Killer Bees Weekly Notes

Published on October 21, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


BEES OPEN UP SEASON IN UN-HOLY FASHION

The long wait for hockey to establish itself in the Rio Grande Valley came to end Saturday in San Angelo, as the Killer Bees opened up their inaugural season. The Killer Bees, who play their first four games on the road before their home opener on October 31st, lost to the San Angelo Saints 3-1 but it was no indication on the team's performance. The Killer Bees out-shot the Saints 35-19, holding the Saints to just 5 shots over the final two periods, including 1 shot on goal allowed during the second period. The Saints were led by goaltender Scott Reid, who stopped 34 of the Bees 35 shots to earn the victory. Rio Grande Valley also played disciplined, only giving the Saints 2 power play opportunities. The Saints, who were motivated for their home opener, were led offensively by Chris Minard's two goal performance. Killer Bees forward Troy Linna scored the first goal in Killer Bees history 16:45 into the game, but unfortunately it was the Bees only goal of the contest. Here is a list of additional "firsts" that took place in the game:

Assist: Mike Rees, Jason Tessier

Minor Penalty: Andrew Taylor (holding)

Fight / Major Penalty: Ryan Shmyr

First Save: Jeff Levy

BEE OF THE WEEK!

Each week, a Killer Bee will be highlighted as the Killer Bees "Player of the Week" for their efforts in the prior week's games. This week's "Bee of the Week" is Killer Bees forward Troy Linna. Linna will have his name listed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto for scoring the first goal in Killer Bees history. He scored it 16:45 into Saturday night's game on a one-timer in the right slot from Mike Rees. Linna also led all skaters with 6 shots on goal in the game. His game used stick and the puck that crossed the goal line will be shipped to be displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

FORE!

The Killer Bees Slap Shots & Tee Shots Golf Tournament to benefit the Killer Bee Foundation tee'ed off Monday at Cimarron Country Club, The four-man scramble format, which placed members of three and a Killer Bees member to equal the four, featured 36 teams competing for the lowest score with hockey themed holes throughout the course. Teeing off with a hockey stick and putting while wearing hockey gloves were just several of the challenges the team of Trey Medlock, Sam Pacheco, Al Parez and Carlos Torres conquered to claim first place in the tournament. The event was a huge success for the Killer Bees Foundation and the following sponsors made the event possible: Copy-It, Dewar's 12, Denny's, Dr. Pena, Feldman's, Ferrell's. Glazer Distributors, Holiday Wine & Liquor, Medi Quip, Outback Steakhouse, RT Foley Trust, Valley Beverage, Performance Therapeutics and Professional Pulmonary Services. The Bees would like to also thank all volunteers that assisted in the tournament.

EGELAND IS ON THE AIR, AND SO ARE THE FANS

Monday marked the premier of the Killer Bees Call-In Show with Head Coach Tracy Egeland on KSOX 1240 AM. The opening show was live at the Cimarron Country Club, but future shows will be held at local establishments live from 6-7PM every Monday Night throughout the hockey season. The hour program is hosted by Chris Due and features interviews with Egeland, Killer Bees players, and telephone call-ins from fans that have questions for the coach.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Sat. Oct. 18 1-3 Loss @ San Angelo Top Star: SNG-Scott Reid (34 of 35 saves)

WEEK AHEAD

Fri. Oct. 24 7:10 @ Amarillo Gorillas Radio: XERT 1170 AM

Notes: Homecoming Part 1 - Amarillo ended a drought of six consecutive seasons without reaching the playoffs last season and they look to build off of last season's success Friday night in their home opener of the season. Killer Bees Assistant GM and Director of Ticket Operations Grant Buckborough came to the Killer Bees from Amarillo, where he worked six seasons, and Killer Bees forward Bill Newson makes his return back to the Panhandle, where he was a WPHL All-Star as an Amarillo Rattler during the 00/01 season after producing a career best 57 points off of 33 goals and 24 assists.

Sat. Oct. 25 7:05 @ Lubbock Cotton Kings Radio: XERT 1170 AM

Notes: Homecoming Part 2 - The Lubbock Cotton Kings are seeking to end their streak of two consecutive seasons without reaching the postseason. The ‘Kings posted a 21-9-2 record on home ice last season and won their home opener 3-2 over the Amarillo Gorillas Saturday night after losing 5-1 and 8-3 to Amarillo in preseason contests. These two teams have never met, but there are a lot of ties between these two organizations. Lubbock General Manager and owner Mark Adams is a former basketball coach of University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) and also assisted in the establishment of the Rio Grande Valley franchise. Tracy Egeland was the head coach of Lubbock last season (took over in December for Bill McDonald) and is a former Cotton King player along with Matic Kralj and Lubbock's all-time penalty minutes leader and Killer Bee forward Ryan Shmyr. Shmyr is also recognized with one of the biggest goals in Lubbock's history, ending the longest game in WPHL history while with Lubbock, scoring a triple overtime game winning goal against Odessa at 1:36 AM. Killer Bees General Manager and President Trey Medlock served as the Director of Corporate Sales with the Cotton Kings, Chris Due arrived to the Valley after serving as the voice of the Cotton Kings for all 4 of the organization's previous seasons, and Killer Bees equipment manager Patrick Stevens served the position with Lubbock last season.

PRACTICE TIMES: TUE: 10 - 11 AM, WED: 9 - 10 AM, THUR - SAT: Team on Road

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2003


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