Buzzards Fight Back
December 30, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
The Buzzards continued to improve and impress as they continue their climb back into the playoff hunt. On Friday, Buzzards' right winger Jeremy Vokes and left winger Russ Guzior both scored short-handed goals, and goaltender Blaine Russell made 21 saves as the Buzzards won their third straight with a 4-1 victory over their division rival, the Lubbock Cotton Kings. The following night, El Paso had their three-game winning streak snapped, falling to the Odessa Jackalopes 4-2 in a wild affair. Buzzards' right wingers Derrell Upton scored a goal and an assist, and Vokes added a power play goal. The story of the game, however, was the large amount of penalties called against El Paso. The Buzzards received 22 penalties for 105 minutes, earning them season highs for the Central Hockey League in 2002-2003.
A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
If the Buzzards want to maintain their run of making the playoffs for the seventh year in a row, head coach Craig Coxe must continue to motivate his players like he has in the previous three weeks. El Paso is 4-3-1 in their last eight games and has outscored their opponents 26 to 23 in that span. Coach Coxe challenged his players to be more aggressive in the neutral zone. Before, the Buzzards would let opponents come to them on defense. Now, Coxe and his club attack their opponents more, playing the body and creating more turnovers that lead to an increased amount of scoring chances. With new defenseman like Bob Rapoza and Mathieu Paul, it gives Coxe more confidence to have his players be more aggressive in the defensive end and create havoc for opponents.
BUZZARD OF THE WEEK
Right winger Derrell Upton has been named the Buzzard of the Week for the week of Dec. 23-29. This is the second time this season Upton has received this honor. Upton scored two goals and two assists and had a plus/minus rating of +3 against Lubbock and Odessa. Upton, a native of Toronto, Ont., has 12 goals and 13 assists with a plus/minus rating of +3 in 28 games this season.
LAST WEEK'S BUZZ
Fri., Dec.27 Lubbock 1 vs. Buzzards 4 at the Nest
Sat. Dec. 28 Odessa 4 vs. Buzzards 2 at the Nest
THIS WEEK'S BUZZ
Mon., Dec. 30 New Mexico vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 7 p.m. Radio: 6:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"
Notes: The arch rival Scorpions begin a stretch of five games in seven nights for El Paso. The Buzzards lead the season series against New Mexico (3-2-0) and won the previous contest 4-2 at the Nest.
Tues., Dec. 31 Buzzards vs. Amarillo in Amarillo, 6 p.m. Radio: 5:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"
Notes: This will be the third time the Buzzards visit The Jungle in Amarillo for the final game of 2002. The Buzzards are 1-0-2 against the Gorillas this year. El Paso won the last meeting 4-3 in Amarillo, scoring two power play goals.
Fri., Jan. 3 San Angelo vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 7 p.m. Radio: 6:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"
Notes: The Saints did not have a divine experience the last time they visited the Sun City. The Buzzards defeated them 5-3 behind Buzzards' left winger Russ Guzior's hat trick and assist. El Paso leads the season series 3-2-0.
Sat. Jan. 4 Buzzards vs. Lubbock in Lubbock, 6 p.m. Radio: 5:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"
Notes: Holding the fourth and final playoff spot, the Lubbock Cotton Kings host the Buzzards for a Saturday night soiree. The Buzzards look to improve their road woes in this critical Southwest Division clash.
Sun. Jan. 5 Amarillo vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 3 p.m. Radio: 2:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"
Notes: This concludes the brutal five-game swing for the Buzzards as they look to defeat Amarillo for the second time in a week.
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Central Hockey League Stories from December 30, 2002
- Buzzards slip against New Mexico, lose 3-2 - El Paso Buzzards
- No Holiday Cheer for Rayz - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Sewell Named CHL Player of the Week - Laredo Bucks
- CHL Names Players of Week - CHL
- Ice, Memphis Riding First Place Seesaw - Indianapolis Ice
- Gorillas Take Two of Three against Division Rivals - Amarillo Gorillas
- Inglis makes first roster moves - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Buzzards Fight Back - El Paso Buzzards
- Scorpions Take Three out of Four Points - New Mexico Scorpions
- Sewell, Bucks Rock on - Laredo Bucks
- Buzzards Look to Rumble in the Jungle - El Paso Buzzards
- Saints Week in Review - San Angelo Saints
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