Blazers ink veteran Chad Hinz

Published on September 18, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed veteran centerman Chad Hinz, head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Hinz, a 5-10, 190-pounder from Saskatoon, Sask., was a seventh-round draft choice, 197th overall, of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. Each of the last three seasons he has played in Austria with Klagenfurt. In 144 games over the last three seasons, Hinz has recorded 160 points (66-94-160) and served 186 minutes in penalties. His most productive season was the 06-07 campaign when he led his team in goals (26) and points (65) and was 11th in the league in scoring.

The majority of his career has been spent in the American Hockey League with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Toronto Roadrunners. In 309 AHL games, Hinz scored 117 points (43-74-117). Hinz has also seen time in the ECHL during the 99-00 season with the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks. In 49 games with the Tiger Sharks, he recorded 40 points (15-25-40).

Hinz skated with the Blazers during their playoff run in 2007. He recorded 17 points (5-12-17) in 14 playoff games do go with four points (2-2-4) in three regular season games. Over his 10-year pro career, Hinz has skated in 536 games, scored 334 points (131-203-334) and served 356 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, he skated in four seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. In 285 games with the Warriors, he registered 332 points (121-211-332). His best season was the 98-99 campaign when he led his team in goals (42), assists (75) and points (117).

"This is one of the biggest off-season signings we've had in some time," said Sauter. "Many Blazers fans know what kind of player Chad is from his time with us in the playoffs a couple seasons ago. He is a smart player who sees the ice as well as anybody in our league. I expect him to provide veteran leadership on and off the ice for our club."

The addition of Hinz bring the number of players signed for the 08-09 season to 25. He joins forwards D.J. Jelitto, Brian Passmore, Jason Murfitt, Simon Lambert, Bill Vandermeer, Ted Vandermeer, Bobby Reed, Brennen Francon, Mark Black, Marty Standish, Robin Gomez, Cam Doull, Bryn Gagnon and Quinn Amiel defensemen Tyler Fleck, Stacey Bauman, Justin Sawyer, Tyler Harder, Jason Seerey, Jaye Judd, Oriel McHugh and Ryan Waldner and goaltenders Andy Franck and Doug Groenestege.

The Blazers 17th season of play commences October 17 at the Ford Center against the Tulsa Oilers. Season ticket packages are available now by calling the Blazers office at 235-PUCK.

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