Killer Bees Game Notes

February 16, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


The Killer Bees (19-21-6, 44 pts.) square off against the Memphis Riverkings (32-12-3, 67 pts.) for the second time this season. The Bees have won their last two outings and hold the No. 6 spot in the Southern Conference. They are currently two points behind Austin for both the No. 3 spot in the Southeast Division and the No. 5 position in the Conference. Memphis has won five of its last 10 games and enters tonight's action with the second-best points total in the league behind Colorado (70 pts). The Riverkings hold a two-point advantage over Bossier-Shreveport for the Northeast Division lead.

BROADCAST INFO

Radio: ESPN Radio 1240 AM (Rich Bocchini)

Internet: Live audio at killerbeehockey.com; audio/video stream at chltv.com (when available)

TV: none

Email contact during broadcasts: radio@killerbeehockey.com

QUICK NOTES

- Join the Bees on Monday nights at Fanatic's, inside Valley Bowl on Business 83 in Mission for Coaches Corner from 6-7 p.m. each week. Listen live on Jammin' 104.9/95.3 FM. (Note there will no show on Feb. 19).

- After tomorrow's game, the Bees don't play at home until March 6 in the special Kid's Only Game. The next regular home game isn't until March 11 vs. Austin. Sponge Bob and Patrick will be at the game as Time Warner and McDonalds host their fourth Family Night of the season.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING...

- There are 17 games left after tonight, 14 vs. Southern Conference teams...11 of final 17 against Southeast Division rivals.

- Beginning with tonight's game, the Bees play six games in nine days...eight of the next nine games are on the road including six in a row (@ ARI, @ NMX, @ ODE, @ AUS, @ LAR, @ CRP - 3 games)

- If the Bees are victorious tonight, it would mark the first time all season they have won three consecutive home games.

- Memphis is tied with Colorado for the most goals scored this season (178).

- Riverkings goalie Larry Sterling leads the CHL with 26 wins and minutes played (2328:41). His 40 appearances lead the league (the closest is Wichita's Sebastien Laplante with 33).

- Rio faces high-octane offense two nights in a row...Memphis' average of 3.79 GPG is second in the CHL, while Tulsa is third (3.69).

- The Bees went 3-1-0 in October, 5-5-1 in November, 4-8-2 in December and 4-4-3 in January. They are 3-3-0 in February.

TEAM VS. TEAM

ALL TIME SERIES

Rio is 2-4-0-2 (2-1-0-2 at home, 0-3-0-0 on the road).

SEASON SERIES

Second of three meetings...the Kings return to Hidalgo on March 18.

LAST MEETING

Sat. Nov. 25, 2006

MEM 3, RGV 2 -- Travis Banga scored the game-winner for Memphis while Jeff Van Nynatten stopped 36 shots in the losing effort.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE - all times CST

2/16/07 - 7:30 PM vs. Memphis (ESPN 1240)

2/17/07 - 7:30 PM vs. Tulsa (ESPN 1240, Televisa XERV 9, cable 19)

2/20/07 - 8:05 PM at Arizona (ESPN 1240)

2/21/07 - 8:30 PM at New Mexico (Jammin' 104.9/95.3 FM)

2/23/07 - 7:05 PM at Odessa (ESPN 1240)

2/24/07 - 7:30 PM at Austin (Jammin' 104.9/95.3 FM)

3/02/07 - 7:30 PM at Laredo (ESPN 1240)

3/03/07 - 7:30 PM at Corpus Christi (Jammin' 104.9/95.3 FM)

3/06/07 - 10:30 AM vs. Austin (ESPN 1240 AM)

TRANSACTIONS

02/12/07 ADD Voltera, Rob (LW) activated from suspension

02/11/07 ADD Cummings, Brent (D) activated from IR

02/10/07 ADD OLeary, Mark (LW) activated from IR

02/10/07 DEL Reynolds, Matt (LW) placed on 14 day IR

02/09/07 DEL Mathieu, Maxime (LW) placed on 14 day IR

02/07/07 DEL Voltera, Rob (LW) placed on league suspension for 3 games

01/31/07 DEL Orr, Doug (F) waived

01/27/07 ADD Warriner, Nick (C) acquired in trade from Rocky Mountain 01/25/07 ADD Gouett, Mark (D) signed contract

