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CHL Central Hockey League

CHL Divisional Preview - Southwest Division

October 17, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


Amarillo Gorillas

Coach: Jim Wiley (2nd Season, 477-243-70)

06-07 Record: 32-28-4 (68 points) - 3rd Place in the SW Division

Top Newcomers: G- Dan McWhinney (went 9-3-1 with Fort Wayne of the UHL last year); C- Chris Martini (had solid college career at University of Alabama- Huntsville)

Key Losses: F- Rich Hansen (scored 68 points last season); F- David SIlverstone (good character player and 200+ PIM's).

Coaches Quote: "Certainly, each individual has to have skill and talent. But, equal to that, if not more important, is their character with regard to work ethic, enthusiasm, intensity, energy and almost like a no-excuse attitude." (Head Coach Jim Wiley on the team he recruiting, Amarillo Globe News -9-25-07)

Overview: Amarillo had a strong late season run and returns several of the key components that pushed them into the post-season. Chris Lipsett had six goals and 12 points in six playoff games and Bill Vandermeer led team in scoring during the regular season with 75 points.

Arizona Sundogs

Coach: Marco Pietroniro (2nd season, 34-28-2)

06-07 Record: 34-28-2 (70 points) - 2nd Place in the SW Division

Top Newcomers: F- Tyler Redenbach (the former 3rd round pick of the Phoenix Coyotes scored 26 goals in the AHL two seasons ago, could have huge season in CHL); G- Andrew Gallant (went 19-2-5 with 1.91 GAA and four shutouts at Manhattanville College, was Division III Men's Hockey Player of the Year last season)

Key Losses: F- Brent Kelly (his 42 goals and 95 points will be missed); F- Cory Stillman (more than 30 goals and 70 points, took his game to Europe).

Coaches Quote: "We have extra guys right now who probably know they're on the bubble. The decision-making time is now. I don't make those decisions. I'm glad I don't." (Player/Assistant Coach Daniel Laperriere on making the final cuts, The Daily Courier -10-16-07)

Overview: The Sundogs will look to build off strong first season that saw them make the playoffs. Affiliation with Phoenix Coyotes has yielded strong players thus far (Tyler Redenbach, Olivier Latendresse and Alex Leavitt) and puts 'Dogs in good position. Leadership of Dan Laperriere and Chris Bartolone is very valuable. Could be a dark horse to win the cup!

New Mexico Scorpions

Coach: Randy Murphy (1st Season)

06-07 Record: 32-24-8 (72 points) - 1st Place in the SW Division

Top Newcomers: G- Mike Minard (last year's strong goaltending for Scorps could be trumped with Minard who has 168 AHL/IHL games and a game played in the NHL with Edmonton, 2000); F- Blair Stayzer (adds toughness and can score big goals)

Key Losses: Lance Herauf (his 50+ points and +21 traded to Tulsa in off-season along with defenseman Rob Guinn.); Mike Prpich (scored big goals for Scorpions).

Coaches Quote: "Obviously, it's a wonderful opportunity for myself and my family to move forward in my career. It's not too often someone goes from being an assistant coach to head coach in back-to-back years. I'm just going to work my butt off and try to put the best product on the ice." (Randy Murphy on being named head coach, Rio Rancho Observer -8-31-07)

Overview: New Mexico was steady all the way to the division crown last year and the conference finals. Ray Edwards leaves the bench to move up to the AHL and protégé Randy Murphy takes over. A relatively young team last season should improve and be a significant threat to win the Southern Conference.

Odessa Jackalopes

Coach: Paul Gillis (1st season)

06-07 Record: 26-31-7 (63 points) - 4th Place in the SW Division

Top Newcomers: F- Sebastien Thinel (top scorer with 91 points from last division winning Jacks club, 2005-06); F- Dominic Leveille (scored 81 points with Jacks two seasons ago)

Key Losses: D-Pascal Bedard (skilled defenseman had 20+ points a year ago); F- Jeff Ewasko (added to team toughness with 313 PIM's).

Coaches Quote: "We are behind in several things - penalty kill, power play, systems - because we haven't had the chance with the way that ice has been. We are really going to have to work hard this week to find out which players want to be here as well as putting some systems in. We are going to be pushing the players hard." (Paul Gillis on what Odessa has to do leading up to the start of the season, Odessa American -10-15-07)

Overview: Odessa has re-tooled and first year head coach Paul Gillis has quite a bit of talent. Bringing back the dynamic scoring duo of Sebastien Thinel and Dominic Leveille will make the Jacks a top offensive team in the league and the addition of veteran Sylvain Dufresne should help in the locker room and on the defensive side of the ice. Mike Gorman returns in net and looks to regain top form that saw him go 26-16-3 two years ago.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2007


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