Bucks Bring Back Duo Of Weidlich And Agarunov
Published on August 13, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced at a press conference Wednesday that they have re-signed seventh-year defenseman Steve Weidlich, and fifth year forward Igor Agarunov for the 2008-09 season. The announcement was made at a Westwind Homes Los Agaves Estates model, with the media, sponsors, and a number of fans in attendance.
Both Weidlich and Agarunov have won championship rings with the Bucks. Weidlich was on both the 2004 and 2006 title teams, while Agarunov scored the President's Cup winning goal in 2006.
"It was key to bring back Weids and Iggy for this season", said Bucks Head Coach and General Manager Terry Ruskowski. "They have been through the battles and wars in the past, and I know exactly what we can expect from them again this year. We are very pleased to have them both back".
*ORIGINAL BUCK WEIDLICH BACK*
Weidlich has been with the Bucks franchise since their first year back in 2002-03, and has played in the most playoff games in team history, suiting up for 90 postseason contests. In those 90 playoff games Weidlich has put up 24 points (5-19=24), to go along with 193 penalty minutes. Weidlich's 251 regular season games played with the Bucks puts him third-all time in franchise history, behind only Serge Dube (324), and Jeff Bes (295).
As of right now Weidlich is the only original Bucks player who is still on the roster for the upcoming season, as Dube, who is also an original Buck, has not yet re-signed with the team.
"I'm looking forward to this season in Laredo. We have some unfinished business to take care of this season", Weidlich said.
The Edmonton, Alberta native has played in 341 regular and post season games combined with Laredo, scoring 31 goals, handing out 88 assists, totaling 119 points. Weidlich has amassed 703 penalty minutes combined in his Bucks career.
Weidlich played in seven games for the AHL's San Antonio Rampage during the 2005-06 season.
"I think there's no doubt that when Weidlich is on the ice for us we are a better team", Ruskowski said. "He is one of the main keys to our club. He's a skilled defenseman who brings leadership, and can fill a lot of holes for us on the ice".
Last season the 6'2, 210 pound Weidlich spent time on the IR two separate times, allowing him to play in a career low 28 games, while tallying 12 points (3-9=12). When he was on the ice however, Weidlich proves to be very valuable for the Bucks, he finished last season with a +16 rating, and at times was a key point man on the power-play.
Last year Weidlich was on pace to surpass his career high for single season penalty minutes, which was 109 during the 2003-04 season. In playing in only 28 games last season, he still put up 87 PIM's.
During last seasons playoffs, Weidlich handed out three assists (two on the power-play), while putting up 22 penalty minutes in the Bucks 11 postseason games.
"He's an original player for us, he knows exactly what it's all about, and that's to bring championships here to Laredo", Ruskowski said. "He's won two of them with us, he knows what it will take to win a third".
Weidlich echoed his coach's comments by saying, "The goal here in Laredo has always been to win a championship. Anything less than that is not a successful season. We didn't bring the title home the last two years, and that to us is unacceptable".
During the 2006-07 campaign Weidlich set several career highs, including assists (20), points (27), power play goals (3), and power-play assists (7), in 43 games.
In his six previous seasons in Laredo Weidlich has never played a full slate of games, with his career high being 58 games played during the 2003-04 season.
Weidlich was instrumental in the Bucks title runs in 2004, and 2006. In both championship years Weidlich was in double-digits for plus/minus, posting a +16 in the '04 playoffs, and a +11 in the '06 postseason.
Weidlich spent his junior years playing for the BCHL's Merrit Centenials from 2000-2002.
Weidlich began the 2004-05 campaign with the BNL's Bracknell Bees, putting up eight points (2-6=8) in 11 games.
*'06 FINALS HERO AGARUNOV BACK AGAIN*
Agarunov will enter his fifth season in Laredo in 2008-09, and will forever be etched in Bucks fans minds for his heroics in the clinching game of the 2006 President's Cup Finals against Bossier-Shreveport.
Agarunov was the hero of the Bucks 4-3 come from behind win in Game Five of the Finals, which clinched the Bucks second championship. Agarunov scored two goals, including the game winner with 2:05 left in regulation to complete the 4-3 come from behind President's Cup capturing victory.
"I love having Iggy on our team. He is one of the best guys that I have ever coached", Ruskowski said. "He does whatever you ask him to do, and more. He's a great leader to the younger kids, I'm very happy to have him back again".
"I am excited to be back again, I can't wait to get back on the ice", Agarunov said. "It's been a long summer, and once the season gets here theres only one thing on our minds and that's winning the Cup back".
The Grand Forks, British Columbia Native has played in a combined 278 regular season and playoff games with the Bucks, putting up 52 goals, 62 assists, for a total of 112 points, to go along with a +62 rating.
Statistically Agarunov had the best playoff run of his career during the 2008 postseason, shattering his previous career playoff numbers.
Going into last seasons playoffs Agarunov had just six career postseason points, but by the time the '08 postseason ended he nearly tripled his career total.
Agarunov scored five goals, with six assists, for 11 points during the 2008 playoffs, including four multi-point games. Agarunov scored two goals twice in last season's playoffs, in game one of both of Laredo's playoff series'. Agarunov had at least one point in seven of the Bucks 11 postseason games last year.
"Iggy had a great playoff run last season", Ruskowski said. "Hopefully he can expand from that get that scoring touch all season long like he has in the past".
Agarunov had another solid regular season in 2007-08, scoring nine goals, with 13 assists for 22 points, to go along with a +22 rating.
The 2006-07 campaign proved to be Agarunov's most productive regular season with Laredo, as he put up career high's in games played (64), goals (15), assists (23), points (38), plus/minus (+17), power-play goals (3), and power-play assists (10).
Neither Weidlich or Agarunov are of Veteran Status (280 regular season games or more), so the Bucks still have their four Veteran roster slots open.
With the signings of Weidlich and Agarunov the Bucks have eight signed players announced by the team, including three returnees (Weidlich, Agarunov, Matt Summers).
Central Hockey League Stories from August 13, 2008
- Former CHL All-Star Watson Returns to the Rage - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Bucks Bring Back Duo Of Weidlich And Agarunov - Laredo Bucks
- Former Sundogs and Phoenix Coyotes Prospects to Skate Against Los Angeles Kings Rookies - Arizona Sundogs
- RiverKings Add Simoes To Roster - Mississippi RiverKings
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