Killer Bees Game Notes

March 9, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


The Killer Bees (23-25-7, 53 pts.) get back to work on the heels of a 6-0 shutout over Austin on Tuesday. The Bees travel to the American Bank Center for a pair of games vs. the Corpus Christi Rayz (30-19-7, 67 pts.). With only nine games remaining, the Bees are locked in a battle with Austin (51 pts), Odessa (51 pts) and Lubbock (50) for the final playoff spot in the Southern Conference. The Bees can finish anywhere from third to ninth in the Conference. Rio enters the weekend within striking distance of Arizona (57 pts, 3rd) and Amarillo (56 pts, 4th).

BROADCAST INFO

Radio: ESPN Radio 1240 (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.

- 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.

- Don't forget that the game scheduled for March 17 has been moved to March 20 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets will be reissued next week and the Bees ticket staff will be in contact with fans next week. A Bring a Friend ticket will be issued along with the tickets.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING...

- There are eight games left in the regular season after today, including eight vs. Southern Conference teams (one vs. CRP, four vs. AUS, one vs. LAR, MEM and BOS)

- From Feb. 20 to March 10, the Bees play eight of nine games on the road (@ ARI, @ NMX, @ ODE, @ AUS, @ LAR, @ CRP - 3 games). The team is 2-3-1 through the first seven games.

- The Bees went 3-1-0 in October, 5-5-1 in November, 4-8-2 in December, 4-4-3 in January and 6-6-0 in February.

- Rio is a combined 11-15-5 against their upcoming opponents.

TEAM VS. TEAM

ALL TIME SERIES vs. Corpus Christi

Rio is 23-14-1-6 all time vs. Corpus Christi (11-8-1-4 at home, 12-6-0-3 on the road...Rio was 5-0-0 at Corpus Christi last season...Prior to Jan. 5, the last time the Rayz beat Rio at the American Bank Center was March 17, 2005.

SEASON SERIES

Rio is 4-4-2...Overall, the Bees and Rayz square off 12 times this season (6 home, 6 road).

LAST MEETING

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Nicklas Lindberg scored in overtime for Corpus after the teams battled through 65 minutes of scoreless hockey.

PAST RESULTS

10/27/06 Corpus Christi 2 at Rio Grande Valley 5

12/01/06 Corpus Christi 3 at Rio Grande Valley 4 OT

12/02/06 Rio Grande Valley 6 at Corpus Christi 3

12/08/06 Corpus Christi 3 at Rio Grande Valley 2 SO

12/17/06 Corpus Christi 5 at Rio Grande Valley 1

01/05/07 Rio Grande Valley 1 at Corpus Christi 6

02/01/07 Corpus Christi 3 at Rio Grande Valley 1

02/02/07 Rio Grande Valley 2 at Corpus Christi 1

02/03/07 Corpus Christi 7 at Rio Grande Valley 3

03/03/07 Rio Grande Valley 0 at Corpus Christi 1 OT

UPCOMING SCHEDULE - all times CST

3/10/07 - 7:00 PM at Corpus Christi (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/11/07 - 4:00 PM vs. Austin (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/16/07 - 7:05 PM at Bossier-Shreveport (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/18/07 - 4:05 PM vs. Memphis (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/20/07 - 7:30 PM vs. Austin (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/23/07 - 7:30 PM vs. Laredo (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/24/07 - 7:30 PM vs. Austin (ESPN 1240 AM)

3/25/07 - 4:00 PM at Austin (ESPN 1240 AM)

TRANSACTIONS

03/02/07 ADD Reynolds, Matt (LW) activated from IR

02/17/07 ADD Joseph, Marlon (F) signed contract

02/16/07 DEL Casey, Joe (C) placed on 45 day IR

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 3-2-0 in his last five decisions...made 20 saves in a 6-0 win over Austin on March 6.

- 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 2-3-0 in his last five decisions...made 17 saves on 17 shots in a relief role on March 2 at Laredo...made 26 saves on 1-0 OTL March 3 at Corpus Christi.

- 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...The Bee's 28th win this season will be his 100th overall...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.

STREAKING

Dennis Maxwell had points in six consecutive games (6-2-8) from Feb. 20-March 2 and points in 11 of 12 (10-5-15) from Feb. 3-March 2. After being held scoreless in a 1-0 shutout at Corpus Christi on March 3, he bagged three assists on March 6 vs. Austin...Rob Voltera had points and assists in eight consecutive games played (1-9-10) from Feb. 3-March 2, new franchise high for the team. He got picked up two assists on March 6 vs. Austin after having his streak snapped on March 3...David Masse has been held without a point in consecutive games just six times. He has a point in all but 17 games played this season...Jason Cirone has been held without a point 20 times this season and just five times in consecutive games...

