Bucks Assigned Forward Chris Nielsen
October 21, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
LAREDO, Texas â The 2004 CHL Champion Laredo Bucks announced today that they have been assigned center Chris Nielsen by the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League. Nielsen has played in 52 NHL games in his career, all coming with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Bucks open up on the road on Friday, and then begin the home campaign on Saturday against the Corpus Christi Rayz at the LEC. For Laredo Bucks season or single game tickets call (956)-718-BUCKS (2825) or log onto www.laredobucks.com.
Nielsen was a second round pick, 36th overall, by the New York Islanders in the 1998 NHL entry draft. He spent the last two seasons with the AHL Manitoba Moose. He had four goals and seven assists in 72 games last year.
"Chris is both a quality person and a player," Bucks head coach Terry Ruskowski said. "He has played in the AHL and NHL for the past four years. We are lucky and fortunate to have him skating with us. He brings character and skill to the Bucks."
The 6-2, 200 pound-center was born in Moshi, Tanzania, while his father Jim was stationed working for the Canadian International Developmental Agency. He moved back to Canada and grew up on a farm in Goodlands, Manitoba.
During his junior hockey career he played in 268 games with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. He helped lead the Hitmen to the Memorial Cup tournament in the 1998-99 season. The Hitmen lost to Ottawa 7-6 in overtime in the Memorial Cup championship game.
Nielsen was the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, and the Humanitarian of the Year, in the 1999-2000 season. He was the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year in 1998-99 as well.
In his four year career he has scored 39 goals in 288 professional games, including six NHL tallies. He was the first player the Blue Jackets ever made a trade for in May of 2000. He was traded to Atlanta in December of 2002 and then traded to the Vancouver Canucks in January of 2003.
Laredo opens the 2004-05 CHL season on the road this Friday in San Angelo. The Bucks begin their home campaign on Saturday against the Corpus Christi Rayz. The first 5,000 fans receive a mini 2003-04 President's Cup Championship banner. All fans will receive a 2004-05 Bucks magnetic schedule.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2004
- Bucks Assigned Forward Chris Nielsen - Laredo Bucks
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- Kings finalize roster for season - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Tarantulas games to be broadcast on the Internet - Topeka Tarantulas
- Puck drops on 13th Thunder season tomorrow - Wichita Thunder
- Saints Goalie Starts Up Zone 33 - San Angelo Saints
- RiverKings kick off new season with special luncheon, guests - Mississippi RiverKings
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