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Ice Dogs Re-Sign Buzak

June 11, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Long Beach Ice Dogs News Release


LONG BEACH, Calif. - Long Beach Ice Dogs Vice President of Hockey Operations and Head Coach John Van Boxmeer announced today that the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) club has re-signed the League's top goaltender, Mike Buzak, to a one-year deal. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Mike is an elite goaltender in our League," said Van Boxmeer. "He's someone we look toward to lead our team to a championship."

Last season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Buzak led the WCHL with a 2.39 goals against average (GAA). He appeared in 40 games with the Ice Dogs, posting a 23-15-1 record. Buzak's .909 save percentage ranked third among WCHL netminders, while his 23 victories-which ties his personal single-season career high (set in 2000-01)-placed him fourth overall. Buzak secured five shootout wins-ranking third among WCHL goaltenders-and earning a .806 save percentage placing him second overall. Buzak recorded two shutouts, captured the League's Goaltender of the Week award twice and earned honorable mentions four times. On November 7, 2001, Buzak set the club's All-time record for games played (77) by a goaltender.

The 29-year-old Edson, Alberta native holds the franchise records for career games played (113), minutes (6615), wins (64), and shutouts (9). He ranks third in save percentage (.911) and fourth in GAA (2.44) among Ice Dogs all-time career goaltenders. Buzak has played three seasons with the Ice Dogs (two in the WCHL). During his 1997-98 campaign with the Ice Dogs, Buzak was co-named the International Hockey League's (IHL) Outstanding Goaltender (along with Ice Dogs Kay Witmore) sharing the James Norris Memorial Trophy that is given to the goaltender(s) with the fewest goals against playing a minimum of 25 games during the regular season. He led IHL netminders with his 1.97 GAA (fourth best in league history) and six shutouts.

Buzak was one of 12 players listed on the WCHL 2002-03 Protected List submitted on June 1, 2002. He was originally drafted (5th choice, 167th overall) in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues. The Ice Dogs acquired him on September 13, 2000.

Ice Dogs Season ticket packages are available now. For pricing and benefits, fans can call (562) ICE-DOGS.

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