Blazers Bolster Blueline with Butland and Sundquist

July 26, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed defensemen Dale Butland and Rodney Sundquist, Blazers head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Butland, a 6-3, 215-pounder from Steinbach, Manitoba, skated with the Blazers during their playoff series with Colorado. In four postseason games, he recorded one goal, served 17 penalty minutes and was tam high +6. Prior to joining the Blazers for their playoff run, Butland completed his junior career with the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. In 151 games over three seasons, he registered 45 points (7-38-45) and served 519 penalty minutes.

The 6-5, 240-pound Sundquist last skated with the Missouri River Otters during the 2004-05 campaign. The Saskatoon, Sask. native recorded five points (0-5-5) and served 138 penalty minutes with the Otters. Prior to turning pro, he completed his junior eligibility with the Battlefords North Stars of the SJHL. Over his final 110 games, he scored 16 points (5-11-16) while serving 268 penalty minutes.

"Both of these guys certainly add some size to our blueline," said Sauter. "Butland joined our team in the playoffs against Colorado, making an immediate impact in all areas. I am looking forward to seeing what that young man can do during a full season. Sundquist took a year off to rehab an injury. I know that he has been working hard to get himself into shape and is looking forward to playing at the professional level again. Both players are interested in working their way to bigger and better opportunities in their career."

The addition of Butland and Sundquist brings the number of players signed for the 06-07 season to 10. He joins veterans Tyler Fleck, Marty Standish and Peter Robertson as well as defenseman Mike Burgoyne, forwards Graham Dearle and Garrett Prosofsky and goaltenders Sean Connors and Justin Day.

The Blazers will open their historic 15th season at home Friday, October 20 at the Ford Center at 7:35 p.m. The remainder of the schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. Season tickets are now on sale for as low as $40 per month. Contact the Blazers office at 235-PUCK for information about this great offer.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 26, 2006


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