Bucks Sign Former NHL Draft Pick Boogaard

October 11, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Monday that they have signed former NHL Draft Pick Aaron Boogaard for the 2010-11 season. Boogaard spent parts of the last three seasons in the AHL.

The 24-year-old Boogaard (pronounced BOO-gard) was drafted in the sixth round (#175 overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Boogaard, the younger brother of New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard, is entering his fourth professional season. Boogard has played in 133 career professional games putting up 21 points (9-1221) and piling up 299 PIM's. 64 of Boogaard's 133 career games are with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Boogaard attended AHL training camp with the Houston Aeros before being signed by the Bucks.

"We've been trying to get tougher all offseason and Aaron definitely is the guy we've been looking for," said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. "He's a quality hockey player and has contributed everywhere he's been. It's a plus that he has so many American League games under his belt."

Last season the 6'1, 215 pound Boogaard played in 21 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and 11 games for the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL). With the Penguins Boogaard scored one goal and picked up 65 PIM's and with the Nailers he had two assists and 12 PIM's.

In 2008-09 Boogaard, from Regina, Saskachewon, spent his entire season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton playing in 41 games scoring three points (2-13) and piling up 112 PIM's.

Boogaard began his professional career in 2007-08 playing in 58 games for Wheeling and appearing in two for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In 58 games in Wheeling Boogaard scored a career-high 15 points (6-915) and picked up 105 PIM's, while he had five PIM's in two games with the Penguins.

Boogaard played five seasons of junior hockey from 2002-2007 spending time with the Calgary Hitmen and Tri-City Americans of the WHL. In 273 total junior games Boogaard had 54 points (26-2854) and 589 PIM's.

With the addition of Boogaard the Bucks currently have 22 players on their roster, which must be trimmed to 19 by October 14th.

The Bucks will start their ninth CHL season on October 15th with their home opener October 23rd against Rio Grande Valley at Laredo Energy Arena. Season tickets are on sale now for the 2010-11 season. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to place our order now.

*BUCKS HOST LEGENDS NIGHT OCTOBER 23RD*

The Bucks announced that they will hold the first-ever Legends Night during the October 23rd home opener at Laredo Energy Arena. The Bucks will welcome back several legendary players from the first eight seasons and honor them throughout the night when the Bucks host Rio Grande Valley. Group tickets start at just $10, call 718-BUCK (2825) to order now.

Bucks' legends that are returning to Laredo that night are Chris Grenville, Steve Simoes, Mike Amodeo, Igor Agarunov, Paul Elliott, and other players to be announced.

During the game the Bucks will honor the legends on the ice as well as with video tributes on the jumbo tron.

Also during the game fans can vote for the legend that they want to be the first member of the new Laredo Bucks Hall of Fame. The first member of the hall of fame will be determined by combination of the fan vote, legends vote and Bucks front office staff vote. More information on the Bucks Hall of Fame will be announced in the coming weeks.

*PUBLIC SKATE OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY OCT. 22nd*

The night before the home opener on Friday October 22nd the Bucks will host a public skate open house at Laredo Energy Arena from 6:30-9:30pm. Admission to the public skate is $5 for a 45 minute skating session.

The Bucks' legends and the entire 2010-11 Bucks team will be at the public skate to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Bucks fans will also get their first glimpse of the Cricket Mayor's Cup as it will be on hand at the skate also. Bucks staff will be available to answer questions about purchasing season, group or single game tickets.

Season ticket holders will get a FREE HOT DOG AND SODA during the public skate (while supplies last). There will also be a special season ticket holder's area that night.

For more information on Legends Night or to purchase tickets call 718-BUCK (2825).

2010-11 BUCKS SEASON TICKETS

Contact your personal Bucks representative or call 718-BUCK (2825) today to get your 2010-11 Bucks season tickets!

BUCKS IN THE COMMUNITY

To schedule an appearance by a Bucks player, coach, Bucky, or member of the front office staff contact Nicole Kupaks at (956)523-6590, or e-mail her at nkupaks@laredobucks.com.

BECOME A BUCKS CORPORATE PARTNER

Your company can become a vital part of the Laredo Bucks family by reaching our fans with your business message. To create a customized advertising package for your company, contact Donald Thomson at (956) 523-7711, or dthomson@laredobucks.com.

BUCKS RADIO HOME

All 66 of the Bucks regular-season games, plus any additional post-season games can be heard live all-season on Imagen 94.1-FM, as well as online at laredobucks.com. You can also watch all Bucks games online via CHL-TV.

JOIN THE BUCKS BOOSTER CLUB

To join the Laredo Bucks Booster Club contact club President Janie Moore at j.moore.44@hotmail.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2010


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