Cotton Kings Sign Third Veteran
August 24, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release
LUBBOCK, TX â Lubbock Cotton Kings Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Chris Dashney announced today the signing of 31-year old veteran Matt Turek.
Turek, 5-11, 194-pounds, comes to the Kings after playing two years for the now-defunct Greensboro Generals of the ECHL. In 141 games with the Generals, the Toronto native scored 40 goals and posted 60 assists for 100 points.
"Matt is a guy that we can build a solid offensive force around," said Dashney. "He can score goals at the ECHL level but at the same time, is very unselfish with the puck."
Turek began his hockey career with the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League back in 1991. Jeff Bes â the CHL Most Valuable Player last season â was also a member of the Storm.
Turek's career started as a professional with two years in the ECHL with the Knoxville Cherokees and Pee-Dee Pride in the mid-90s. In 1998-99, he played in Germany posting 21 goals and 48 points in 54 games. He then came back to the states to play for the Alexandria Warthogs in the Western Professional Hockey League posting 80 points in 71 games.
Turek played one more season in the ECHL with the Birmingham Bulls before returning to Germany. In 52 games with Selb ERC, he scored 28 goals and had 38 helpers for 66 points â his best points-per-game average as a professional. He finished playing in Germany after the 2001-02 season and started his stint with Greensboro in the fall of 2002.
"It was obvious to myself and the organization that the dismemberment of Greensboro and Roanoke provided a huge opportunity for the Cotton Kings to acquire experienced talent," said Dashney. "We are looking for character guys with a desire to win and I'm very pleased with our team so far."
Turek won the Generals' community service award last season for his involvement in the greater Greensboro area. He also conducted interviews with his teammates that would air on the Greensboro broadcasts. The feature was called, "Turkey Talk," a play on Turek's nickname.
"I'm not trying to build this into a career," Turek said. "For me, it's just fun. So there's no pressure and maybe that is why I don't get nervous. These guys have interesting personalities and I know them. So it comes across pretty relaxed and informative." â courtesy Larry Keech - News & Record Staff Writer.
Turek is an avid fisherman, hunter and can make a convincing turkey call. He is a NASCAR© fan and even drove around Darlington in a pace car.
The left-handed center will join the Cotton Kings for training camp this October.
TUREK LINKS
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=17999
SIGNED PLAYERS
The most recent signing for the Cotton Kings, Matt Turek, joins Nick Cote, Mike Turner, Jeremy Kyte, Jason Maxwell, Chris Hartly, Tim Plett, Jason Beatty, Shawn Conschafter, Paul Fioroni, Lance Leslie and Kevin Mackie under contract for the 2004-05 season.
LUBBOCK YOUTH ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
The Lubbock Youth Ice Hockey Association is about to hold registration for the 2004-2005 season. Come & join the Junior Cotton Kings and Eli on Saturday, August 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the South Plains Mall in the Sears parking lot and Saturday, September 4, from noon to 6 p.m. at the South Plains Mall between the Gap and the Buckle. Kids from ages 5-18, both girls and boys, are welcome to join. Don't forget there is a "Learn to Skate" program!
FORMER ASSISTANT GM TURNS ENTREPRENUER
Rodrick Evans is opening his first store! Floor to Ceiling Outlet is located at 4019 Ave A between Pella window store and Deeco Rubber. The grand opening is this Tuesday, August 24, at 9 a.m. sharp! Stop by and receive bargain prices on home improvement and gardening items.
KINGS ON THE RADIO
For the last four seasons the Cotton Kings have broadcast their games primarily on Clear Channel Communications Sports Radio 1340 KKAM â the flagship station of Texas Tech Football. The Kings also broadcast select games on News Talk 790 KFYO and Kool-98 KKCL. With a three-year contract extension, all Cotton Kings home and road contests will be broadcast on Clear Channel through the 2006-07 season.
BECOME A BOOSTER CLUB MEMBER (courtesy â Cotton Club)
Next meeting has been scheduled for September TBA. The Cotton Club held their annual elections last night; here are the results: Andy Mears (President), Sherhonda Ginn (Vice President), Julie Farley (Treasurer) and Lynn Stevens (Secretary). Tabbi Wischkaemper is on the board.
BECOME A COTTON KINGS CORPORATE SPONSOR
Support The Cotton Kings and Lubbock by becoming a Corporate Sponsor. For more information contact Todd Chisnell at (806) 747-7825.
BECOME A COTTON KINGS SEASON TICKET HOLDER
The Lubbock Cotton Kings are currently making plans for the 2004-05 Central Hockey League season. Season tickets, 10-game and 17-game flex packs are currently available. Please contact the Kings office for more information.
KINGS IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule a Kings player appearance, contact Jeannie Diaz at (806) 747-7825 x211 or email her at jeannied@cottonkings.com
OUR WEBSITE
Visit us at www.cottonkings.com
Central Hockey League Stories from August 24, 2004
- Saints Add Offensive Power - San Angelo Saints
- Tarantulas Sign Robertson - Topeka Tarantulas
- Cotton Kings Sign Third Veteran - Lubbock Cotton Kings
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.
