Bucks Get A Helping Hand: Sign Enforcer

Published on September 12, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Friday that they have signed rookie defenseman Ryan James Hand for the 2008-09 season. Hand comes to the Bucks after spending the last two seasons with the LNAH's St. Hyacinthe Top Design in Quebec.

Last season in Quebec, the 6'1, 190 pound Hand piled up 252 penalty minutes in just 40 games. Hand scored one goal and handed out four assists, to help lead his team to the LNAH Commissioners Cup as Regular Season Champions.

In his two seasons combined with St. Hyacinthe, Hand piled up 388 penalty minutes, in 66 games, while scoring one goal with five assists.

"Ryan Hand is not shy about dropping the gloves at all", said Bucks Head Coach and General Manager Terry Ruskowski. "He is one tough, rugged player. And I really like that. It's what we need".

The Ottawa, Ontario native has a reputation as a hard hitting player, and his career numbers show that.

Hand played four years of junior hockey, spending three full seasons and part of a fourth with the QMJHL's Baie-Comeau Drakkar, while playing part of the 2002-03 campaign with the QJAHL's St. Eustache Gladiateurs.

In his four junior years combined, Hand put up 642 penalty minutes, while scoring one goal with 13 assists, in 152 games.

Hand played in eight playoff games during his time in juniors, as he picked up 21 penalty minutes, while scoring one goal, and handing out two assists.

"He played four years in junior, which means he is a talented player. I am very eager to see what he can bring to our team. I like guys like Ryan on our teams", Ruskowski said.

Hand is the 18th player officially signed by the Bucks this off-season. Thus far 12 rookies, five returnee's (Team Captain Serge Dube, Steve Weidlich, Igor Agarunov, Adam Rivet, and Matt Summers), plus CHL returnee Sebastien Centomo make up Laredo's roster.

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.

NEW PHOTOS ONLINE

To view photos of Thursday's press conference to announce the re-signing of Adam Rivet, please visit www.laredobucks.com/multimedia/photos.

*2008-09 Bucks Signed Players (In order of Announced Signing)*

*Ryan Gibb-Goaltender- 5'11, 195lbs-Toronto, ON- DOB:6/29/85 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 19 Games, 11-7, 9.22 SV%, 2.86 G.A.A, 1 SHO

Last Team: Queens University (CIS)

*Jeff Gilbert-Defenseman- 5'11, 211lbs-Barrie, ON- DOB: 5/31/83 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 27 Games, 2 Goals, 6 Assists, 8 Points, 61 PIM's

Last Team: Robert Morris University (NCAA)

*Devin Featherstone- Defenseman- 6'1, 211lbs- Calgary, AB- DOB: 1/11/85 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 28 Games, 2 Goals, 9 Assists, 11 Points, 91 PIM's

Last Team: University of Lethbridge (CIS)

*Matt Summers- Forward- 6'2, 195lbs- Savage, MN- DOB: 7/15/86 (2nd Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 57 Games, 12 Goals, 23 Assists, 35 Points

Last Team: BUCKS

*Mike Richard- Forward- 5'9, 210lbs- LaSalle, Que.- DOB: 9/14/83 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 31 Total Games (2 pro), 10 Goals, 33 Assists, 43 Points

Last Team: Elmira Jackals (2 Pro games), Elmira College (NCAA)

*Shaun Norrie- Forward- 6-3, 200lbs- Calgary, Alberta- DOB: 9/15/82(1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 28 Games, 9 Goals, 11 Assists, 20 Points, 71 PIM's

Last Team: University of Lethbridge (CIS)

*Steve Weidlich- Defenseman- 6'2, 210lbs, Edmonton, Alberta- DOB: 1/23/81 (7th Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 28 Games, 3 Goals, 9 Assists, 12 Points, 87 PIM's

Last Team: BUCKS

*Igor Agarunov- Forward- 6'1, 200lbs, Grand Forks, Brittish Columbia- DOB: 3/19/83 (5th Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 58 Games, 9 Goals, 13 Assists, 22 Points

Last Team: BUCKS

*Kevin Hurley- Forward- 6'3, 210lbs, Kitchener, Ontario- DOB: 5/14/83 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 28 Games, 13 Goals, 21 Assists, 34 Points, 64 PIM's

Last Team: University of Waterloo (CIS)

*Erick Lizon- Forward- 6'4, 210lbs, Kitchener, Ontario- DOB: 11/29/95 (3rd Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 23 Games, 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Points, 67 PIM's

Last Team: Oklahoma City (CHL)

*Ryan Fuller- Forward- 6'3, 215lbs, Morgan Hill, California- DOB: 11/4/87 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 58 Games, 10 Goals, 18 Assists, 28 Points

Last Team: Texas Tornado (NAHL) **NAHL Top Prospect**

*Serge Dube- Defenseman- 5'11, 205lbs, Sudbury, Ontario- DOB: 8/13/79 (7th Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 57 Games, 9 Goals, 37 Assists, 46 Points **CHL All-Star**

Last Team: BUCKS

*Joey Moggach- Forward- 5'7, 165lbs, Brandon, Manitoba- DOB: 7/13/85 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 28 Games, 2 Goals, 9 Assists, 11 Points

Last Team: Bemidji State University (NCAA)

*Sebastien Centomo- Goaltender- 6'1, 200lbs, Laval, Quebec- DOB: 3/26/81 (8th Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 33 Games, 18-9-3, 2.51 G.A.A, .915 SV %, 3 Shutouts **CHL All-Star**

Last Team: Mississippi Riverkings

*Brett Hopfe- Forward- 6'1, 210lbs, Didsbury, Alberta- DOB: 9/7/83 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 30 Games, 5 Goals, 5 Assists, 10 Points

Last Team: Robert Morris University (NCAA)

*Jordan Pawelec- Defensman- 6'2, 215lbs- Regina, Saskatchewan- DOB: 8/16/87 (1st Year Pro

07-08 Stats: 58 Games, 3 Goals, 17 Assists, 20 Points, 111 PIM's

Last Team: Yorkton Terriers (SJHL)

*Adam Rivet- Defenseman- 6'0, 190lbs- Fort Erie, Ontatio- DOB: 9/25/80 (4th Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 64 Games, 18 Goals, 30 Assists, 48 Points

Last Team: BUCKS

*Ryan James Hand- Defenseman- 6'1, 190lbs- Ottawa, Ontario- DOB: 3/14/85 (1st Year Pro)

07-08 Stats: 40 Games, 1 Goal, 4 Assists, 5 Points, 252 PIM's

Last Team: St. Hyacinthe Top Design (LNAH)

*Bucks Night Out*

The Bucks will hold their first ever "Night Out" at the LEC on September 18th from 5-9pm in the Club Level of the LEC.

This is the first time ever that fans will be allowed in the arena to watch the laying of the ice on the floor.

At the "Night Out" fans can talk hockey with Bucks Head Coach and General Manager Terry Ruskowski, as well as Bucks players.

There will be FREE FOOD AND BEVERAGES available.

*Bucks Looking For Off-Ice Officials*

The Bucks are looking for off-ice officials for the 2008-09 season. If you are interested please e-mail Zach Sepesi at zsepesi@yahoo.com.

*Bucks Season Ticket Referral Program*

For every new season ticket that is purchased from a referral, the current season ticket holder that referred them will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to the Bucks team store. There is NO LIMIT to the amount of referrals that an existing season ticket holder can make.

For example, if a current season ticket holder refers a person who buys four new seats for the 2008-09 season, they will receive a $100 gift certificate to the Bucks team store.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central