Bucks Add Two More Rookies, Including AHL Prospect Smith
September 29, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Monday that they have signed rookie forward Darryl Smith and rookie goaltender Mike Collichio to their roster for the 2008-09 season. Smith spent the last three seasons in juniors with the Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), while Collichio played the last four seasons for Division III Neumann College (NCAA).
Smith, who will participate in Houston Aeros training camp next week, had another solid year in 2007-08 with the Olympiques, as he helped lead them to the QMJHL President's Cup Championship. Last season Smith, a native of St. Catherines, Ontario, put up a career high's in goals (26), assists (26), and points (52) in 70 regular season games. In the 2008 Playoffs Smith knocked in eight goals, handed out five assists, for 13 points to help lead Gatineau to the league title, and a fourth place finish in the Memorial Cup.
"Smith has a lot of talent that's for sure. He was invited to Houston (Aeros) training camp, that means a lot", said Bucks Head Coach and General Manager Terry Ruskowski. "He has had solid numbers so far in his career, he will be good on our team".
During Smith's three season's in the QMJHL, he scored a combined 62 goals, handed out 63 assists, for 125 points in 197 regular season games. In his three playoff runs in the league, Smith put up 13 goals, 12 assists, for 25 points, in 41 combined games.
In each of his three season's with Gatineau, Smith's offensive numbers increased. During the 2005-06 season, Smith had 34 points (11-23=34), followed by 39 points (25-14=35) in 2006-07, and 52 points (26-26=52) last season.
"His numbers increased every year, that's what we hope he can do here in Laredo".
Prior to his three seasons in the QMJHL, Smith spent parts of two seasons in the OHL, suiting up for the Guelph Storm. In 62 combined games, Smith scored three goals, with three assists for six points.
The 5'11, 190 pound Smith will report to Aeros camp at the end of September.
COLLICHIO THIRD GOALTENDER ON BUCKS ROSTER
Mike Collichio is the third goaltender to be signed to the Bucks roster for the 2008-09 season, as he joins two-time CHL All-Star Sebastien Centomo, and rookie backstop Ryan Gibb.
The Rochester, New York native comes to Laredo after spending his four-year college career at Neumann College in Aston, Pennsyvania, where he took home the team's MVP award in each of his four seasons, as well as earned spots on the ECAC West All-Conference Teams.
Last season Collichio was named to the ECAC West All-Conference team, where he went 15-9, with a 2.92 G.A.A, and a .903 Sv. %, to go along with two shutouts. Collichio was also named ECAC West Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 9. He shut out the opposition twice last season, once against number-one ranked 1 Elmira College, and seven days later against Utica College combining for 61 saves in the two games.
"He was a very good college goaltender. We will have to see how he performs in the pre-season", Ruskowski said. "We look forward to having him compete here".
The 5'11 195 pound Collichio put up solid numbers in net in his last three seasons with Neumann, in 2005-06 he went 10-9-1 with a 2.92 G.A.A, and a .914 sv. % , in 2006-07 Collichio went 14-5-5, with a 2.73 G.A.A, and a .906 sv. %, to go with his 15-9 mark last season.
Smith and Collichio are the 23rd and 24th players officially signed by the Bucks for the 2008-09 season. Laredo's roster consists of 16 rookies, and eight CHL returnee's (Jeff Bes, Team Captain Serge Dube, Steve Weidlich, Igor Agarunov, Adam Rivet, Alex Goupil, Matt Summers, and Sebastien Centomo).
The Bucks, who start training camp on October 6th, will open their seventh CHL season at the LEC on October 17th against the Rocky Mountain Rage.
Season ticket prices stayed the same as they were last season, starting at just $34 a month (including playoffs). Call 718-BUCK (2825), or visit the LEC to speak to a Bucks ticket representative.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 29, 2008
- Gorillas add veteran forward to roster - Amarillo Gorillas
- Brahmas Golf Tournament Relocated - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Robertson and Martin Invited To AHL Home Opener October 17th - New Mexico Scorpions
- Bucks Add Two More Rookies, Including AHL Prospect Smith - Laredo Bucks
- Bucks Community Update - Laredo Bucks
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