Huge Crowds Highlight Recent Central Hockey League Action

Published on January 27, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release

The Central Hockey League enters the final third of the 2003/2004 campaign on a high note, with several teams establishing season high attendance figures over the past two weeks of action. Eight of the CHL's 17 member teams established season high attendance figures recently, including the Indianapolis Ice, who welcomed a franchise record of 15,028 on their annual "Pack The House" night at Conseco Fieldhouse on January 24th. The crowd was the second largest in CHL history, trailing only Oklahoma City's 16,873, established January 10th of 2003 at the Ford Center.

The same evening, Oklahoma City (13,751) Austin (6,739) and Rio Grande Valley (5,599) established season high crowd marks, while Wichita (7,123) welcomed their largest crowd of the season a night earlier. January 17th, Bossier-Shreveport's crowd of 6,921 and Corpus Christi's overflow gathering of 3,455 were team season highs, as was the 10,543 that took part in Fort Worth's "Cool School" day game on January 13th. The expansion Colorado Eagles, meanwhile, hosted their 23rd consecutive sellout of 5,211 on January 24th.

Through 355 games, the CHL continues to lead all North American "AA" pro hockey leagues in average attendance, currently at 4,351.

In other news, the CHL has partnered with Phoenix-based Pro Sports Radio to provide player and special guest audio interviews online from around the CHL. Interviews can be downloaded for free at www.prosportsradio.com following a simple registration process. Pro Sports Radio President Bob Eres attended last week's 2004 Dodge CHL All-Star Game in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has eight interviews he conducted during the festivities available to hear or download.

Pro Sports Radio, a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, produces weekly radio shows such as "Puck Stop", "Football Report", "Basketball Dunk", "Giant Steps", and "Let's Talk Baseball". PSR also provides short form features of famous athletes and provides live game updates to radio stations & other media outlets across North America.

Pointstreak Performance of the Week Faced with the prospect of his Memphis RiverKings losing their third consecutive game to Northeast Division rival Indianapolis, left winger Jonathan Gagnon stepped to the forefront in leading his club to a 7-3 road win January 25th. Gagnon scored four goals to tie the CHL season high, and added an assist in the victory. Gagnon was playing in his third game back with the club after an extended call-up to St. John's of the American Hockey League, where he recorded four goals in 17 games with the Maple Leafs.

CHL Team Notes – Through 01/26/04

Amarillo Gorillas
Gorillas tied with Laredo for most points earned away from home with 14-6-2 record as visiting team.

Austin Ice Bats
Dealt forward Shawn Legault to New Mexico Monday, averaged 5.45 PIM's in 199 games as an Ice Bat.

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
All-Star F Chad Spurr has 20 points in his last 10 games, recorded 50th point of season 01/25/.

Colorado Eagles
Rookie goaltender Gian Baldrica remains undefeated in his pro career (6-0-0), sporting a 1.92 GAA.

Corpus Christi Rayz
Rayz winless in 11 career games at Laredo Entertainment Center, try to end drought Wednesday night.

Fort Worth Brahmas
Brahmas are 11-7-3 under Coach Al Sims since he assumed title from Bill Inglis in early December.

Indianapolis Ice
D Mario Doyon recorded his 600th pro point 01/24; teammate Bernie John needs one point for his 600th.

Laredo Bucks
Four players among top six in CHL plus/minus rankings, including CHL leader Jeff Bes (+39)

Lubbock Cotton Kings
Earned just three points in their last 10 outings, three of next four games away from home ice.

Memphis RiverKings
Record of 26-17-3 matches same totals last season after 46 games, went on to win second Ray Miron President's Cup Championship.

New Mexico Scorpions
Center Chris Richards traded to Austin, average 1.17 points per game in 168 career games as Scorpion.

Odessa Jackalopes
Ended nine game winless streak with back–to-back home wins over Fort Worth (3-1) and Laredo (3-2 SO)

Oklahoma City Blazers
Center Marty Standish recorded his 300th career point 01/23, joining four teammates over 300.

Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Bees on the road for six straight games over a two-week span, will travel over 3,300 miles on the trip.

San Angelo Saints
Saints riding an 8-game home winning streak, All-Star C Chris Minard has points in last ten contests.

Tulsa Oilers
3-2 loss at Amarillo 01/24 pushed Oilers winless streak to 13 games, tying all-time club record.

Wichita Thunder
All-Star netminder Nathan Grobins has started 14th consecutive games, setting new club record.

Central Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2004

• Jacks March Back to Top Bees 3-2 - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
• Laredo Bucks Weekly Update - Laredo Bucks
• Huge Crowds Highlight Recent Central Hockey League Action - CHL
• Bucks & Law Out & About - Laredo Bucks
• Killer Bees Weekly Notes - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
• Scorpions Make Blockbuster Deal with Austin - New Mexico Scorpions

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