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Central Hockey League

CHL 2002-2003 Season Preview

October 16, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


Following a long off-season, the Central Hockey League begins itsÂ’ 11th season of play this Thursday, featuring several new rule adaptations, five new head coaches and the use of Pointstreak as the official CHL provider of statistics and real-time scoring. Last season, the Northern Conference Champion Memphis RiverKings stopped the Southern Conference Champion Austin Ice Bats to claim the Ray Miron PresidentÂ’s Cup for the RiverKingsÂ’ first ever title. This year, the CHL welcomes the expansion Laredo Bucks and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski to the Southeast Division, joining 14 other clubs trying to unseat defending champion Memphis. A total of eight clubs will again participate in the playoffs, featuring the four division winners and two wild-card clubs from each conference.

In an effort to speed up game play, the CHL has adapted “hurry-up face-offs” as used by the National Hockey League this season. The desired effect of this implementation is to reduce overall game length, and significantly reduced game time during the CHL’s exhibition schedule. As used last season, both teams will be awarded a single point if tied following 60 minutes of play during the regular season, followed by a five minute sudden-death overtime featuring four skaters and a goaltender from each club. Should the game still be tied following the overtime period, a shootout will be held to determine the winning club, featuring five shooters per team, up from the three shooters used last season.

Aside from the expansion Bucks, four returning clubs teams welcome new head coaches this season. In Indianapolis, former Austin Assistant Coach Ken McRae will lead the Ice, while Pat Dunn takes over behind the bench for the New Mexico Scorpions. Former NHL Coach Al Sims assumes coaching duties for the Corpus Christi IceRays, and NHL veteran Craig Coxe takes the reins of the El Paso Buzzards.

A major benefit for media members and fans this season will be the use of Pointstreak as the CHLÂ’s official provider of statistics and real time scoring. PointstreakÂ’s system features state of the art programming which far surpasses any current technology employed by any other minor pro organization in North America. As game events happen, they are immediately entered into a touch screen terminal which automatically uploads game information live to the CHL website, at www.centralhockeyleague.com . Fans and media members will have access to all game information immediately as it happens, as well as a number of other advantages in reviewing official CHL statistics.

The CHL will host a media conference call at 5:00 PM Central Time on Wednesday, October 16th, and encourages all media members to participate on the call with CHL executives, including President Brad Treliving. To access the call, simply dial (801) 303-3349 and enter access code 7022120. Treliving is confident that the coming season will prove to be very successful. “With a solid off-season of preparation, and a committed focus to entertain our fans and develop our players, we are poised to enjoy a tremendous 2002-2003 season,” said Treliving. “I wish all our fans, corporate and media partners and member teams a most competitive and enjoyable season.” Last season, the CHL The CHL enjoyed a 16% attendance increase during the 2001/2002 regular season, and led all North American minor professional circuits with a per game average attendance of 4,356 in post-season play.

Included in the Central Hockey LeagueÂ’s season preview is CHL media information, team information, and team capsules for all 16-member teams.

CHL TEAM CAPSULES

AMARILLO GORILLAS
Colors: Red, Grey, Black, White
Arena: Amarillo Civic Center (4,896)
Coach: Joe Ferras (2nd Season)
1st Season: 1996/1997
Telephone: (806)242-7825
Fax: (806)242-0079
PR Contact: Denis J. Puska
Website: www.amarillogorillas.com

Returns experienced sniper Dorian Anneck (44 goals) and outstanding sophomore RW John Dean, who impressed at UtahÂ’s (AHL) camp. Team bolstered by additions of versatile D Mark DeSantis, who leads an experienced defensive crew, and multi-talented F Henry Kuster. Shawn Degagne expected to be top netminder, and forms a potentially outstanding duo with Steve Debus. Following six non-playoff seasons as the Rattlers, the club hopes to make their first post-season appearance as the Gorillas.

