Buzzards to Deliver Toys Christmas Eve

Published on December 23, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release


For the second year in a row, Buzzards players and Marines will distribute toys to sick and needy children at Thomason Hospital on Christmas Eve. This past weekend, Buzzards' fans generously donated many toys and teddy bears that will be used to brighten the holidays for children who may otherwise go without. The local media is invited to come join in this event beginning at 8 a.m. on December 24th at Thomason Hospital located at 4815 Alameda Ave. This will be the second year in a row the Buzzards and the Marines have partnered to benefit local children.

"Helping out sick and disadvantaged children this holiday season is very important to our organization," said Buzzards' general manager Jamie Reeve. "We couldn't be happier with our fans' participation during the toy drive. We are honored to work with Toys for Tots and the Marines to help out El Paso's youth."

SWEEPING AWAY THE RIVALS

With a new scheme and some holiday magic, the El Paso Buzzards swept the weekend series at home against the New Mexico Scorpions and the San Angelo Saints with convincing victories. In a matchup of one of the most heated rivalries in the Central Hockey League, the Buzzards smashed New Mexico 4-2 behind left winger Troy Linna's two goals and strong efforts from defenseman Rhett Dudley and right winger Derrell Upton each collecting two assists. Russ Guzior scored his 13th goal of the season and Jeff Scharf added his 11th to give the Buzzards the win. On Saturday, Buzzards' left winger Russ Guzior reigned supreme as El Paso defeated the San Angelo Saints 5-3. Guzior had a hat trick and an assist, Scharf had a short-handed goal and three assists and Dudley had two more assists for the victory. Buzzards' goaltender Blaine Russell made 27 saves to earn the win. The Buzzards lead the season series 3-2-0 against both New Mexico and San Angelo.

BUZZARD OF THE WEEK

Left winger Russ Guzior has been named the Buzzard of the Week for the week of Dec. 16-23. This is the second time this season Guzior has received this honor. The Buzzards' team captain scored a hat trick and an assist on Saturday and a goal on Friday. Guzior, a native of Chicago, Ill., has 16 goals and 9 assists with a plus/minus rating of +4 in 21 games this season.

LAST WEEK'S BUZZ

Fri., Dec.20 New Mexico 2 vs. Buzzards 4 at the Nest

Sat. Dec. 21 San Angelo 3 vs. Buzzards 5 at the Nest

THIS WEEK'S BUZZ

Fri., Dec. 27 Lubbock vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 7 p.m. Radio: 6:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"

Notes: The will be first of two critical games for the Buzzards to move back into the playoff hunt. El Paso has struggled against Lubbock this season (0-3-0), but are riding the momentum of a two-game home winning streak. In the previous matchup, the Cotton Kings beat the Buzzards 5-2 at the Nest. Derrell Upton and Jeremy Vokes scored the Buzzards' goals. Lubbock is 12-9-4 this season, 5-5-4 on the road, but 0-2-0 with new head coach Tracy Egeland. Cotton Kings' forwards Blaz Emersic (10 goals, 20 assists) and Derek Gauthier (10 goals, 12 assists) lead the team in scoring.

Sat., Dec. 28 Odessa vs. Buzzards at the Nest, 7 p.m. Radio: 6:45 p.m. 1380 AM "El Paso's Sports Ticket"

Notes: Success has not followed the Buzzards against the Jackalopes as they have lost all five contests this season. In Odessa on Friday, Dec. 13, the Buzzards had a black cat cross their path on Friday the 13th as El Paso fell to the Jackalopes 6-2. Odessa is led in scoring by forward Mike Rutter (9 goals, 20 assists) and defenseman Scott Hillman (7 goals, 18 assists).

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 23, 2002


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