Bucks Ink Elliott
August 10, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
LAREDO, Texas â The 2004 CHL President's Cup Champion Laredo Bucks announced today that they have signed defenseman Paul Elliott to a contract for the upcoming 2004-05 CHL season. The Bucks are currently taking deposits for new season tickets. For more information call (956)-718-BUCKS (2825) or log onto www.laredobucks.com.
"One of the main goals for me this year, knowing that we lost the majority of our defense from last year, was to get a quality defenseman to play on the point on the power play and provide defense," said Bucks head coach Terry Ruskowski. "Paul fills that role very well. We are looking for his leadership and his playing ability to help win us a lot of games."
Elliott, 6'1 210-pounds, was a fifth round draft choice of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1998 NHL draft. He spent the past two seasons with San Antonio, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Bucks. In 38 games last year with the Rampage he had one assist and 30 PIMs. He also spent 15 games with the Augusta Lynx in the ECHL, registering a goal, three assists and four PIMs.
"I am excited," said Elliott. "I have heard nothing but good things about Laredo, the city and the organization. When guys would get called up last year from the Bucks they would tell us about what a great place Laredo is to play."
Elliott played his junior hockey in the Western Hockey League. He spent parts of his first three seasons with Lethbridge, and then played with Medicine Hat, Kamloops and Regina. During his 16-year old season, the 1996-97 campaign, the Lethbridge Hurricanes advanced to the Memorial Cup tournament and lost in the championship game. As a 20-year old in the 2000-01 season he played in the Memorial Cup tournament with the Regina Pats and was selected to the All-Star team.
The Memorial Cup is the championship of Canadian Major Junior hockey and is determined by a post-season tournament that matches the champions of the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League in a round robin format.
"I try to be an overall player," said Elliott. "I played the power play in San Antonio last year and a little bit of penalty kill. This year I hope to be a force both on offense and defense."
Elliott has spent the last three years at the AHL level, two seasons with San Antonio and one with the Utah Grizzlies.
"The biggest thing time at the AHL level has helped with is experience," said Elliott. "My first year with Utah breaking in I was just trying to learn from the older guys, the last two years I have been more comfortable."
The Bucks currently have signed:
Forward-Igor Agarunov
Forward-James Hiebert
Defenseman-Paul Elliott
Defenseman-David Keough
Defenseman-Steven Makway
Defenseman-Oriel McHugh
BECOME A BUCKS BACKER
Support the Bucks by becoming a Corporate Sponsor. For more information contact Magali Hinojosa at (956)-523-7723 or mhinojosa@laredobucks.com.
BUCKS / LAW IN THE COMMUNITY
The Laredo Bucks and Law are committed to becoming a part of the Gateway City that they call home. To schedule an appearance by a Bucks / Law player, coach, or member of the front office staff call Nicole Thompson at (956) 523-6586 or email her at nthompson@laredolaw.com.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from August 10, 2004
- Eagles Getting Ruff - Colorado Eagles
- Saints Sign Weisgerber - San Angelo Saints
- Bucks Ink Elliott - Laredo Bucks
- Gorillas announce signing of goaltender Steve Briere - Amarillo Gorillas
- Tarantulas Sign Brannen - Topeka Tarantulas
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.