01/20/07 DEL OLeary, Mark (LW) placed on 14 day IR

01/15/07 ADD Butland, Dale (D) acquired in trade from OKC

01/15/07 DEL Olauson, Emery (RW) traded to Oklahoma City Blazers

01/14/07 ADD Cirone, Jason (C) activated from IR

01/11/07 DEL Lovell, Jamie (D) traded to Tulsa Oilers

01/11/07 DEL Dulle, Kurtis (D) traded to Tulsa Oilers

01/11/07 DEL Newson, Bill (LW) traded to Tulsa Oilers

01/11/07 ADD Medley, Matt (D) acquired in trade from Tulsa Oilers

01/11/07 ADD Masse, David (LW) acquired in trade from Tulsa Oilers

01/06/06 ADD Mathieu, Max (F) activated from IR

01/05/06 DEL Cummings, Brent (D) placed on 14-day IR

01/05/06 ADD Casey, Joe (C) activated from IR

12/31/06 DEL Cirone, Jaosn (C), placed on 14-day IR

12/21/06 DEL Rogers, Matt (LW) waived

12/21/06 ADD Voltera, Rob (RW) activated from IR

12/21/06 ADD Orr, Doug (RW) signed contract

12/17/06 DEL Mathieu, Maxime (LW) placed on 14 day IR

12/16/06 ADD Dulle, Kurtis (D) activated from IR

12/10/06 DEL Casey, Joe (C) placed on 14 day IR

12/07/06 ADD Rogers, Matt (LW) signed contract

12/03/06 DEL Voltera, Rob (RW) placed on 14 day IR

12/02/06 DEL Dulle, Kurtis (D) placed on 14 day IR

11/17/06 ADD Symington, Jeremy (G) signed

11/17/06 DEL Blanchard, Mathieu (G) waived

11/14/06 DEL Hult, Alexander (C) waived

11/14/06 ADD Looby, Mike (D) signed contract

11/11/06 ADD Looby, Mike (D) claimed off waivers

11/09/06 ADD Voltera, Rob (RW) signed contract

11/06/06 DEL Faris, Mark (RW) waived

10/27/06 ADD OLeary, Mark (LW) signed contract

10/27/06 DEL Bickel, Ted (F) waived

KILLER BEES GOALIE NOTES

Symington

- Is 1-3-1 in his last five decisions with a 3.97 GAA and .889 save percentage...Is 3-4-3 in his last 10.

- Set a franchise record with 53 saves in a 3-2 SO win at Youngstown on Jan. 26.

- Snapped a six-game winless streak (0-3-3) on January 12 with 28 saves in a 3-2 SO win over Amarillo.

- Won six in a row from Nov. 22 - Dec. 9.

- Selected as the Southern Conference starting goaltender in the 2007 Dodge CHL All Star Game at Bossier-Shreveport on January 17.

- Signed with Rio on Nov. 17 after beginning the season with Youngstown. Is 5-2 since signing with the Bees.

- Went 2-0 with the Steelhounds, winning two games at Memphis opening weekend.

- Earned first Bees win in a 34-save, 3-0 shutout of Bossier-Shreveport on Nov. 22. Followed that up with another 3-0 shutout (31 saves) two nights later at Bossier, and earned Oakley CHL Goalie of the Week Honors for Week Six.

- Symington's string of shutout hockey ended at 171:47, a new team record (Nov. 18-Nov. 28, eight consecutive periods-plus)

- Went to the CHL finals with Laredo in 2005 after a solid regular season that saw him post an 18-10-1 record with a 2.39 GAA. He was also a CHL All-Star in 2005.

- Was an eighth round draft selection of the NY Islanders in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Van Nynatten

- Is 4-1-0 in his last five decisions with a 2.18 GAA and .923 save percentage.

- Earned consecutive wins on Feb. 10 (vs. Laredo) and 11 (vs. Odessa)

- Named Week 14 Oakley Goalie of the Week after posting wins on Jan. 19 and 20...win on Jan. 19 snapped a personal 0-5-1 skid.

- Earned first pro win with 24 saves in second pro start at Laredo on October 28.

- Made 41 saves in a 2-1 win at Odessa on Nov. 16.

- Teammate and roommate of Killer Bee Ryan Carrigan at Niagara from 2003-05.

- Ranks first on CHA chart in career wins and minutes.

- Made an NCAA season-high 59 saves in a 7-1 loss at Minnesota on Jan. 7, 2006.

- Stopped Ryan Campbell on a penalty shot at Memphis (Nov. 25, 2006)

KILLER BEES PLAYER NOTES

MILESTONES

Head Coach Paul Fixter coached his 200th game on Jan. 28 at Youngstown. He needs 11 wins to reach 100...Rob Voltera scored two goals on January 19 vs. Wichita. The game-winner and his first of the night was his 100th career goal... Jason Cirone played in his 1000th career game (including playoffs) on December 31 at Laredo.

MAXWELL STREAKING ALONG

Dennis Maxwell scored a goal in all three games last weekend, including the OT winner vs. Laredo on Saturday and go-ahead goal Sunday vs. Odessa. A goal tonight ties the season-mark for consecutive games scoring goals held by Rob Voltera. The franchise mark is five games, a record held by Nathan Rosychuk. An assist tonight ties the season scoring streak mark of six games held by David Masse; Trevor Weisgerber set the franchise record last season with points in seven straight games. Youngstown's Jeff Christian holds the CHL season mark of points in 19 consecutive games.

