Buzzards Training Camp in Full Swing
October 11, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â Earlier this week when the crisp fall air rolled into El Paso, the Buzzards headed south as any smart birds would, to sunny Corpus Christi, Texas. This was no beach vacation, though. This is training camp.
Twenty-eight hopefuls vying for 18 coveted spots on the Buzzards roster are hitting the ice at 8:00 am for daily drills and scrimmages. Buzzards' head coach and director of hockey operations Craig Coxe is pleasantly surprised with his attendees, particularly the forwards. Coach Coxe said, "I am very happy with my forwards. Some have really good skills. Our defense could be stronger, but fortunately I have key defensemen in Rhett Dudley and Jason Tessier returning to the team and they will certainly help with the back end."
Coxe was also happy to see the skill level of some of the rookies attending the camp and said, "We have some great looking rookie prospects and even a few surpises. The more established players have proven that they are here to do what they have to do and in returning players Troy Linna and Derrell Upton, I see two guys who are really going to be a big part of our hockey club."
Of the 28 players at camp, 17 are forwards, 7 are defensemen and 4 are goalies. The obvious missing parts of the equation are Aaron Boh and Trevor Folk, two highly sought-after defensemen signed by Coach Coxe this summer, who encountered immigration problems at the US/Canada border and were not able to make training camp. Coach Coxe said that more players are expected next week and he is hoping to bolster the blue line with some up-and-coming prospects.
Coach Coxe anticipates he will have all of his major decisions done by this Sunday and will spend next week getting his play systems in order including the power play and breakouts. Coxe will have an opportunity to test out his team during two exhibition games against the Corpus Christi IceRays this weekend. Tonight, October 11th, and tomorrow, October 12th the Buzzards will take on the IceRays at 7:05 pm (Central Time) at Corpus Christi's Memorial Coliseum. Though the game will not be broadcast on radio or the internet, the real time statistics of the game can be viewed at either www.pointstreak.com or www.centralhockeyleague.com.
"We are ready to take on the IceRays and I am looking forward to the weekend games," said Coxe. "But most of all, I am looking forward to our opening game on Friday, October 18th in San Angelo and then returning home for our home opener at El Paso County Coliseum on Saturday, October 26th against San Angelo."
The El Paso Buzzards play in the professional Central Hockey League. The team is entering their seventh season of play in El Paso with a home opener on Saturday, October 26th as they take on the San Angelo Saints. 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.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2002
- Buzzards Find Radio Home on AM Dial - El Paso Buzzards
- Buzzards Training Camp in Full Swing - El Paso Buzzards
- Gorillas Face Off Tonight - Amarillo Gorillas
- Ice Adds Pair of Big Defensemen - Indianapolis Ice
- Oilers Not Installing Netting - Tulsa Oilers
- Oilers Announce New Radio Partner - Tulsa Oilers
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.