AUSTIN ICE BATS
Colors: Blue, Gold, Red, Black
Arena: Travis County Expo (7,000)
Coach: Brent Hughes (4th Season)
1st Season: 1996/1997
Telephone: (512)927-7825
Fax: (512)927-7828
PR Contact: Glen Norman
Website: www.icebats.com
NHL Affiliate: Dallas

The Southern Conference Champion Ice Bats fell one step short of their goal last season, but appear to be ready to again challenge for the Ray Miron President’s Cup. The “STP Fuel Line” of Dan Price, Brett Seguin and Gerald Tallaire finished 1st, 2nd and 4th in CHL scoring last season, and all return. The defense has been somewhat rebuilt, and Mike Gaffney and Mike Rees should lead a solid unit. The biggest difference this season for Austin may be the addition of former WPHL Rookie and Goaltender of the Year Matt Barnes as the top goaltender.

BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT MUDBGS
Colors: Red, Black, Teal, Purple
Arena: CenturyTel Center (12,500)
Coach: Scott Muscutt (3rd Season)
1st Season: 1997/1998
Telephone: (318)752-2847
Fax: (318)752-2878
PR Contact: Steve Mears
Website: www.mudbugshockey.com
AHL Affiliate: Rochester

G Ken Carroll (former WPHL Rookie and Goaltender of the Year) returns to the Mudbugs after a season away, and enjoyed an outstanding camp in Rochester, as did LW Dan Wildfong. Carroll teams with Jonathan Forest to form perhaps the CHLÂ’s top goaltending tandem. Forwards Mark Rupnow and Jason Campbell will be counted on to shoulder more of the offensive responsibilities while Forbes MacPherson heals a shoulder injury. RW Trevor Buchanan remains a dangerous power forward, while big things are expected from rookie F Willie Hubloo.

CORPUS CHRISTI ICERAYS
Colors: Black, Blue, Teal, Silver
Arena: Memorial Coliseum (3,800)
Coach: Al Sims (1st Season)
1st Season: 1998/1999
Telephone: (361)814-7825
Fax: (361)980-0003
PR Contact: Dan Weiss
Website: www.icerays.com

Former NHL Head Coach Al Sims takes over an IceRays squad that struggled mightily last season. New goaltender Brent Belecki should do well in front of an improved defense featuring an outstanding talent in Brett Colborne. New forwards John Sicinksi and Joe Savioli have enjoyed outstanding training camps, as has dangerous penalty killer Rob Giffin. Big and skilled forward Layne Roland scores in bunches, while Jason Renard is a serious physical presence. Expect major improvement from the IceRays this season under SimsÂ’ defense-first philosophy.

EL PASO BUZZARDS
Colors: Maroon, Gold, Black, White
Arena: County Coliseum (5,600)
Coach: Craig Coxe (1st Season)
1st Season: 1996/1997
Telephone: (915)533-7825
Fax: (915)533-7826
PR Contact: Ellen Zarate
Website: www.elpasobuzzards.com

In a season of change for the Buzzards, Coach Craig Coxe has assembled a team that should compete physically night in and night out. Rhett Dudley and Jason Tessier are both outstanding defensemen, and look to improve upon the clubÂ’s 3.47 goals against last season. Forwards Derrell Upton and Troy Linna will be expected to increase their offensive production, while rookie netminder Josh Baier has been outstanding during training camp and is pushing veterans Matt Carmichael and Nathan Grobins for one of the two goaltender spots.

FORT WORTH BRAHMAS
Colors: Purple, Green, Black, White
Arena: Convention Center (11,200)
Coach: Todd Lalonde (3rd Season)
1st Season: 1997/1998
Telephone: (817)336-4423
Fax: (817)336-3334
PR Contact: Jeff Bowerman
Website: www.brahmas.com
AHL Affiliate: Utah

The Brahmas showed a 10-win improvement last season, and hope to take another step in the right direction under Coach Lalonde. The biggest new addition is RW Kyle Reeves, who has scored more than 60 goals in a season three times in the CHL. G Matt Mullin excelled in the pre-season, and will be counted on to replace departed workhorse Kory Cooper. Chad Woollard is a physical power forward who will chip in offensively, along with gifted F Joe Van Volsen and super-pest Chad Michalchuk. Several new faces join second year man Adam Davis on defense.

