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CHL Colorado Eagles

Colorado Adds Skill and Depth

September 27, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


WINDSOR, Colo.- The Colorado Eagles announced today that they have re-signed Seth Leonard, added CHL All-Star Mike Lukajic and former Colorado Avalanche 7th-round selection Ian Keserich.

Leonard, 24, re-signed with the Eagles for his fourth season as a pro. During the Eagles' championship season of 2006-07, Leonard emerged as a key component when he set career highs in goals (23), assists (29) and points (52). He opened his career with the Eagles on November 17 against the Rocky Mountain Rage by tallying a goal in their 4-3 victory. In only his second game with Colorado on November 22, Leonard netted in hat trick in a 4-1 victory over the Tulsa Oilers.

Leonard finished fifth overall on the team in goals (23), and his 52 points placed him sixth during the regular season in scoring. On February 23, at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona, Leonard scored the Eagles record-breaking 28th shorthanded goal of the season. His three shorthanded goals were a career high and tied him with Greg Pankewicz for fourth overall on the team. He also tied for third overall on the team with 11 goals during the playoffs; his 22 playoff points put him fourth on the squad in scoring.

Leonard, the 5-foot-9-inch, 190-pound forward, played his first two seasons pro with the Victoria Salmon Kings of the East Coast Hockey League in which he accounted for 26 goals and 28 assists in 130 games played. Prior to joining the professional ranks, Leonard played junior hockey for both the Prince Albert Raiders and Kelowna Rockets in the Western Hockey League. In his final season in the WHL, Leonard had his best season, scoring 90 points in just 72 games on 50 goals and 40 assists.

"I'm excited to be back with the Eagles, they gave me a great opportunity to contribute last season," said Leonard.

As a rookie with the Topeka Tarantulas, Mike Lukajic became a CHL All-Star by scoring 33 goals in just 60 games. During his all-star rookie campaign, the 6-foot-4-inch, 225 pound forward led the Tarantulas in goals (33) and points (53), and was second overall in assists (20). In that same rookie season, Lukajic played under Chris Stewart in the 2005 Dodge CHL All-Star Game in Laredo, and scored the game-winner in the 14-13 shootout victory for Stewart's Northern Conference All-Stars. The following year, Lukajic made stops in Oklahoma City, Corpus Christi and Tulsa, where he combined for 21 goals and 10 assists for 31 points in 62 games. Last season, he spent three games in Oklahoma City with the Blazers.

Ian Keserich a 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound goaltender, played two seasons collegiately for his hometown Ohio State Buckeyes. Keserich was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the seventh round (215th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Following his two years as a back-up at Ohio State, the Parma, Ohio native left for the USHL and one season with the Tri-City Storm. During his 2006-07 season in the United States Junior Hockey League, Keserich appeared in 47 games and compiled a mark of 26-13-5 with a 2.62 goals against average.

Assistant Coach Ryan Bach said, "Re-signing Leonard was key as he was a big-time contributor to the offense last season. Getting a proven scorer like Lukajic and a former NHL draft pick in Keserich will make this year's camp as competitive as ever."

The Colorado Eagles will begin their 5th Anniversary season this October 19th against the Arizona Sundogs at the Tim's Toyota Center. The Eagles home opener is on October 24th against the Tulsa Oilers where they will look to extend their 126-game regular season sellout streak. Two exhibition games will be played -- one on the road, one at home -- on October 13th at the Broomfield Event Center and October 14th at the Budweiser Events Center, both against the Rocky Mountain Rage. For more information, please visit coloradoeagles.com.

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