Dale Lupul Back in Bossier For 08-09
Published on July 25, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have re-signed another key performer from last year's Governor's Cup winning team with the return of defenseman Dale Lupul for the 2008-2009 Central Hockey League season. Lupul will enter his fourth professional season and third as a member of the Mudbugs when the team opens up at home against Texas on October 17th.
Lupul was one of Bossier-Shreveport's most reliable defensemen when he returned to the franchise in 07-08 after a year away. The 6-2, 210-lb. blueliner had the best plus/minus rating of any defenseman in the CHL last season at +35, which was good for second among all CHL players. Appearing in a total of 56 games, Lupul also produced five goals and 22 assists for a total of 27 points last season to go with 78 minutes in penalties. A native of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Lupul was also one of two call-ups from the Mudbugs to the American Hockey League last season. He was recalled by the AHL's Quad City Flames in early February and spent one week with the club before returning to Bossier-Shreveport.
"'Loops' is a player that combines size and strength with skill," said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "He comes back in a leadership role, so we look forward to combining that leadership with his skill level and expect great things from Dale this season."
Playing for both the Elmira Jackals and Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League (now known as the International Hockey League) in 2006-07, Lupul set career highs with 22 goals and 49 points in 76 games and was a 2007 UHL All-Star. The now 28-year-old defenseman also attended training camp with the National Hockey League's New York Islanders prior to the 06-07 season.
As a Mudbugs rookie in 2005-06, Lupul was selected to the CHL All-Star Game and All-Rookie team while being named a finalist for the league's Rookie of the Year award. He finished that season with 29 points in 59 regular season games and added another 14 points in 15 playoff games during Bossier-Shreveport's run to the 2006 President's Cup Finals. Lupul played four years of college hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Superior before starting his professional career.
Mudbugs group and season tickets for 2008-2009 are on sale now! The Bugs will play 24 of their 32 home games at CenturyTel Center on weekends in the coming season, so don't miss out on your chance to be a part of the 12th season of Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs hockey. Call 318-752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside CenturyTel Center for more information or to buy tickets!
Central Hockey League Stories from July 25, 2008
- Sundogs Help to Establish Prescott Valley Youth Hockey Association - Arizona Sundogs
- Gorillas sign former Blazer Bell - Amarillo Gorillas
- Dale Lupul Back in Bossier For 08-09 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bucks Have New Radio Home On Imagen 94.1-FM - Laredo Bucks
- CHL's Leading Goal Scorer Back with the Rage - Rocky Mountain Rage
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