CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Goaltender Ross Cherry Signs with RiverKings

Published on September 25, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) -- The Mississippi RiverKings' (CHL) newest addition comes into his first professional season fresh off a college career that includes three conference championships, two national championships and a national runner-up finish with one of the country's hockey powerhouses in NCAA Division III. Goaltender Ross Cherry has signed to play with the RiverKings this season, according to Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Kaminski.

Cherry's Middlebury College (Vermont) Panthers won two consecutive NCAA Division III national championships with him on the roster as a freshman and sophomore, and in his junior season finished runner-up in the national championship game. His career statistics with the Panthers place him among the school's top five in a number of categories and he also has an NCAA record for most shutouts in a Division III tournament with two in 2005.

Before last season, Middlebury had qualified for the NCAA tournament 13 straight years and had won the national championship eight times.

Cherry's career achievements with the Panthers include being third on the school's all-time list for career save percentage (.916), third for most saves in one game (37), fourth in career goals-against-average (1.90), fifth in career saves (1276), and tied for fifth in career shutouts (8). Ross finished his college career with a record of 41-11-8.

Kaminski says Cherry brings great numbers and credentials, along with a championship resume to the RiverKings' lineup. "He had opportunities to go to the ECHL, but doesn't want to be a back-up and get caught up in the numbers game," Kaminski says. "Ross comes highly recommended by some NHL coaches and scouts. We look forward to seeing what he brings and push (Kevin) Beech for the number one job."

Cherry says he's looking forward to the chance of competing for the number one goaltending job and says he approaches his game focusing on fundamentals. "I like to play square to the puck and try to make it look simple and easy and not have to be as acrobatic," Cherry said. "I think I am a pretty good skater and am good at controlling rebounds. That's the type of game I want to bring each night."

The Mississippi RiverKings' 17th season in the Central Hockey League begins October 17th, when the RiverKings host the Wichita Thunder at the DeSoto Civic Center. For more information on tickets, contact the RiverKings' office at 662-342-1755, or go online to www.riverkings.com today!

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2008


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