Hola Hockey

Published on October 3, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[ RIO RANCHO, N.M.]-Many people have claimed hockey is not a traditional sport for the State of New Mexico. Today the Scorpions found a player from a place even less familiar with hockey, Mexico. Brian Baxter Arroyo-Lopez has been invited to Scorps training camp which starts this weekend.

Arroyo-Lopez looks to become the first Mexican born player to play professional hockey in North America. The 22-year old has an extensive international hockey background and two years ago was invited to Corpus Christi's Central Hockey League training camp.

"We feel he has a legitimate shot to make our club," said Scorpions' President Dave Ellett. "I have seen him skate in two different summer camps and am excited to see what he can do with us."

Currently, Arroyo-Lopez lives in his birthplace of Mexico City but has spent a majority of the past seven years in Europe with the Ukraine National Team and the famed Red-Army. In 2005, the 6'2" forward was credited with an assist on an Alex Ovechkin goal, the NHL's 2004 First Overall Draft Pick.

When talking to coaches and players throughout the international scene, the first thing people talk about is Arroyo-Lopez's skating ability. His arrival to the Scorpions training camp signals the continued growth of the sport of hockey south of the border.

"I got to play with him in camp a few years ago with the Rayz and was really impressed with his ability," said Scorpions' head coach Randy Murphy. "We anticipate he will have a good camp and will make us really take a hard look at him to be on the opening night roster."

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

The chillers have been turned on, the water has been poured and the lines and logos have been painted which means the Santa Ana Star Center is ready for hockey. The 2007-08 Scorpions training camp will officially open Saturday, October 6 for team physicals.

Murphy will lead his troops on the ice for the first time on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Following the on-ice session the team will endure an afternoon off-ice workout. The training camp schedule will be similar almost everyday. The Scorpions will take to the ice inside the SASC at 9:30 a.m. everyday except Thursday, October 12 and Friday, October 13 when the team will be in Odessa for their lone exhibition game.

All Scorps fans are invited to attend training camp this year. Visitors are asked to park in the front parking lot and check in at the front desk before going inside the seating bowl.

The Scorpions open the season Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 versus the Laredo Bucks. Mini-season ticket packages are on sale for as low as $63. When purchasing season ticket packages, each person receives special benefits that are exclusive only to our season ticket holders.

Payment plans are available to fit anyone's budget. Call the Scorpions' office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit http://www.scorpionshockey.com/tickets/season/ to find out how you can be a part of all 32 regular season home games starting this October. You don't want to miss your chance to watch the Scorpions drive toward the Ray Miron President's Cup.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2007


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