Former New Mexico Stars Highlight Recent Signings

Published on August 16, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


Albuquerque, NM – This year's Scorpions' roster could look like an all-star team from the franchise's past and present. New Mexico announced today, they have signed six more players for the 2002-2003 season, and they are names you will recognize. The list includes:

-Luciano Caravaggio - G
-Scott Myers – G
-Tobin Praznik – LW
-Arturs Kupaks – D
-Mike O'Malley – C
-Dan Zimmerman – LW

These latest signings give the Scorpions twelve players under contract for the coming season.

Luciano Caravaggio was the Scorpions goaltender in the team's most successful season. In the 1999-2000 season, "Looch" posted a 37-12-2 record, leading the Scorps into the WPHL finals. The 37 wins is a Scorpions single season record for most wins by a goalie. Caravaggio spent last season in the West Coast Hockey League with the Bakersfield Condors and the previous season with Topeka in the Central Hockey League.

"What a relief to have a goaltender the quality of "Looch" and also bring back a fan favorite," said Scorpions head coach Pat Dunn.

To complete, what may be the best goaltending tandem in the Central Hockey League, the Scorps have also re-signed last year's number-one goalie, Scott Myers. Last season, his first with New Mexico, Myers played in 49 of New Mexico's 64 games, posting a 23-19-4 record with a 3.00 goals against average.

"It's going to be nice for Scotty to know he doesn't have to carry the whole load like he did last year," said Dunn. "So many times this year, we will play three games in three nights, and having a solid tandem that we know we can rely on is huge for us." Now that keeping the other guys off the score board is taken care of, the Scorpions have a guy they are sure will be able to put the puck in the net... quite a bit. High scoring Left Winger Tobin Praznik will join veteran Peter Ambroziak to create what should be one of the highest scoring lines in the CHL. Praznik played two years with Corpus Christi in the WPHL (1999-2000, 2000-2001) , scoring 50-goals and handing out 43 assists (93 points) in the 1999-2000 season. Most recently, Praznik played in the WCHL (Anchorage, 2001-2002) and in Europe (Regensburg EV, Germany, 2001-2002)

Pat Dunn is obviously thrilled to add Praznik to the lineup. "Tobin will provide the scoring threat we are looking for and is also a great individual," he said. "I coached him in Corpus and he's got the combination of size and skill that could make him one of the best players in this league."

The Scorpions defenseman of the year from last season, Arturs Kupaks will be back on the blue line for New Mexico again in 2002-2003. The veteran has 32-points in 47 games for the Scorps in 2001-2002. He's not just a defensive presence. Kupaks, the WPHL defenseman of the year in 1999-2000, scored 86 points that season while playing for the Lubbock Cotton Kings.

"He's a proven leader," Dunn said about Kupaks. "We are delighted to bring back last year's defenseman of the year."

Mike O'Malley was one of the brightest surprises for the Scorpions last season. The rookie came in mid-way through the season and scored 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) in 46 games. The fluid skating O'Malley proved to a reliable, hard-working centerman that takes pride in his defensive work.

"How can you not like that guy," Dunn said about the Colgate graduate. "He's just a class act on and off the ice, and was one of the guys we made a priority to bring back from last year's roster."

Dan Zimmerman, a tough winger, who played in just four games for the Scorpions last season will be back again. The big (6-2, 220), tough, hard-nosed forward will be relied on to be a physical presence up front.

"Look forward to hearing about him quite a bit this year," chuckled Dunn. "He's a player that knows his role and is going to be able to keep the other team honest out there."

The Scorpions expect to make several more significant player announcements in the near future. The recent signings add to Peter Ambroziak, Tyler Baines, Chris Richards, Nate Mauer, Martin Beck and Leigh Dean to bring the roster to 12 players signed. Training camp opens October 7th at Blades Multiplex arena in Rio Rancho. The CHL allows for up to thirty (30) players in camp. The season starts on Oct 18th in Tingley Coliseum when the Scorps host the Odessa Jackalopes.

The Scorpions are not talking much about potential NHL/AHL affiliations. "We have friendly relationships with several National Hockey League organizations, and will announce specific details in the near future," said team President Doug Frank. "We will have several legitimate two-way contract players (that could play in New Mexico or at a higher level). Our developmental attitude has brought us real attention, but we want to choose the best program and approach for our club."

Things are also going well on business front. By the end of July, the Scorpions had already exceeded the number of season tickets sold from the previous season.

"Season ticket holders are the lifeblood of this business," said Dan Burgers, Chief Operating Officer. "We've done some good things in the off –season and we're going to continue to introduce many new people to Scorpions hockey."

The Scorpions are also announcing a new program called the Corporate Care Club. The program will help provide under-privileged kids the opportunity to attend Scorpions' games, courtesy of corporate New Mexico. For more information on this program, please call the Scorpions office at 881-7825.

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 16, 2002


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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