College Teammates Reunite With Bees

August 22, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced the signings of centers Travis Banga and Nick Warriner for the 2007-08 Fifth Anniversary Season. The pair were teammates at New England College from 2001-04.

Banga's rights were acquired in May from Memphis in exchange for forward Matt Reynolds. The 27-year-old has averaged better than a point-per game through his pro career. Last season with Memphis (CHL), he finished fourth in scoring (26-32-58) and was the team's third-leading goal-scorer.

"The additions of Travis and Nick give us two solid centermen. I'm hoping they bring some of the chemistry they had in college to our team," said Killer Bees Head Coach Paul Fixter. "Nick is an experienced guy who won a championship in this league (Laredo 2006). He's excellent on faceoffs and defensively, and we'll look to him to add a bit more offense this year as well. Travis is an exciting, high octane player who brings speed and skill up the middle. I see him being a top contributor to our offense."

A native of High River, Alberta, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound forward spent three full pro seasons with the Riverkings. He also played three games with the former Kansas City Outlaws (UHL) in 2004-05. All totaled, he has 166 games of pro experience and has collected 190 points (84-106-190) along with 220 PIM.

Prior to turning pro, Banga played four seasons of college hockey. In 2000-01, he played at the University of New Hampshire, and began the following season there before moving on to New England College. While there, he was a teammate of Warriner.

Warriner is 5-foot-9, 180-pound Blenheim, Ontario, native entering his third full pro season. He was a member of Laredo's 2006 President's Cup Championship team and posted seven points (3-4-7) in 16 playoff games in addition to 25 points (11-14-25) in 59 regular season contests.

Last season, Warriner split time between Rocky Mountain and Rio Grande Valley, totaling 21 points (8-13-21) in 57 games. His rights were obtained by the Bees on January 27, 2007, in exchange of the rights to defenseman Jeff Mushaluk. The 26-year-old is a graduate of New England College with a degree in sports management.

Killer Bees season tickets are available now for the 2007-08 season, the team's fifth in the Central Hockey League. Every weekend game will be broadcast on KURV 710 AM Talk Radio, with most weekday games on ESPN Radio 1240 AM. Individual tickets will go on sale soon. For season and group ticket and sponsorship information, call 956-843-PUCK (7825).



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