Blaznek, Aikins and Jorgensen Re-Sign
September 15, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League today announced the return of three more players for the upcoming season: forwards Joe Blaznek and Justin Aikins and defenseman Jim Jorgensen. Blaznek and Aikins are back for a third year with the 'Bugs in 2010-11 while Jorgensen embarks on his first full season with the club.
"This is a group of guys who will bring a very diverse set of skills to our hockey team this year," said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "Joe is an experienced, veteran offensive force who can put pucks in the back of the net for us, Justin is a smart all-around player and one of our most creative playmakers, and Jim can provide some spark to our blueline as a solid two-way defenseman."
Blaznek, who recently turned 35, will play a 13th professional season as one of five veteran-status players signed by Bossier-Shreveport for this year. The 6-1, 200-pound sniper has led the team in goal scoring in each of the last two seasons, totaling 47 goals in that time. He tied for second on the club in scoring last season on the heels of an even stronger 2008-09 campaign, during which he led the team in goals (24), assists (39), points (63) and plus/minus rating (+20).
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Blaznek scored his 300th career goal last season and reached the milestone of 700 pro games. He was a finalist for the CHL's MVP award with Wichita in 2006 and has appeared in five career All-Star Games (3 in the CHL and 2 in the ECHL). In a total of 717 pro games, Blaznek has totaled 311 goals, 355 assists, 666 points and 363 penalty minutes.
"I'm really excited for this year, especially after coming so close in the conference finals last year," Blaznek said. "Bossier-Shreveport is a great place to play. We've got a great group of guys playing for a great organization with awesome support from our fans. I've really enjoyed the past two seasons, but I think this could be the year when all the pieces fall into place for us to win a championship."
Aikins, 28, returned for his second year with Bossier-Shreveport last season after winning a championship while playing in Finland in 2008-09. In addition to contributing 39 points (11g, 28a) in 50 appearances, the White Rock, British Columbia native finished second on the team with a +25 rating. Aikins then added three goals and four assists in 11 Mudbugs playoff games.
"I was thoroughly impressed with Justin Aikins' development last year," said Muscutt. "It's significant to me when an experienced player in his fifth pro season continues to work hard at improving his game. That's a very difficult thing that takes a tremendous amount of mental toughness to accomplish."
The 6-foot, 180-pound winger first played for the Mudbugs in 2007-08, helping the club win the Governors' Cup CHL regular season title. He also played eight games in the American Hockey League that season during a call-up with the Rochester Americans. A 2001 draft pick of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, Aikins was a 2006 ECHL All-Star and led the Phoenix RoadRunners in scoring in 2007.
Jorgensen, 25, came to the 'Bugs in a deal with Wichita at the CHL's trading deadline last year. The 2nd-year pro was a 2010 CHL All-Star with the Thunder before providing a late-season boost to the Mudbugs' defensive corps. Jorgensen scored seven goals and added 16 assists for a total of 23 points in 60 regular season games between the two teams.
Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the 5-11, 200-pound defender played four seasons of college hockey at Ferris State University before spending his rookie pro season in the ECHL. He teamed with John DeCaro and Shawn Limpright with the Las Vegas Wranglers that year before moving on to Gwinnett and Phoenix.
"Jim is a versatile defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice," commented Muscutt. "He makes smart plays in his own zone and can move the puck to help our forwards make things happen offensively as well."
Bossier-Shreveport now has 15 players (seven forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders) under contract for the 2010-11 CHL season, which starts exactly one month from today against the Mississippi RiverKings on Friday, October 15 at the CenturyTel Center. Season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now, so call 752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside the CenturyTel Center to get yours today! For all the latest Mudbugs news, log on to www.mudbugshockey.com .
Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.
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