Buzak to Retire

Published on April 5, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Long Beach Ice Dogs News Release


LONG BEACH, Calif. – April 4, 2003 –Long Beach Ice Dogs goaltender Mike Buzak announced that he would retire at the conclusion of the season, ending an eight-year professional hockey career. The team will honor its goaltending career leader at its final home game at the Long Beach Arena on Saturday, April 5, at 7 p.m.

Prior to Saturday's game against defending Taylor Cup Champion Fresno Falcons, the Ice Dogs will honor Buzak with a ceremony.

"I look forward to sharing this special occasion with my wife, friends, teammates, the Ice Dogs organization and especially the fans who have supported myself and the team over the years and half my career," said Buzak. "It's nice to go out as an Ice Dog. The memories we've shared together are always cherished. My wife and I are blessed to have been here as long as we have. The four years in Long Beach have enabled us to move on to the next stage in our life and we appreciate the opportunity to have played here and be a part of the community."

Buzak, 30, spent four seasons with the Ice Dogs organization, establishing himself as the premiere goaltender in franchise history. Buzak, nicknamed "Buzz," leaves as the organization's career leader in games played (149), minutes (8563), wins (72), and shutouts (9).

"Mike has given the Ice Dogs continuity, stability and personality, as well as some of our more thrilling and memorable hockey moments," said Ice Dogs Co-Owner Barry Kemp. "The '97-'98 season was as fun as any in team history, and his play that year was inspiring. Equally important is the work he's done off the ice at numerous civic and booster club functions and charity events, making him a fan favorite within the community. Although we'll miss seeing him play, we'll always consider him a important part of the Ice Dogs family."

During his four years with the Ice Dogs, Buzak led team goaltenders three times in games played, minutes, goals against average (GAA), shutouts, saves, and save percentage. The Edson, Alberta native also led Ice Dogs goaltenders in wins the last two seasons (2000-02). He has been named West Coast Hockey League's Goaltender of the Week eight times and Goaltender of the Month once.

During his illustrious eight-year professional career, Buzak compiled a 122-101-31 record with a 2.78 GAA and .904 save percentage. During 1997-98 season when the Ice Dogs were in the International Hockey League (IHL), he set personal bests in save percentage (.934) and shutouts (6), generating a 1.97 GAA—ranks fourth in IHL history—and earned the IHL's Outstanding Goaltender of the Year (along with Kay Witmore). His 1.97 GAA also ranks second best in franchise history to now Tampa Bay Lightning's' Nikolai Khabibulin's 1.83 (1999-2000 season).

A former seventh-round choice (167th overall) by St. Louis in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Buzak played four seasons (1991-95) for Michigan State. His 115 games played ranks third in Spartan history, while his 2,836 saves and .898 save percentage place him fourth on MSU's all-time list. Buzak's 65 wins are a Spartan fifth best and his 2.98 GAA ranks sixth.

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