ROBERT HAS GOALS IN TWO

Jon Robert had a goal in each of his last two games. It's the second time this season the rookie has had goals in back-to-back games. He did it January 5 and 6.

MASSE AMONG TOP-10 IN SCORING

David Masse entered this weekend tied for 7th in CHL scoring with 55 points (25-30-55). He collected a point in 11 of his first 13 games as a Killer Bee.

MEDLEY, MAXWELL AMONG TOP-10 IN DEFENSEMAN SCORING

Matt Medley entered the weekend tied for 8th in defense scoring with 34 points (7-27-34). Dennis Maxwell ranks sixth (10-29-39) although a portion of his points have come while playing forward. Strictly by the numbers, Maxwell is tied for third in defense goals (10) and is second in defense game-winning goals (3). Medley leads the CHL with two shorthanded goals by a d-man, and also leads with four shorthanded assists.

REYNOLDS TIES CAREER HIGH FOR GOALS

Matt Reynolds' shorthanded goal on Feb. 1, his 11th goal overall, tied a personal-best. He scored 11 goals as a rookie with Fort Worth last season, and had never scored more than nine goals through his junior and college career.

KILLER BEES TEAM NOTES

ATTENDANCE IS UP

Through 22 openings this season, the Killer Bees averaged 4,942 fans per game. Through the first 22 games last season, the Bees averaged 4,839. That's an increase of 103 fans per game.

SPARE SOME GAS MONEY?

Beginning February 20, the Bees play seven of eight games away from Dodge Arena, including six in a row (Feb. 20-March 3). That's the second longest road trip in franchise history. The team went on a seven-game swing from Dec, 12-30, 2003, and compiled a 3-2-2 record. The Bees play eight of nine on the road from Feb. 20-March 10; the only home game in that span is the Kid's Only Game vs. Austin on March 6. The Bees visit Arizona, New Mexico, Odessa, Austin, Laredo and Corpus Christi (three times).

BOOSTER SHOT

The Bees averaged 2.73 goals scored per game in the 33 games up until "The Trade" that brought David Masse and Matt Medley to the Valley. In the six games following the trade, Rio potted 22 goals for an average of 3.66. That's fallen off considerably over the last seven games. In that span the Bees have scored just 16 goals (2.28) while allowing 23 (3.28).

CEASE FIRE!

Youngstown set an opponent record with 55 total shots on January 26 at the Chevrolet Center in Youngstown. Jeremy Symington set a Bees record with 53 saves in the 3-2 SO win, while the shot total was also a franchise-high for the Steelhounds.

GET THE FIRST GOAL

Rio is 6-16-2-3 (W-L-OTL-SOL) when allowing the first goal and 13-5-1 when scoring first.

IT'S NEVER EASY TO COME BACK

The Bees are 1-20-1-2 when trailing after two periods. Conversely, they are 16-1-0 when leading after two; the only loss was a 7-3 decision to Corpus Christi on Feb. 3.

EACH DAY, BY DAY, DAY BY DAY, BY DAY

Rio has been the most successful on Fridays (9-6-2). Their least successful day of the week is Sunday (1-6-1). The team plays at least one game on each day of the week except Monday this season.

BEES EARN FIRST SHOOTOUT WIN

The Bees won in the shootout vs. Amarillo on January 12, 2007, their first SO win in four attempts to that point. It was Rio's first SO win since March 7, 2006 (3-2 vs. Bossier-Shreveport).

BEES LOSE AT CORPUS CHRISTI FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST TWO YEARS

A 6-1 loss at Corpus Christi on January 5, 2007, marked the first time the Bees lost at American Bank Center for the first time since March 17, 2005.

CORPUS SETS OPPONENT HIGH FOR SHOTS

Corpus Christi peppered Jeremy Symington with 21 shots in the second period on Dec.1, a season high. The franchise record is 23 shots allowed at Odessa (3/4/05, 2nd).

LAREDO BOMBS NINE GOALS VS. BEES

The nine goals scored by Laredo on Dec. 10 set a new opponent regular season record. The previous high was eight, scored by the Bucks on Dec. 17, 2004. Laredo scored nine goals vs. the Bees in Game 5 of the first round of 2006 CHL playoffs (April 9, 2006).

AUSTIN TIES OPPONENT RECORD

Austin scored goals 11 seconds apart on Nov. 11, setting a new opponent record for quickest goals.

COMPACTING THE SCHEDULE

The Bees play 12 three-in-three stretches this season. The Bees close the season with a trio of three-in-three weekends in March.