INDIANAPOLIS ICE
Colors: Purple, Black, Silver, White
Arena: Pepsi Coliseum (8,200)
Coach: Ken McRae (1st Season)
1st Season: 1999/2000
Telephone: (317)925-4423
Fax: (317)931-4511
PR Contact: Jason Burkman
Website: www.indianapolisice.com

New Head Coach Ken McRae quickly changed the look of the Ice, starting with the additions of forwards Kevin St. Jacques, Randy Holmes and Andrew Taylor, who can all fill the net. Perennial All-Star Bernie John, Ryan Aikia and Kevin Popp will lead the blueliners, while Jamie Morris and Shawn Silver will both see time in the net. Expect a high tempo, puck pressure style of play from the Ice this season, as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2001-2002 campaign in which the Ice ended 17 games under .500.

LAREDO BUCKS
Colors: Blue, Gold
Arena: Entertainment Center (8,000)
Coach: Terry Ruskowski (1st Season)
1st Season: 2002/2003
Telephone: (956)791-9192
Fax: (956)729-9393
PR Contact: Jim Talamonti
Website: www.laredobucks.com
NHL Affiliate: Florida
AHL Affiliate: San Antonio

The Bucks enter their first season of play with a young, hungry club assembled by NHL veteran Terry Ruskowski. Forward Chris Grenville is an accomplished talent, while Dave Gove and Eric Schneider have excellent offensive credentials. Rookie Jaroslav Jabrocky could emerge as a significant offensive threat. Experienced goaltender Lance Leslie is expected to start in goal, but is being pushed by rookie Marc-Andre LeClerc, who has had an outstanding training camp. Robert Stanfield and Mitch Ahearn lead a very young group of defensemen.

LUBBOCK COTTON KINGS
Colors: Blue, Black, Gold
Arena: Municipal Coliseum (7,050)
Coach: Bill McDonald (3rd Season)
1st Season: 1999/2000
Telephone: (806)747-7825
Fax: (806)792-8396
PR Contact: Chris Due
Website: www.cottonkings.com

This club is built around defense, and the crew of Craig Binns, Mike Hiebert, Derek Holland, Barry McKinlay, James Sheehan and Gatis Tseplis might be the top group in the CHL. Aggressive newcoming power forward Derek Gauthier will contribute points and a feisty attitude, and is expected to share top offensive duties with F Jan Melichercik. Neil Savary has emerged as the top netminder, and should play most of the minutes in net. The Cotton Kings lost 11 games last year in either a shootout or overtime, which should be reduced this season.

MEMPHIS RIVERKINGS
Colors: Green, Blue, Black, Gold
Arena: DeSoto Civic Center
Coach: Doug Shedden (3rd Season)
1st Season: 1992/1993
Telephone: (662)342-1755
Fax: (662)342-1156
PR Contact: Bob DeCourcey
Website: www.riverkings.com
NHL Affiliate: Toronto AHL Affiliate St. John's

ThereÂ’s no reason to think that the RiverKings wonÂ’t be solidly in contention to repeat as Ray Miron PresidentÂ’s Cup Champions. Key forwards Don Parsons (regular season and playoff MVP), Jonathan Gagnon, Jay Neal, Michal Stastny and Kahlil Thomas all return, while former CHL Defenseman of the Year Derek Landmesser is multi-talented and will quarterback the power play. Memphis has high expectations from Toronto assignees Robb Palahnuk and Sergei Visegorodcev, and veteran G Mark Richards should handle most of the netminding duties.

NEW MEXICO SCORPIONS
Colors: Red, Black, Gold
Arena: Tingley Coliseum (11,571)
Coach: Pat Dunn (1st Season)
1st Season: 1996/1997
Telephone: (505)881-7825
Fax: (505)883-7829
PR Contact: Mike Sheehan
Website: www.scorpionshockey.com
NHL Affiliate: Phoenix

Big, bruising and talented, the Scorpions are widely considered legitimate contenders this season. The goaltending duo of Luciano Caravaggio and Scott Myers is outstanding, while defenseman Shaun Peet, Arturs Kupaks and Mario Dumoulin all contribute. Veteran F Peter Ambroziak, when healthy, is one of the CHLÂ’s top playmakers, and will lead a deep group of skilled forwards, including Chris Richards, Tobin Praznik, Peter Brearley, Nate Mauer and Tyler Baines. If the new talent mixes in quickly, the Scorpions could be extremely dangerous.

