Buzzards Glad to Have Upton Back
July 31, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â The El Paso Buzzards announced this afternoon that they have re-signed right-winger Derrell Upton for the 2002-2003 season. Upton, 23, totaled 11 goals and 20 assists for 31 points in 51 games last season. As well, Upton, who stands 6'1" and weighs 205 pounds, was key during the Buzzards' President's Cup playoff run. His 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points in 11 games tied him for the Buzzards' playoff scoring lead.
Buzzards' head coach and director of hockey operations Craig Coxe is so impressed with Upton's numbers and reputation from last season, he targets Upton as one of the Buzzards' key returnees. "I expect him to come in and play on my first or second line," said Coxe. "This kid has very good offensive ability, is a playmaker and is smart with the puck and in the corners. In the right situation, I see Upton as having the potential to put up some good numbers for our hockey club."
John Zang, Buzzards' vice president and director of operations, touched upon Upton's contributions during last season's playoffs. "We just signed a guy who made significant strides during his sophomore season in pro hockey," said Zang. "To end up tied for the scoring lead in such a dramatic play-off run is a true accomplishment for this 23-year-old. We look for him to make even bigger strides and contributions this season."
Upton, who has been working the graveyard shift at his father's factory in Toronto this summer said, "I am really excited to come back to El Paso and play for Coach Coxe. It's a great situation to come into with him as the head coach."
Upton, a native of Toronto, Ontario, is the third returning player signed to the Buzzards this season. He joins defensemen Rhett Dudley and Jason Tessier on the team's roster.
The El Paso Buzzards play in the professional Central Hockey League. The team finished their season with a 36-24-4 record and made it to the second round of the play-offs for the first time in four years. Season ticket and sponsorship packages are available for the 2002-2003 season by calling the Buzzards' office at (915) 533-PUCK or by visiting www.elpasobuzzards.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 31, 2002
- Buzzards Glad to Have Upton Back - El Paso Buzzards
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.