SITUATIONAL GOALS

GOALS FOR - 126

5-ON-5: 64

5-ON-4: 37

5-ON-3: 3

4-ON-4: 6

4-ON-3: 2

4-ON-5: 7

3-ON-5: 2

EA: 1

EN: 1

SO: 2

GOALS AGAINST - 148

5-ON-5: 84

5-ON-4: 32

5-ON-3: 5

4-ON-4: 10

4-ON-3: 1

4-ON-5: 5

EN: 4

EA: 2

SO: 4

SPECIAL TEAMS

POWER PLAY

- Tied a season and franchise high with three PPG on Feb. 10 vs. Laredo (3-2W)...is 4-for-13 on the PP in the last two games.

- Went 14-for-67 (20.9%) in first 10 games...6-for-64 (9.38%) in games 11-20...9-for-57 in games 21-30 (15.79%)...6-for-41 in games 31-40 (14.63%).

- Tied a season-high with 11 opportunities (2-for-11) at Laredo Nov. 28.

- Tied a franchise record with three power play goals on Oct. 27.

PENALTY KILL

- Had allowed a PPG in eight straight games prior to shutting down Laredo on six chances on Feb. 10 vs. Laredo..

- Went 67-for-77 (87.01%) in first 10 games...72-for-77 (93.51%) in games 11-20...66-for-67 (83.58%) in games 21-30 ...46-for-53 (86.79%) in games 31-40 (14.63%).

- After allowing four PPG on opening night vs. Arizona, did not allow multiple PPG's until game 14 at Memphis; Riverkings went 2-for-7.

- Killed off 27-straight power plays in four games from Dec. 17-29...Killed off 24-straight power plays in three games from Dec. 3-9.

- Had killed off 24-straight over two-plus games (Nov. 16 at Odessa and 17 vs. New Mexico). Arizona snapped the string on its fourth power play of the game on Nov. 18.

- Scored two shorthanded goals at Odessa on December 22.

- Laredo set a new opponent record with 13 power plays Nov. 28 at the LEC.

OVERTIME AND SHOOTOUTS

Overtime

Nov. 11, 2006 - 6-5 loss vs. Austin (Terry Virtue)

Dec. 1, 2006 - 4-3 win vs. Corpus Christi (Mike Looby)

Jan. 7, 2007 - 3-2 loss at Laredo (Chris Korchinski)

Feb. 10, 2007 - 3-2 win vs. Laredo (Dennis Maxwell)

Shootout

Dec. 8, 2006 - 3-2 loss vs. Corpus Christi (Todd Paul)

Dec. 29, 2006 - 3-2 loss vs. Laredo (Bobby Chaumont)

January 9, 2007 - 4-3 loss vs. Austin (Julian Smith)

January 12, 2007 - 3-2 win vs. Amarillo (David Masse)

January 26, 2007 - 3-2 win at Youngstown (Rob Voltera)

January 27, 2007 - 5-4 loss at Youngstown (Chris Richards)

THE LAST TIME...

A GAME WAS DECIDED IN OVERTIME

RGV win: 2/10/07 vs. Laredo (3-2 win, Dennis Maxwell, GWG)

RGV loss: 1/7/07 at Laredo (3-2 loss, Chris Korchinski, GWG)

A GAME WAS SCORELESS HEADING INTO OVERTIME

3/11/06 @ Lubbock (LUB 1, RGV 0) SO, Mike Brolsma

A GAME WAS DECIDED IN A SHOOTOUT

RGV Win: 1/26/07 at Youngstown (Rob Voltera)

RGV Loss: 1/27/07 at Youngstown (4-3, Chris Richards)

KILLER BEES SHUTOUT

RGV Win: 11/24/06 at Bossier-Shreveport (3-0, Jeremy Symington, 31 saves)

RGV Loss: 1/28/07 at Youngstown (5-0, Brad Roberts, 23 saves))

HAT TRICK

RGV - 12/11/05 vs. Laredo (Daymen Bencharksi, 1st period, natural hat trick)

Opponent - 12/10/06 at Laredo (Adam Rivet)

A KILLER BEES PLAYER TALLIED A FOUR-GOAL GAME

N/A

ATTEMPTED PENALTY SHOTS

RGV: 12/8/06 vs. Corpus Christi (Jon Robert vs. Ron Vogel, no goal)

OPPONENT: 01/06/07 at Austin (Tim Earl vs. Jeremy Symington, no goal)

SCORED ON A PENALTY SHOT

RGV: 1/19/07 vs. Wichita (Matt Medley vs. Andrew Martin)

OPPONENT: N/A

GOALTENDER RECORDED AN ASSIST

RGV: 3/12/06 at Amarillo (Evan Lindsay)

Opponent:



Central Hockey League Stories from February 16, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central