Bucks' Spence Invited To NHL Camp
September 14, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
CALGARY, AB- Laredo Bucks rookie goaltender Dan Spence was invited to attend the Calgary Flames main training camp at the Pengrowth Sadddledome this week.
The 21-year old Spence participated in the Flames prospects camp last week, and started main camp with the team on Saturday. Spence is one of six goaltenders, and 56 players skating with the NHL Franchise. Spence was placed in Group 'B'.
"I'm very thrilled for Dan to get a chance to play in NHL camp," said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. "He proved himself at the prospects camp, and now gets a chance to shine with the big boys."
The 21-year old Spence played five seasons of Junior Hockey where he had a combined record of 106-68-17 in the WHL and OHL. Spence notched 13 career junior shutouts.
"He played juniors in Calgary for four years so the Flames know what he can bring to the table," Ruskowski said. "I'm sure he will impress a lot of people and turn some heads up there this week, and it will give him great experience to bring to our camp in October."
Spence, from Langley, British Columbia, spent most of last season with the OHL's Sarnia Sting where he went 29-19-6, with a 2.78 G.A.A and a .914 sv % in 54 games played. Spence started last season in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen going 4-2 with a 1.98 G.A.A, and a .933 G.A.A.
The 6'0, 190 pound Spence played most of his junior career with the Hitmen, suiting up in Calgary from 2004-2008. Spence, who is the team's all-time wins leader, played 147 career games with the Hitmen, posting a 77-49-11 mark. Spence won 30 games in 2006-07, and 29 in 2007-08.
*TOP ROOKIE SMITH INVITED TO THRASHERS MAIN CAMP*
2008-09 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year Darryl Smith was invited to the Atlanta Thrashers main NHL camp in Duluth, Georgia this week.
Smith scored three points in four games last week at the Thrashers prospects camp in Traverse City, Michigan, where he helped lead Atlanta to a 2-2 record.
Smith picked up points in three of the four tournament games.
"Darryl played well against the top prospects last week, I'm happy for him," Ruskowski said. "This is a great experience for him and I know he will impress people there."
Smith is scheduled to play at least one pre-season game for the Thrashers.
The 22-year-old Smith had a banner year for the Bucks in 2008-09. In addition to being named Rookie of the Year, Smith was the All-Star Game MVP, All-Rookie team, and Team MVP. Smith put up 70 points (36-34=70) in the regular season, to go along with eight points 5-3=8) in five playoff games. Smith led all CHL rookies in scoring, while his 36 goals were second-most in the entire league.
On December 30th Smith was called up to the AHL's Houston Aeros, the team he attended training camp with last October. The Bucks rookie phenom played four games with the Aeros.
Smith, from Thorold, Ontario, was named CHL Player of the Week on December 8th, as he picked up nine points (5-4=9) in three games.
Former Bucks defenseman Mike Looby was also invited to attend the Thrashers training camp this week. Looby was a member of the Bucks 2006 President's Cup Championhip team.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 14, 2009
- Sundogs Add Size and Scoring to Blue Line; Shaw and Derton Join Club - Arizona Sundogs
- Mudbugs Single-Game Tickets On Sale Now - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mavericks Add Two Players to Inaugural Season Roster - Kansas City Mavericks
- Jackalopes Training Camp, Preseason Schedule Released - Odessa Jackalopes
- Eagles Announce $99 Pepsi Family 4-Pack For NHL Game - Colorado Eagles
- Landmesser Sideswiped By Accolade - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks to Hold Bes Press Conference Wednesday - Laredo Bucks
- Eagles Sign D-Men Thoring & Larranaga - Colorado Eagles
- Bucks' Spence Invited To NHL Camp - Laredo Bucks
- Week 16 of Puska on Pucks Has It All Covered - OSC Original by Denis Puska
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.
