Blazers Sign Pair of Rookies

August 15, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release

Ballard, a 5-10, 180-pound native of Weyburn, Saskatchewan skated with the San Diego Gulls of the West Coast Hockey League last season. He appeared in 17 games, posting a 5-4-0 mark, a 3.34 goals against average, and a .893 saves percentage. Despite being a member of the Gulls for the entire 2001-02 campaign, Ballard only appeared in 17 games, which still allows him to be considered a rookie by CHL rules. Current CHL guidelines state each team must have three players on the roster who have appeared in 25-or-fewer games as a professional.

Prior to turning pro, Ballard was a four-year starter at Providence College. In his first year, he was named to the Hockey East All Rookie Team and named Team Most Valuable Player. In 97 games at Providence, he compiled a 45-42-6 record, a 3.26 goals against average and .896 saves percentage.

"I am excited to come and play in Oklahoma City," said Ballard. "I have heard it is a great place to play from a couple of guys that I know that play in Oklahoma City (Jared Dumba and Marty Standish). I am also looking forward to playing on a competitive team."

Joining Ballard on the Blazers squad is former roommate and teammate at Providence College, Marc Suderman. The six-foot, 175-pounder from Regina, Saskatchewan skated in 126 games at Providence, picking up 41 points (13-28-41) while serving 28 penalty minutes.

"I look forward to seeing both of the players in our camp," said Sauter. "Finding a goaltender like Boyd Ballard who has a year of pro experience under his belt but is still considered a rookie is great. I look for him to capitalize on his extra year of experience. I've heard nothing but good things about Marc Suderman. He has good size and work ethic, two things which will help him in the professional ranks."

The signing of these rookies brings the number of Blazers signed for the 2002-03 season to 15. They join Ryan Rome, Derek Stone, Jason Fricker, Peter Arvanitis, Peter Robertson, Ryan Campbell, Jared Dumba, Tyler Fleck, Dave Shields, first-year defenseman Kane Ludwar and CHL All-Stars Marty Standish, Blair Manning and Jonathan Dubois on the Blazers preseason roster.

The Blazers begin training camp on Monday, October 7 at the Blazers Ice Centre, with the season opener slated for October 18 against the Austin Ice Bats. Season tickets are currently on sale. For more information, call 235-PUCK (7825).

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 15, 2002

• Chris Johnston Joins Oilers - Tulsa Oilers
• Blazers Sign Pair of Rookies - Oklahoma City Blazers
• Kyle Reeves bringing scoring skills to Ft. Worth - Fort Worth Brahmas
• Two Players Sign with Bucks - Laredo Bucks
• Gorillas Sign Two Solid Rookies - Amarillo Gorillas
• Ice Bats Get Their Goalie - Austin Ice Bats

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