Brahmas 'Juice' Up On Blueline, Re-Sign All-Star Kinnunen
August 27, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (August 27)- The Central Hockey League (CHL) champs, Texas Brahmas, have their All-Star back as defenseman Justin Kinnunen has re-signed for the 2009-10 campaign.
The two year CHL All-Star returns to the Brahmas for his seventh professional season, third with Texas, following an exceptional year with Texas. Kinnunen played 47 games for the purple and black registering 33 points (12 G, 21 A), finishing with a +19 and earning the honors of starting in the CHL All-Star game. The Negaunee, MI native's strong play caught the attention of the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League (AHL), resulting in an 11 game call up.
Kinnnunen's speed and defensive soundness is not the only thing the 6-foot-1 blueliner is known for, but also his offensive contributions, intimidating goaltenders with his quick playmaking abilities. Last season, Laredo netminder Sebastien Centomo felt the wrath of Kinnunen's offensive side as he posted the Brahmas first hat trick of the season in January in a 4-1 victory on the road.
Kinnunen's play in the postseason proved to be just as successful as the team's Championship result as he had 11 points (4 G, 7 A) in 16 games and finished a +8.
Texas Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong believes the return of Kinnunen will keep the Brahmas winning tradition alive.
"Our defense was one of the toughest units in the league last season, so we went into the offseason with a goal to try and keep it intact. Justin has obviously been one of the top defensemen in the league, so it's great to have him return next season," Wildfong said.
Kinnunen is the twelfth announced player signing for the Brahmas as he joins Brett Jaeger, Kyle Deck, Derek Merlini, Craig Minard, Kevin McLeod, Casey Russell, Jason Deitsh, Jamie Carroll, Jordan Cameron, A.J. Gale and Anders Strome.
For ticket information for the 2009-10 season, please contact the Brahmas offices at (817) 336-4423. The NYTEX Sports Centre, home of the 2009 CHL Champions, now offers speedy and reliable Wi-Fi powered by Great Auk Wireless.
Justin Kinnunen
Left Wing
Born Jul 26 1981 -- Negaunee, MI
Height 6.01 -- Weight 165
Central Hockey League Stories from August 27, 2009
- DeCaro to Attend NHL Training Camp with Predators - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bucks Bring Back All-Star Rivet - Laredo Bucks
- Celebrity Coaches To Battle - Tulsa Oilers
- Brahmas 'Juice' Up On Blueline, Re-Sign All-Star Kinnunen - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Eagles Are Secure Between the Pipes - Colorado Eagles
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