Buzzards Teach Hockey to Local Youth
July 1, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â Just because the ice hockey season is over, doesn't mean the puck stops dropping! Buzzards' defenseman Rhett Dudley and local hockey sensation Jesus Aleman are taking a break from the summer heat to step into the cool air conditioning of Nations-Tobin Recreation Center to help teach the Wednesday evening hockey school put on by the City Parks and Recreation Department.
"It's fun and I'm glad to have my skates on again," said Dudley who spends his off-season in his newly adopted home of El Paso. "It's great to be out here with kids and teach them a few tricks of the trade and help them progress in their skill."
Aleman is the first native of Mexico to ever sign a professional hockey contract. He signed with the Buzzards prior to the 2001-2002 season. He practiced last season with the Buzzards and hopes to crack this seasons' line-up. "This is where I started, doing inline," said Aleman. "I really relate to these kids â they all have a dream to play hockey and I am happy to help them out and encourage other El Pasoans to play and enjoy this great sport."
Dan Guard operates the Nations-Tobin facility and coaches and referees inline games all year long. "For seven years now our players have developed and worked hard to become some of the best players in the country," said Guard. "The work with and learn from professional players from the NHL and top level minor league hockey is another tremendous opportunity for our kids to develop their hockey skills in El Paso. We have kids playing at the national level and being able to work with pro players gives every kid something to aspire to."
"This is really what it's all about," said Buzzards' vice president and director of operations John Zang. "It's getting kids involved, getting them interested and getting them into hockey. The Buzzards look to improve the quality of life in El Paso whether it's by offering outstanding entertainment or committing to the development of local players. Rhett and Jesus are fantastic teachers and really care about the kids they are working with."
The El Paso Buzzards and Nations-Tobin Inline Hockey School takes place every Wednesday night at 6:00 pm at the Nations-Tobin Recreation Center located at 8831 Railroad Drive. For more information, contact the center at (915) 755-4529.
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 1, 2002
- Buzzards Teach Hockey to Local Youth - El Paso Buzzards
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