Bucks Bring Back Spark Plug Goupil
Published on September 16, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have re-signed forward Alex Goupil for the 2008-09 season. Goupil, who is entering his fifth professional season, was acquired last season by the Bucks in a trading deadling deal with Wichita on February 11th.
Goupil went on a tear in a Bucks uniform last season, putting up 18 points (11-7=18) in 16 regular season games for Laredo. Goupil carried his hot streak into the playoffs, as he scored 11 points in 11 postseason games (4-7=11) for the Bucks. Goupil's totals with Laredo last season are impressive, as he scored at least one point in 18 of the 27 total games he had on a Bucks uniform.
"Alex was a priority for us to bring back this season, he did a phenominal job with us when he was here last year", said Bucks Head Coach and General Manager Terry Ruskowski. "He works hard all the time. During practice, games, and even after practice. He's a workhorse".
The 5'8, 205 pound Goupil scored 24 goals, with 19 assists for 43 points in 59 regular season games combined with Wichita and Laredo last season. In his four professional seasons, Goupil has scored at least 39 points in each one.
As soon as Goupil put on a Bucks uniform last season he paid dividends.The day after he was traded (February 12th) Goupil scored a goal on his first shot with Laredo, in the Bucks 4-2 win in Rio Grande Valley.
"I'm very excited to come back this season", Goupil said. "I weighed all of my options this summer, and decided that the best thing for my career is to continue to play in Laredo".
All three of Goupil's game-winning goals from last season came when he was with the Bucks, and all three were against Corpus Christi.
Goupil scored the game-winning goal the night Laredo clinched their fifth straight Southeast Division title, in a 6-3 win at Corpus Christi's American Bank Center.
In the 2008 postseason Goupil picked up two game-winning goals, including the over-time winner in game three of the Conference Finals in Arizona.
Goupil's playoff game-winner against the Sundogs came just 1:44 into the extra session, to give the Bucks a 2-1 series lead.
"Alex is a spark plug, he has great energy on the ice. I'm very happy to get him back here this season", Ruskowski said. "He has a great attitude, the fans really like him, and he's never in a bad mood. He's a great addition to our team".
"Terry is the best at what he does, as far as recruiting and coaching, so it's a great situation to come back and play for him again", Goupil said.
When he was on special teams last season Goupil proved to be a play-maker, as he scored three power-play goals, handed out six power-play assists (three with the Bucks), and scored three short-handed goals (all with Laredo). During last seasons playoffs Goupil notched four power-play assists, and netted one short-handed goal.
"We didn't win the championship last year, but I don't dwell on the past. We all are looking forward to trying to raise the Cup in May", said Goupil.
Goupil, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, spent his first three professional seasons in the UHL (now- IHL) where he put up 139 points (73 goals 66 assists). In each of his three season's in the UHL, Goupil scored at least 23 goals, including netting 25 goals in both the 2004-05, and 2005-06 campaign's.
Goupil split his time while in the UHL , spending two seasons with the Danbury Thrashers (2004-2006), and one with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder (2006-07).
Goupil has played in 262 professional games, putting him under the veteran limit (280 or more regular season games). In the 262 games Goupil has scored 97 goals, with 85 assists, for 182 points.
Goupil is the 19th player officially signed by the Bucks this off-season, joining 12 rookies, five other returners (Team Captain Serge Dube, Steve Weidlich, Igor Agarunov, Adam Rivet, and Matt Summers), and CHL returnee 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 16, 2008
- Former Gorillas return to the Jungle - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas complete trade with Rapid City - Amarillo Gorillas
- Sundogs Name Broadcaster, Renew Radio Agreement - Arizona Sundogs
- Eagles' Latest Signees Bring European Experience - Colorado Eagles
- Exhibition Slate Set - Tulsa Oilers
- Rush Adds All-Star Defenseman To Lineup - Rapid City Rush
- SPHL Rookie of the Year Joins RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
- Defenseman Craig Minard Re-Signs For The 2008-09 Season - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Bucks Bring Back Spark Plug Goupil - Laredo Bucks
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