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CHL Colorado Eagles

Eagles Getting Ruff

August 10, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


WINDSOR, CO – The Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League (CHL) announced the signing of another member from their inaugural season, defenseman/forward Lee Ruff will join the 2004-05 squad.

"Lee is a great two-way player" said President and General Manager Ralph Backstrom. "He is one of the few players on the team so versatile that he can play both defense and forward, that alone makes him a very valuable player during such a long season."

Ruff, 28, played three seasons in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the New Orleans Brass, Florida Everblades, and Dayton Bombers. He amassed 79 points (20G, 59A) in 185 games and toughed out 226 penalty minutes during his tenure in the ECHL. During the 2001-02 season, Ruff displayed his versatility with both the Brass and the Everblades for his highest offensive season scoring 39 points (11G, 28A) in 77 games.

The 5'11", 215-pounder played 58 games with the Eagles during their inaugural season. He amassed 16 points (7G, 9A) and his 102 penalty minutes was just one short of his record. He netted his only game-winning goal against the Amarillo Gorillas in a 3-1 victory on November 1, 2003.

Prior to playing professionally, Ruff skated four seasons for Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. As a Wildcat, he netted 15 goals and contributed 24 assists for 39 points in 135 games.

The Strathclair, Manitoba native has played a total of 243 professional games making him just under the veteran status in the CHL. Under the revised veteran rule for the CHL, each team is allowed a maximum four players with 260 regular season games or more. With the signing of Ruff, the Eagles currently have seven players under contract: he joins forwards, Karlis Zirnis, Sean Robertson, Kevin Marsh, Jesse Heerema, and Brad Patterson, and defenseman Bryan Vines.

The Eagles second season of play begins on October 15 and 16, 2004 against the Tulsa Oilers for two exhibition games at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. The regular season begins on the road at the Ford Center against the Oklahoma City Blazers on October 22, 2004. The Memphis RiverKings are in town for the home opener on October 29, 2004 at 7:05 pm. For more information please visit our website at www.coloradoeagles.com or call (970) 674-1743.

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