Gorillas playoff hero and most improved player back in the Jungle

July 13, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


[Amarillo, TX] - The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that the club has re-signed forwards Keith Rowe and Jason Chafe for the 2006-2007 season.

Rowe, a 5'11", 190 pound forward from Livonia, Michigan will be entering his second consecutive season with the Gorillas. Last season, he totaled 13 goals and 16 assists for a total of 29 points in 62 games played. Prior to his time with the Gorillas, Rowe played four years for the University of Alabama-Huntsville. In those four seasons he compiled 21 goals, 26 assists, 47 points, and 196 penalty minutes in 130 games. The Michigan native played the 2004-2005 season with the Gorillas in their playoff run and tallied five points (one goal, four assists) and 26 penalty minutes in seven games.

"I've really enjoyed my time in Amarillo for the past year and I am excited to come back." Rowe continued, "With guys like Mark [DeSantis], Brent [Hughes], and Jamie [Vandespyker] back in the fold, I am looking forward to taking the next step and winning the [Ray Miron] President's Cup."

Chafe, a 5'10", 195 pound forward from Stoney Creek, Ontario will return for his sophomore professional season. Last year, he totaled 15 points and 56 penalty minutes in 59 games played for the Gorillas. Chafe skated for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) from 2000/01-2004/05. In those four seasons, the Ontario native tallied 94 points in 81 games played.

Head Coach Joe Ferras said of the signings, "At the double-A level every season brings a lot of turnover and it's always important to bring back your core players. In signing Keith Rowe and Jason Chafe, we are bringing back two players of high character who show up to battle every night."

Ferras on Rowe: "With one full regular season and two full playoff seasons as a pro, Keith now knows what it takes to be successful at the professional level. He will be relied on heavily this season both on and off the ice."

Ferras on Chafe: "Jason took full advantage of injures late in the season to solidify himself as a vital part of the lineup. With the confidence he's gained and the grit and work ethic he brings every night, I am looking for him to have a breakout year."

Season tickets and corporate partnerships are now available for the 2006-2007 season. Contact the Gorillas office at (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or visit the web at www.amarillogorillas.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 13, 2006


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