ODESSA JACKALOPES
Colors: Red, Black
Arena: Ector County Coliseum (5,131)
Coach: Don McKee (4th Season)
1st Season: 1997/1998
Telephone: (915)520-2255
Fax: (915)520-8326
PR Contact: Jamie Richardson
Website: www.jackalopes.org
NHL Affiliate: Edmonton
AHL Affiliate: Hamilton

Despite winning the Governors’ Cup as regular season champions, the ‘Jacks suffered a first round playoff loss to El Paso, ending a remarkable season on a sour note. CHL Goaltender of the Year Mike Gorman impressed in Edmonton’s training camp, and should again excel in Odessa’s defensive system. The Jackalopes wanted to improve offensively this year, and will count on contributions from returning forwards John Bossio and Matt Cressman, as well as newcomers Travis Kennedy and Greg Gatto. Scott Hillman leads a mobile and skilled defensive corps.

OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS
Colors: Black, Red, White, Yellow
Arena: Ford Center (18,170)
Coach: Doug Sauter (8th Season)
1st Season: 1992/1993
Telephone: (405)235-7825
Fax: (405)272-9875
PR Contact: Josh Evans
Website: www.okcblazers.com

CHLÂ’s all-time winningest franchise (422 wins) appears poised to make a run at their 3rd CHL title. Veteran sniper Joe Burton returns for his last season, and will share the bulk of the offensive responsibilities with speedy C Marty Standish and a pair of highly touted All-Stars in Blair Manning and Jonathan Dubois, both formerly with the San Antonio Iguanas. Watch for rookie F Ryan Watson, who has impressed in the preseason. Veteran D Hardy Sauter will be counted on to lead a group of physical but inexperienced defensemen. Incumbent Aren Miller should start in goal.

SAN ANGELO SAINTS
Colors: Black, Gold, White
Arena: San Angelo Coliseum (5,260)
Coach: Brent Scott (2nd Season)
1st Season: (1997/1998)
Telephone: (915)944-6253
Fax: (915)944-2464
PR Contact: Tom Nurre
Website: www.sanangelosaints.com

Brad Cook and Corri Moffat will lead an experienced and solid defensive unit, while James Ronayne will be given the chance to be the SaintsÂ’ top goaltender. F Jamie Thompson, a former WPHL Most Valuable Player, is highly skilled and gives San Angelo a scoring threat every time he touches the puck. F Chris Peach should benefit from his presence, as should energetic winger Jarrett Metz, who had 27 goals last season. New ownership and a new nickname has the community optimistic of a return to past glory.

TULSA OILERS
Colors: Silver, Navy, White
Arena: Convention Center (7,111)
Coach: Garry Unger (7th Season)
1st Season: 1992/1993
Telephone: (918)632-7825
Fax: (918)632-0006
PR Contact: Brad Borror
Website: www.bestoftulsa.com/tulsaoilers
NHL Affiliate: New York Rangers

The Oilers hope this season starts better than last year, after a 6-13-0 start, which they nearly recovered from while just missing a playoff berth. F Jamie Steer brings offensive flair and high energy, while swift newcomer Todd Marcellus and Rookie of the Year finalist Pat Hallett will be counted on offensively. F Chris Johnston remains a gritty weapon, while much of the defense has been rebuilt. Veteran G Rod Branch recorded three consecutive shutouts last season, and was twice named the CHLÂ’s Goaltender of the Week.

WICHITA THUNDER
Colors: Blue, Silver, Black
Arena: Kansas Coliseum (9,686)
Coach: Jim Latos (2nd Season)
1st Season: 1992/1993
Telephone: (316)264-4625
Fax: (316)264-3037
PR Contact: Joel T. Lomurno
Website: www.wichitathunder.com

The Thunder may emerge as a surprise this season, following an excellent off-season of recruiting by Coach Latos. RW Jeff Petruic can score in bunches, and fellow newcoming F Todd Johnson returns to Wichita following four seasons in Germany. Career points leaders Travis Clayton and Jason Duda are also back, so the Thunder should be in good shape offensively. Vladimir Hartinger leads a physical group of defenseman, while Stephen Wagner is expected to get the first shot at replacing the departed Stan Reddick in goal.

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