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Blazers Add Toughness and Scoring Touch

October 1, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. – The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey Leauge signed forwards Doug Sheppard and Charlie Elezi, head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Sheppard, a 5-9, 180-pounder from Georgetown, Ontario played last season for Fassa, in the Italian "A" League where he amassed 28 points (10-18-28) in 30 games. Prior to heading overseas, he split time in two seasons between Roanoke of the ECHL and New Haven of the United Hockey Leauge. With those two clubs, he produced 125 points (53-72-125), including 15 power-play goals, in 143 games. He completed his colligate career with the Providence Friars, scoring 111 points (50-61-111) in 142 games over four seasons.

Elezi is embarking on his third tour of duty with the Blazers franchise. The 6-4, 230-pound native of Warren, Mich. skated last season with the Port Huron Beacons and Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League. In 73 games played, he scored six points (4-2-6), served 260 penalty minutes and finished tied for third in the league with 28 major penalties. In 89 games with Oklahoma City, he has recorded 20 points (6-14-20) and served 348 penalty minutes.

"Each of these players adds a dimension to our lineup," said Sauter. "From all reports, Sheppard will be an offensive weapon for the Blazers this season. Hopefully he will give us a scoring punch, great work ethic and another weapon on the power play. Charlie is a much improved player since his first days in Oklahoma City. His aggressive style of play and his size will help balance our team. The experience he brings will be a hidden asset for our club."

The addition of Elezi and Sheppard bring the total number of players signed by Oklahoma City to 19. They include all-star Blair Manning, Bryan Forslund, Marty Standish, Peter Arvanitis, Ryan Watson, Brad Herauf, Ryan Campbell, Tim Laurila, Tyler Fleck, Peter Robertson, Kevin Livingston, Shane Fukushima, Justin Kot, Quinn Henry, Mike Lucci and goaltenders Boyd Ballard and Sean Connors.

NOTE: The Blazers 12th training camp will open at the Ford Center on Monday, October 6 at 9:30 a.m. The team will conduct two-a-day practices for the first three days of camp. The morning sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., while the evening sessions will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blazers training camp is open to the public and admission is free. Fans are asked to use the northeast entrance of the Ford Center when attending training camp. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of each session.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2003


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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