Boys are Back in Town

Published on October 3, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


The calendar turned from September to October...and that means the "Jacks Are Back."

Members...and hopefuls...of the Odessa Jackalopes Hockey Club have arrived in town and will officially open their training camp Monday (October 6).

Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations, Don McKee, beginning his 5th season with the club, will welcome 22 players, including nine returning from the Jacks' CHL Northwest Division championship club of a year ago.

McKee has guided the Jackalopes to four consecutive playoff berths and a division title in each of his three full seasons with the club (McKee took over the team early in the 1999-2000 season, reaching the playoffs after inheriting a 5-13-1 record). Joining the two-time league coach of the year (2000-01, 2001-02) behind the bench is first-year Assistant Coach, Greg Gatto, who played for the Jacks last season.

While camp does not officially start until Monday, McKee says the players will have plenty to do.

"Everything from moving into their apartments to fitness testing and individual workouts...and perhaps a little time on the golf course," McKee said. "I know they're all anxious to get out on the ice and start this journey."

"We're bringing back some key players, including our top four scorers from last season," McKee said. "We also have four top defensemen returning, along with some key new faces. I like where we are heading into camp."

All-time leading scorer John Bossio and last season's leading scorer Mike Rutter are among the returnees, while three-time franchise defenseman of the year Scott Hillman leads the returning blue-liners. Talented forward Sebastien Thinel, also among the club's top four scorers last season, is also returning.

Scott Green, the team's top scorer in the playoffs, and newcomer Jeff Goldie also figure to be among the Jackalopes' top players. Both are veteran forwards and proven scorers.

"Scott Green is simply an outstanding player and a great leader," McKee said. "I've been trying to bring Jeff Goldie to the Jackalopes since my first year here. That should tell you how valuable we think he will be to this team."

Returning with Hillman on the blue line are Adam Doyle, Pat Stachniak and Jami Yoder. Joining them is talented rookie Sal Lettieri (luh-TAIR-ee).

Both Lettieri and Thinel were in the training camp of the Toronto RoadRunners, the new American Hockey League. "Sal and 'Sebby' both played very well in Toronto," McKee said. "The experience they gained against that very high level of competition was tremendous and will benefit our club."

"Defense has always been our trademark," McKee said. "We have to be more explosive offensively, that's for sure, but defense is a critical part of a championship in any sport. We've got four outstanding veterans to lead us and a rookie who will really contribute."

Goaltenders Jeff Blair and Mark Cairns will compete for the top spot in camp. Blair is the more veteran of the two, having played in the East Coast Hockey League last season. Cairns is a rookie with an outstanding collegiate background.

"No pressure on them at all," McKee joked, referring to the Jackaopes franchise's incredible track record when it comes to goaltenders.

"Jeff and Mark will push one another, and that's important," McKee said. "They will both benefit from our (defensive) system, and our goal will be to develop another outstanding 1-2 punch in net."

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

While Coach McKee is preparing the Jacks on ice, General Manager, Monty Hoppel, and the front office staff are also preparing for the new Central Hockey League season.

"This is our 7th season," Hoppel said. "We're going to do our best to make it a 'Lucky 7th' year."

The team has introduced "Come Win With Us" as its slogan for the 2003-2004 CHL season.

"Obviously we can't promise to win every game," Hoppel said. "But Don and the guys will take care of business on the ice, and we've got some great things in store to make every night something special for our fans."

"We're adding new special events and giving our intermission events a new look too," Hoppel said. "We want to make each and every game a special event with lots of chances to win...both on and off the ice."

"Everything's in place to make this the best season yet for the Jackalopes and our fans."

Tickets for all 32 Jackalopes regular season home games (and the team's pre-season game with San Angelo on Saturday, October 11), go on sale Monday, October 6.

Fans may now purchase a full range of tickets at both the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa and at First American Bank Ballpark in Midland. The team has installed a new, computerized ticket system which gives fans at both locations the ability to purchase any available ticket for any game, with ticket availability.

Both ticket offices are open throughout regular business hours, with the Ector County Coliseum box office open extended hours on game days.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from October 3, 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.

OurSports Central