Gorillas sign speedy forward Brent Hughes

Published on October 4, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


AMARILLO, TX – One of the strengths of the Amarillo Gorillas this upcoming season could be the speed and skill of their forwards.

The Gorillas added to that area today with the signing of forward Brent Hughes for the 2004-2005 Central Hockey League season. Hughes was one of the players acquired from the Austin Ice Bats to complete the trade for defenseman Brandon Carper during the 2003-2004 season.

Hughes had an outstanding rookie season for the Ice Bats where he was nominated for the CHL's Rookie-of-the-Year Award. The Toronto, Ontario, Canada native appeared in 61 games and notched 23 goals and added 21 assists for 44 points and 62 penalty minutes. Hughes was also a force on specialty teams, connecting on seven power play goals.

"It has been a long summer and I am happy to come to Amarillo," Hughes said from his Toronto home. "Joe has been talking to me quite a bit as well as a good friend, John Dean, and I have heard nothing but positive things about the hockey team and the organization and that helped me in my decision."

"In my rookie season I put up some good numbers and I feel I can fit in well with Derek Hahn and be a finisher around the net."

Hughes was signed as an amateur for the Austin Ice Bats and was part of their team that advanced to the CHL Championship series during the 2002-2003 season. He appeared in 10 games, scoring his first pro goal in game five of last year's President's Cup Final against the Memphis RiverKings.

" When you make a trade in the middle of the season you never know if the player you select will eventually make it to your club the following year", said Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. "When we played Austin last season Brent really stood out. He competed every shift, had great speed and was the player I definitely wanted in the trade."

Hughes spent the entire 2002-2003 season with the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Provincial Junior A League finishing second on team (top 15 in league) with 35 goals and 42 assists. He also played two years in the Ontario Hockey League for the Peterborough Petes and the Brampton Battalion where he had 11 goals, 17 assists for 28 points in 76 games.

"I am looking for Hughesy to have a great season and put up some good numbers and build off his great rookie season," said Ferras. "With his skating ability and quickness in our small barn he has the potential to create a lot offensive opportunities for himself and his line mates."

Don't miss your chance to get involved in the coolest game around. By purchasing full or partial season tickets as well as corporate packages for the Amarillo Gorillas hockey club. People can inquire by either stopping by the Corporate Office at 1934 Civic Circle or by calling 242-7825.

Hockey fans across the Texas Panhandle will be able to see the power of the Amarillo Gorillas on Saturday, October 16 when the Lubbock Cotton Kings will be at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center for an exhibition game at 7 p.m. All seats for the contest will be just $5 and can be purchased at the Gorillas Hockey Office located at 1934 Civic Circle, Civic Center Box Office, at Panhandle Tickets located at Randy's Music Mart, the WT Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets.

Fans can also charge tickets by phone at 242-7825 or 378-3096.

The home opener is less than 40 days away when Amarillo Gorillas host the Odessa Jackalopes on Friday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 4, 2004


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