Derek Hahn Named Southern Conference All-Star Game Starter

Published on December 30, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


AMARILLO, TX - The Central Hockey League this afternoon named Gorillas assistant captain Derek Hahn a Southern Conference starter for the upcoming 2006 Obra Homes CHL All-Star Game on Wednesday, January 18th in Hidalgo, Texas, at the Dodge Arena, home of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. This marks the second straight season that the forward has represented Amarillo as a starter in the prestigious contest and the third consecutive year he will play in the event.

Hahn was the leading vote-getting, appearing on 85.2% of all Southern Conference ballots. Amarillo's opponent tonight, Wichita, produced the most demanded player in the Northern Conference as center Joe Blaznek, the CHL goal-leader with 25, was selected on 64.3% of all Northern ballots.

"I'm very excited to make my third All-Star game," said Hahn. "It's a great honor and a privilege when you consider how many tremendous players there are in this league. But I wouldn't be putting up the numbers I am without my teammates. Every game is a team effort and we have a great group here."

Hahn leads the CHL with 48 points on 18 goals and 30 assists and is coming off a week in which he turned 28-years-old the day before being named the Oakley Player of the Week with eight points in three games prior the league's holiday break. As is stands now, this is the third straight season that the 2002-2003 CHL Rookie of the Year has led the Gorillas in scoring in only four years in Amarillo.

"Derek has been a model of consistency both on and off the ice since his arrival to Amarillo and we feel he is a terrific selection for the game in Rio Grande Valley," said Head Coach and Director of Player Operations Joe Ferras. "The Gorillas and the entire organization are very proud that he has been selected to his third consecutive All-Star game. Hahner's a terrific player and an even more impressive person."

Along with Hahn, forwards Daymen Bencharski (Rio Grande Valley) and Jeff Bes (Laredo), defensemen Bernie John (Corpus Christi) and Serge Dube (Laredo) and goalie Mike Gorman (Odessa) were voted as Southern Conference starters by CHL coaches and team public relations and broadcast staffs, as well as selected media representatives from each team's market.

The Northern Conference starters include forwards Blaznek (Wichita), Jeff Christian (Youngstown) and Greg Pankewicz (Colorado), along with defensemen Derek Landmesser (Memphis) and Brad Williamson (Colorado). The Eagles will also send Paulo Colaiacovo as the starting goaltender.

The All-Star reserves for each conference will be announced on Tuesday, January 3rd, after being selected by Southern Conference coach Terry Ruskowski (Laredo) and Northern Conference head-man Chris Stewart (Colorado), in accordance with the CHL's Hockey Operations Department.

Amarillo sits 11 points out of first place in the Southwest Division at 11-12-2 for 24 points. Odessa continues to hold control of first place with a 16-8-3 record for 35 points after four straight wins over division opponents. Lubbock, meanwhile, remains in the second spot with 27 points and a 13-13-1 mark after taking Thursday night off. The Gorillas have at least two games in hand on each of their division mates and play the top-ranked Jackalopes two times in their next seven games.

Amarillo Gorillas Hockey Presented by NewsChannel 10 will be broadcast on 1440 AM The Score all weekend long, continuing tonight with Gorillas Pre-Game set to begin at 6:45 pm. The games will also be available at www.amarillogorillas.com and on CHLTV (www.chltv.com).

The Gorillas finish off 2005 with games at The Jungle tonight against Wichita and tomorrow, December 31st, versus Colorado. Come ring in the New Year with the Gorillas! Bud Light Mugs given out at the door! A specialty jersey auction! And, live band "Boomerang" performs immediately following the game! $10 tickets are available at the Gorillas office for groups of 10 or more by calling 806.242.7825. Don't miss out! Both games start at 7 pm.

Great seats are still available to all upcoming home games! Tickets for Gorillas games can be purchased at the Gorillas Hockey Office, located at 1934 Civic Circle off of I-40 and Georgia, the Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets. These include Randy's Music Mart, the West Texas Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets. Tickets can also be charged by phone at (806) 378-3096 or (806) 242-PUCK (7825).

For further information on the Amarillo Gorillas, please contact Broadcaster and Director of Media and Public Relations Adam Kaufman at (806) 242-PUCK (7825).

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 30, 2005


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.

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