Killer Bees Fan Favorite Returns

Published on June 10, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TX: June 10, 2004 – The Central Hockey League's Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees re-signed all-star center Bill Newson for the 2004/2005 season.

"Billy holds a lot of on-ice accolades, but his presence off the ice and his commitment to winning is second-to-none," said Killer Bees Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Tracy Egeland. "He had a tremendous season last year, but I don't think he has had a career year yet, and I think his best is yet to come."

Newson, a 5'8" 175-pound native of Enfield, Connecticut, was voted as the Co-Fan Favorite (with Ryan Shmyr) last season after posting a career best team-leading 59 points off of 30 goals and 29 assists in 64 games. He was the team's "triple crown" winner after leading the team in points, goals and assists. The Bees forward not only led the team in scoring for the season, but also led the team in monthly scoring from December through March. Newson also led the team in multi-point games (17), multi-goal games (6), "first goals" (8), shorthanded goals (4), shots (297, which also ranked third in the CHL), home scoring (20g,18a,38pts), road scoring (10g,11a, 21pts), and co-led the team in game winning goals (4) and shorthanded points (5). He co-led the team with a 6-game point streak (twice) and a 4-game goal scoring streak (twice), tallied the first shorthanded goal and multi-goal game in Bees history. His biggest season accomplishment was awarded to him in mid-season, as he was announced to the Southern Conference squad in the CHL All-Star Game in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Newson contributed an assist in the contest.

The 26-year old joined the Killer Bees after spending the 02/03 season with the Jackson Bandits of the ECHL. The 25 year-old right-handed forward scored 7 goals and contributed 11 assists for 18 points in 56 games with the Bandits. While in Jackson, Newson was a teammate of current Killer Bees player/assistant coach Sean Gillam and defenseman Kevin Mackie. Newson has played in 265 professional games spanning four seasons in his career and has 180 career points from 95 goals and 85 assists.

Newson turned pro with the New Orleans Brass of the ECHL at the close of the 99/00 season after competing four seasons as a student/athlete in the NCAA with Northeastern University in Boston. Newson led Northeastern in points with 36 off of 16 goals and 20 assists his sophomore season (97/98). He played in 135 games during his college tenure and collected 36 goals and 47 assists to total 124 points.

The 2000/2001 season had been Newson's career high season to date, as he was a member of the Amarillo Rattlers of the Western Professional Hockey League. He led the Rattlers in goals (33) and ranked third in points with 57 to earn a spot in the WPHL All-Star Game in Odessa. Newson grabbed 2 goals and an assist for 3 points in the WPHL All-Star Game to help lead Team Texas to victory. During the 01/02 season, Newson joined the United Hockey League's Muskegon Fury, but was traded after the first game to the New Haven Knights, where he rounded up 46 points off of 25 goals and 21 assists. His 25 goals ranked second on the squad.

The signing of Newson places the Bees with three players signed for the 04/05 season and joins Newson with Jeff Levy and Ryan Shmyr. The CHL has revised their veteran and rookie rules for the upcoming season and each CHL team will be permitted to carry a maximum of four veterans on their roster who have participated in 260 or more regular season professional games, so Newson, who has played in 265 regular season games, will occupy one of the four spots the Bees are allowed to have.

Newson calls Connecticut home, but he will be a Valley resident year-round. He is currently working with the City of McAllen's Parks and Recreation Department at their new inline hockey facility under development in North McAllen. Newson has been instrumental in educating area youth members about hockey and has also been involved with the National Hockey League's Diversity program.

Coach Egeland and Newson are both in the Valley available for interviews. Interviews can be arranged by contacting Chris Due at the Killer Bees office.

"The Valley of Bees" will swarm the Dodge Arena again in October, as the Killer Bees are currently preparing for their second season. Season tickets and corporate opportunities are now available by calling the Killer Bees office at (956) 843-7825. For more information concerning Killer Bees hockey, please visit their website at www.killerbeehockey.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 10, 2004


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