PENALTY SHOT MARKERS

The Bees have scored two penalty shot goals this season. Matt Medley had the first on Jan. 19 vs. Wichita. The goal is believed to be the first penalty shot goal scored by Rio (team and league records for penalty shots are incomplete). Dennis Maxwell scored Rio's second penalty shot goal at Arizona on Feb. 20.

MULTIPLE GOAL GAMES

Killer Bees players have accounted for 17 multi-goal games this season; the team has yet to see a player bag a hat trick. Five of those games came from players no longer with the club; Bill Newson (3), Emery Olauson (1) and Doug Orr (1). The Bees are 6-6 when a current player scores multiple goals in a game; Jason Cirone leads the club with four multi-goal games.

NEW CAREER HIGHS 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...Ryan Carrigan's fifth goal of the season set a career-high for the second-year D-man...

KILLER BEES TEAM NOTES

SEASON-HIGH FOR GOALS IN A PERIOD

The Bees scored five times in the second period vs. Austin on March 6 in a 6-0 win. That set a season-high for goals in a period and was one short of the franchise record; Rio scored six times in the third period of an 11-2 win over Austin on Dec. 11, 2005.

PACE YOURSELF

The Killer Bees close the regular season with a trio of busy stretches. From Feb. 16-24, the team played six games in nine days and went 3-3. The Bees play a pair of six-in-10's to close things out (March 2-11, March 16-25).

BEES PEPPERED

Laredo peppered the Bees with 22 shots (to Rio's two) and five goals in the first period of a 5-3 loss at the LEC on March 2, 2007. That's the most shots allowed in a period this season, eclipsing Corpus Christi's 21 in the second period on Dec. 1. The franchise record is 23 shots allowed at Odessa (3/4/05, 2nd); the Jackalopes scored a previous opponent-high five goals in that second period. Corpus Christi set a new opponent-high with a six-goal third period on Feb. 3.

STRINGING ROAD WINS

The Bees are looking to do something they have failed to accomplish all season; win three consecutive road games. The Bees have won two games in a row on the road three times this season. The team has won three in a row overall three times, most recently from Jan. 19-26.

SPARE SOME GAS MONEY?

Beginning February 20, the Bees play eight of nine 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).

NAIL BITERS

The Bees are 11-5-7 (4 SOL) in one-goal games this season.

CEASE FIRE!

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

ATTENDANCE IS UP

Through the first 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.

GET THE FIRST GOAL

Rio is 9-20-3-3 (W-L-OTL-SOL) when allowing the first goal and 15-5-1 when scoring first.

IT'S NEVER EASY TO COME BACK

The Bees are 2-24-1-2 when trailing after two periods. Conversely, they are 18-1-0 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 (10-8-2). 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. Rio is 8-8-3 on Saturdays.

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.

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.

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.

SITUATIONAL GOALS

GOALS FOR - 152

5-ON-5: 80

5-ON-4: 40

5-ON-3: 4

4-ON-4: 8

4-ON-3: 2

4-ON-5: 9

3-ON-5: 2

EA: 1

EN: 1

SO: 3

GOALS AGAINST - 174

5-ON-5: 99

5-ON-4: 38

5-ON-3: 5

4-ON-4: 11

4-ON-3: 1

4-ON-5: 6

EN: 5

EA: 2

SO: 4

PS: 2

SPECIAL TEAMS

POWER PLAY

- Went 2-for-5 March 6 vs. Austin after being held scoreless on five chances in the previous two games.

- Snapped a three-game goal drought on Feb. 24 at Austin (went 1-for-2)...

- Tied a season and franchise high with three PPG on Feb. 10 vs. Laredo (3-2W)

- 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%)...8-for49 (16.33%) in games 41-50...

- 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

- Held Austin 0-for-7 on March 6...opponents are 0-for-9 in the last two games after allowing eight goals in the previous five games.

- Laredo scored three times in the first period on March 2, the most PPG allowed in one period this season.

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

- 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%)...54-for64 (84.3%) in games 41-50...

- 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)

Feb. 17, 2007 - 3-2 win vs. Tulsa (Matt Medley)

Feb. 23, 2007 - 2-1 win at Odessa (Jason Cirone)

March 3, 2007 - 1-0 loss at Corpus Christi (Nicklas Lindberg)

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)

February 24, 2007 - 5-4 win at Austin (Matt Medley)

THE LAST TIME...

A GAME WAS DECIDED IN OVERTIME

RGV win: 2/23/07 at Odessa (2-1 win, Jason Cirone, GWG)

RGV loss: 3/3/07 at Corpus Christi (1-0 loss, Nicklas Lindberg, 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: 2/24/07 at Austin (Matt Medley)

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)

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: 2/20/07 at Arizona (Dennis Maxwell vs. Kris Mayotte)

OPPONENT: N/A

GOALTENDER RECORDED AN ASSIST

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

Opponent:



Central Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2007


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