Former Sundog David Schlemko Makes NHL Debut with Phoenix in 2-1 Loss to Nashville
February 4, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Recalled by Arizona Sundogs NHL affiliate the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday from the San Antonio Rampage (AHL), former Sundogs defenseman David Schlemko made his NHL debut in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators Tuesday night.
The Edmonton, Alberta native played 29 shifts, logging 19:34 of ice time. He also took one shot, blocked two shots, was a minus-2 and saw time on the power play.
"I thought I moved the puck pretty well, especially in the first two periods," Schlemko said. "...it was a dream come true, for sure. The game's a little quicker, things happen quicker and pucks are zipping around a little quicker, but I enjoyed myself. I like that type of hockey."
Schlemko, 21, leads all Rampage defensemen in scoring with 22 points (5g/17a) and has recorded 16 penalty minutes (PIM) in 47 games with San Antonio this season. Schlemko was first called up to the Coyotes on Jan. 17 but did not see any playing time with the NHL club.
Last season, Schlemko appeared in 58 games with Coyotes double-A affiliate the Arizona Sundogs and finished first in scoring among Central Hockey League (CHL) rookie defensemen with 39 points (10g/29a), 24 PIM and a plus-12 rating, earning him league all-rookie honors. Schlemko also appeared in the 2008 CHL All-Star Game and registered an assist.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defenseman recorded eight points (3g/5a) in 14 playoff games last season, helping the Sundogs to the 2008 Ray Miron President's Cup Championship.
Prior to his first pro season with the Sundogs in 2007-08, Schlemko played three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL), accumulating 131 points (22g/109a) and 145 PIM in 198 career WHL contests.
Schlemko originally signed with the Coyotes as a free agent on July 19, 2007.
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