Four players join Buzzards' flock
November 29, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â Head coach Craig Coxe said he had something in the works. It turns out it's an explosion of new and talented players.
The Buzzards have announced the signing of four players: goalie Blaine Russell, defensemen Mathieu Paul and Kenny Moore and forward Joey Grasso. The signing come after the Buzzards released goalie Josh Baier, defensemen Derek McKinley and Pat Glenday and put left-wingers Troy Linna and Russ Guzior on injured reserve.
Russell is the crown jewel of the signings. He was selected in the sixth round by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and is one of the best goaltenders in North America. He played for the Asheville Smoke of the United Hockey League last season, going 21-22-1 with a 3.45 goals against average and a .893 save percentage. Prior to this season, Russell had a contract to play in Sweeden, but the deal fell through. Now, the 5'11, 195 lb., goaltender from Wetaskiwin, Alb., said he expects to contend for the No. 1 spot with current Buzzards netminder Matt Carmichael.
Grasso, a 6 feet, 185 lb. forward from Long Island, NY, played for the Baton Rouge Kingfish in the East Coast Hockey League and the Markham Waxers in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. For the Kingfish, Grasso in eight games had no goals, three assists and two penalty minutes. In 27 games for Markham, Grasso amassed six goals, 11 assists and 44 penalty minutes.
Paul, a 5'11, 165 lb. defenseman from Tracy, PQ, was picked up off waivers from the Memphis River Kings. Paul in 10 games this season has tallied no goals, two assists and 15 penalty minutes. Moore last played in the 1998-99 season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In 21 games, Moore had no goals or assists and 21 penalty minutes.
The Buzzards play the San Angelo Saints on Friday and the Odessa Jackalops on Saturday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Both games start at 7 p.m.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 29, 2002
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- Four players join Buzzards' flock - El Paso Buzzards
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