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Killer Bees Weekly

November 3, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


CONSECUTIVE SHUTOUTS COMPLETE DODGE ARENA'S OPENING WEEKEND

The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees opened up the sold-out Dodge Arena Friday against the Corpus Christi Rayz, but unfortunately the Rayz snuck out of the Valley with a 5-4 overtime-shootout victory. Corpus Christi's Jay Woodcroft scored the first goal in the arena 30-seconds into the contest, but the Bees responded back with a goal by Kevin Mackie and a pair by Bill Newson in the first period to give the Bees their first lead of the game. The Bees and Rayz would continue countering each other's goals throughout the game until the game was decided in the overtime shootout, with the Rayz earning the win. The Bees hosted San Angelo Saturday night and another sell out crowd at the Dodge Arena was treated to another exciting contest, but this time the game would end with the Killer Bees victorious. Killer Bees goaltender Jeff Levy stopped a season high 39 of 40 shots, while Matic Kralj and Mike Rees contributed goals to hold off San Angelo 2-1. The win gives the Bees a 1-0-1 record at the Dodge Arena. The Killer Bees have gained standing points in 5 consecutive games and their only regulation loss came on opening night (Oct. 18th) in San Angelo. Teams receive 2 standing points for a victory and 1 standing point if they lose in overtime. The standings are based on standing points, which coincides with win percentage.

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 defenseman Kevin Mackie. The Victoria, BC native had gone since November 9th of last season without recording a goal until scoring a goal Thursday night in Corpus Christi. Mackie then went on to score the first Killer Bees goal in the Dodge Arena during the first period of Friday night's game against Corpus Christi. He currently co-leads Killer Bees defensemen in goals with 2.

BEES SPECIAL TEAMS ARE POWERING UP

The Killer Bees were shutdown offensively in the season opener in San Angelo, going 0 for 3 on the power play, but since then the Bees have tallied at least one power play goal in each of their games. Currently, the Bees rank second in the CHL with 9 power play goals and with a 24.3% power play percentage. The Bees lead the CHL with 6 power play goals on the road. The squad recorded 3 power play goals Thursday in Corpus Christi to co-lead this season's individual game high for team power play goals. Seven different Killer Bees players have recorded power play goals, which says a lot considering 13 teams don't even have 7 power play goals as a team. Matic Kralj and Mike Rees lead the team with 2 power play goals and Rees' two power play goals co-lead CHL defensemen.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Thur. Oct. 30 3-4 OTL (so) @ Corpus Christi Top Star: CRP-Ken Richardson (game winning goal)

Fri. Oct. 31 4-5 OTL (so) vs Corpus Christi Top Star: RGV-Bill Newson (2 goals)

Sat. Nov. 1 2-1 Win vs San Angelo Top Star: RGV-Jeff Levy (39 of 40 saves)

WEEK AHEAD

Fri. Nov. 7 7:30 @ Austin Ice Bats Radio: XERT 1170 AM Notes: The Killer Bees open up their second consecutive three-in-three weekend set of the season and seek their first division win as they make their first trip to the Travis County Expo Center in Austin. The Ice Bats are currently in last place in the Southeast Division despite a .500 record (3-3-0). The Bats are the two-time back-to-back CHL Southern Conference Champions, but they have new boss behind the bench this season with Jeff Greenlaw who replaces Brent Hughes. Killer Bees defenseman Mike Rees played last season with the Bats.

Sat. Nov. 8 7:30 vs Laredo Bucks Radio: XERT 1170 AM

Notes: The Border War will be underway as the Bucks and Bees square off for the first time this season in the regular season. The Bucks defeated the Bees in Laredo during the preseason 2-1. The Bucks are leading the Southeast Division with a 6-1-0 record, which also ties Memphis for the best record in the league. KRGV Newschannel 5 will be giving away Pucks to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

Sun. Nov. 9 6:00 vs Amarillo Gorillas Radio: XERT 1170 AM

Notes: The Amarillo Gorillas make their only trip to the Valley this season, and the visit completes the season's home-and-home series between the two teams. The Killer Bees shutout the Gorillas 3-0 to spoil their season opener October 24th. Dr. Manrique Custom Vision Center will be providing a limited amount of Thundersticks at the game. NOTE SPECIAL START TIME!

PRACTICE TIMES: TUE - THUR: 10 - 11:15 AM, SAT: 10 - 11 AM



Central Hockey League Stories from November 3, 2003


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.

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