out CHL scoring champion Alex Leavitt (Arizona) by four votes (18-14), with 48 total ballots returned.

Bes is the third player since the CHL/WPHL merger to win the CHL MVP award, without winning the league's scoring title. Bes joins Memphis' Don Parsons (2001-2002), and Colorado's Greg Pankewicz (2004-05) to capture the MVP award without leading the league in scoring.

The 34-year old Bes put together one of his best seasons in his 16-year pro career, tallying 106 points (46-60=106) to finish second in the league in scoring. Bes topped the 100-point plateau for the second time in his career. He put up a career high 117 points in his 2003-04 MVP season.

"I'm very happy for Jeff, this is a great honor for him, he deserves it very much", said Bucks head coach/GM Terry Ruskowski. "He's a two way player. Not only can he score and dish it out, he plays good defense as well", Ruskowski said.

This season Bes, a Tillsonburg, Ontario native, finished in the top five in several categories. Bes finished second in the league in scoring (46-60=106), second in goals (46), fourth in assists (60), third in power-play goals (16), second in shots (321), fourth in game winning goals (8), and first in plus/minus rating (+40).

"This is a very great honor and privilege to receive this award", Bes said. "I could have never have won this award without the whole team. Hockey is a team game, and we have 19 guys who work very hard as a team to try and bring another championship to Laredo", said Bes.

The MVP award caps a handful of honors for Bes this season. In addition to the MVP award, Bes was named to his first All-CHL team last week, he was named captain of the Southern Conference All-Star team in January, and he was voted a two-time player of the week. Bes was also voted Best Overall player, and Smartest player in the annual Best of the Best Poll.

Bes was very consistent this season, registering at least one point in 51 of 64 games this season, including 32 multi-point games. Bes had nine multi-goal games, including four hat tricks. Bes had a CHL-season high four goals back on October 27th against Amarillo. In that same game Bes had CHL-season high six points (4-2=6).

This season was also a record setting season for Bes. In the Bucks second game of the season in New Mexico Bes became the franchises all-time leading goal scorer. Bes now has 166 goals as a Buck, breaking the previous record of 120. In Saturday night's regular season finale Bes became the team's all-time leader in single season goals scored with 46. In addition, Bes is also the Bucks all-time leader in assists (284), and points (450).

The old adage seems to be true for Bes, the older you are the better you get. Bes certainly outdid himself from last season, scoring 18 more goals, dishing out 20 more assists, and totaling 38 more points in playing 13 more games than a season ago. Bes'106 points were 42 more than the Bucks second leading scorer (James Hiebert 64 points).

"I worked out very hard last summer to get in shape and to start this season prepared, both mentally and physically", Bes said.

"As long as he keeps performing like he has been he will always have a job here in Laredo", Ruskowski said. "I have never had to tell Jeff to start working harder, because he always works his tail off".

Bes and the Bucks will now prepare for the CHL playoffs. The Bucks earned the number one seed in the Southern Conference playoffs, and will play the winner of the Odessa/Austin first round series in the conference Semi-Finals which begin Saturday at the LEC. The Bucks will hold "Pack The House for Charity Night" with tickets available for a minimum $5 donation to the Sacred Heart Children's Home and the South Texas Food Bank. Call 718-BUCK (2825) or head to the LEC box office.

**Bucks Add Players To Playoff Roster**

The Bucks announced Monday that they have added two amateurs to their playoff roster, winger Josh Patterson, and emergency goaltender Paul Drew. Patterson and Drew were teammates at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Patterson, a Kemptville, Ontario native, was the third leading scorer for UPEI this season, netting 13 goals with nine assists for 22 points. In four seasons with UPEI Patterson, 6'00'', 185 lbs, put up 72 points.

"Josh is a big guy, a crash and bang type player", Ruskowski said." "I think he can help us to the championship."

This past season he shared the Most Dedicated Player Award and was the co-recipient of the Mickey Place Award for the Panthers.

Drew, a Merlin, Ontario, Native, played in 25 games last season for UPEI, going 8-15 with a 4.06 goals against average and a .866 save percentage. Drew was named team MVP last season.

"We were handcuffed last season when (Kevin) Reiter got injured in the playoffs and we didn't have an emergency goaltender, I made sure that did not happen this season", Ruskowski said. "I tried to get Paul three years ago but he wanted to go to school so I backed off until now."

Drew can play only if Dustin Traylen or John Ceci are injured during the course of the playoffs.

*Bucks To "Pack The House For Charity" March 29th*

The Bucks, in conjunction with Border Lease and Laredo Energy announced Friday night that they will "Pack The House For Charity" at the Bucks first home playoff game on Saturday March 29th. All Tickets in every section, with the exception of glass and club level seats will be available for a minimum $5 donation to Sacred Heart Children's Home and South Texas Food Bank. The Bucks, along with Border Lease and Laredo Energy are looking to sell out the game, and have 6,500 fans at the Laredo Entertainment Center. Bucks head coach/GM Terry Ruskowski made the announcement on the ice during the second intermission of the Bucks/Bees game.

**Bucks Playoff Preview Show Monday Night At Hal's**

The Bucks 2008 Playoff Preview Show will be held Monday March 24th at Hal's Landing starting at 7pm. The show will air live on Norteno 1490-AM and be streamed online at laredobucks.com. Fans will have a chance to ask questions to Bucks head coach/GM Terry Ruskowski as well as Bucks players.

**Dube's Jersey To Be Auctioned Off For Charity**

Bucks captain Serge Dube will wear a jersey tonight with a special "Captains For Courage" Patch on it. All proceeds of the auction will to the charity SCAN (Serving Children and Adolecents in Need). The auction will be held online on the Bucks website, www.laredobucks.com. The auction will start at 10pm Friday night and go until April 1st at 12pm.

**Bucks Playoff Packages Available Now**

Bucks playoff packages are available now starting at $9.99 per game (payment plans are available). Call a Bucks representative at 718-BUCK (2825). Buying playoff tickets now gives you the opportunity to secure those same seats for next regular season if you choose to.

**Playoff Discounts For Military And Students**

During the playoffs the Bucks will offer a discount for Military Members and students (any level). On all walk-up tickets for playoff games Military Members and students will receive a $2.50 discount for all ticket levels (with a valid ID).

**Bucks Playoff Schedule**

The Bucks are scheduled to open the 2008 Playoffs at the LEC on Saturday March 29th at 7:30pm, with game two of that series on Monday March 31st at 7:00pm. The official playoff schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

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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.

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